As parents, we want our children to be happy and successful at school, and kindergarten is the first step of that process. It’s a significant milestone in a child’s life, so it’s natural for parents to feel anxious about making sure your child is ready for the transition.
In this blog, we will share how to assess, discuss if your child is ready for kindergarten and how Noddy British International Preschool can help in this significant life transition. To ensure that your child is well-prepared, there are a few things you need to know.
Assessment
First, it’s essential to consider your child’s age. Generally speaking, kindergartners are suitable for children aged at least five years old. However, if you feel your child is ready to start early, Noddy British International Preschool can help evaluate the child’s readiness. Besides the right age, you may assess their developmental and academic readiness with these questions.
- Read books together: Choose age-appropriate books about going to school, making friends, and adjusting to a school routine.
- Practise writing their name: Have them practise writing their name on paper or with magnetic letters on a fridge.
- Introduce them to maths concepts: Count and recognise numbers, shapes, and colours.
- Talk about school rules and manners: Discuss basic rules and classroom behaviour expectations.
- Go over the school day: Explain to them what a typical day in kindergarten will be like.
- Practise social skills: Introduce themselves, make friends, share and take turns.
- Talk about emotions: Discuss feelings and how to manage them in a classroom setting.
- Set up a homework routine: Get them into the habit of completing homework and/or other tasks.
- Encourage independence: Teach them to put on their coat, tie their shoes, and fasten their seatbelt.
Preparation
Additionally, if you would like to prepare your child for kindergarten, here are a few things you can do to help:
- Read books together: Choose age-appropriate books about going to school, making friends, and adjusting to a school routine.
- Practise writing their name: Have them practise writing their name on paper or with magnetic letters on a fridge.
- Introduce them to maths concepts: Count and recognise numbers, shapes, and colours.
- Talk about school rules and manners: Discuss basic rules and classroom behaviour expectations.
- Go over the school day: Explain to them what a typical day in kindergarten will be like.
- Practise social skills: Introduce themselves, make friends, share and take turns.
- Talk about emotions: Discuss feelings and how to manage them in a classroom setting.
- Set up a homework routine: Get them into the habit of completing homework and/or other tasks.
- Encourage independence: Teach them to put on their coat, tie their shoes, and fasten their seatbelt.
Once you’ve determined that your child is ready for kindergarten, it’s time to start the enrollment process. Ensure all the necessary forms and documents are prepared, such as proof of residency and vaccination records. After completing the primary hurdles of preparing your child for school, you might wonder what makes the EYFS programme the best fit for your child.
The British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum is a comprehensive framework for learning, development, and care for children from birth to 5 years old. The curriculum is designed to ensure that all children have the best start in life and to provide them with a broad range of knowledge and skills that provide the proper foundation for good future progress through school and life.
It is based on four fundamental principles: a unique child, positive relationships, enabling environments with teaching and support from adults, and learning and development. The curriculum is designed to be balanced and flexible, allowing teachers to ensure that each child’s needs, abilities, and interests are considered.
Advantages of the EYFS curriculum include its focus on holistic learning and development, enabling children to develop at their own pace, its emphasis on developing fundamental skills such as communication, problem-solving and critical thinking, and its emphasis on play and exploration as a means of learning.
Why Noddy?
Noddy British International Preschool in Bangkok is suitable for parents who would like to enrol their child in kindergarten that is both safe and stimulating. With a small children-per-class ratio to ensure quality, we offer a secure, exciting and family-like environment with experienced and caring staff dedicated to look after your child’s safety and well-being.
The curriculum is designed to be age-appropriate, engaging, and fun, allowing your child to explore and develop their knowledge, skills, and abilities. In addition, we take great care to ensure that the learning environment is conducive to develop creativity, problem-solving, and communication skills. We also offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as sports and arts, which can help your child develop social and emotional skills. We are conveniently located near central Bangkok, making it an easily accessible option for parents.
Kindergarten is a big transition for both parents and children. With the proper preparation and support, your child can make a smooth transition and be successful in their first experience of an educational environment. Be sure to assess your child’s readiness, and take the necessary steps to prepare them. With our positive collaboration with parents, kindergarten at Noddy by Elizabeth can be an exciting and rewarding experience for both you and your child