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Countryside Day Blog

How to Get Your Child Ready for Preschool (2 of 9)

August 26th, 2015

#2 - Eat Dinner Together How can you get your child ready for preschool? Unexpectedly, the answer is on the dinner table! Honestly, it was surprising to hear how serious our four expert child educators were about this. For instance, one of our Toddler teachers said: “Nothing can be more meaningful that sharing a meal with the family. Social customs, learning how to use the items necessary to eat with, civility and just being together... READ MORE

How to Get Your Child Ready for Preschool (3 of 9)

August 26th, 2015

#3 - Teach your child to help set and clear the table. How can you get your child ready for school? It’s a big question. One thing to keep in mind is that your child will be part of a classroom in which he/she will have to make contributions and cooperate. Children are part of the family community first before anywhere else. When they have an opportunity to contribute, they are able to feel the important part... READ MORE

How to Get Your Child Ready for Preschool (4 of 9)

August 26th, 2015

#4 - Teach your child to put toys away How is this related to preschool readiness? Once you glance at the below list of what’s expected of a 3-year old at Countryside, you’ll soon appreciate this next step as a BIG one in the right direction. Putting Away Toys Gives a Sense of Order and Respect It is important for children to have order in their life. Teaching your child to put away his or her toys is... READ MORE

How to Get Your Child Ready for Preschool (5 of 9)

August 26th, 2015

#5 - Teach Your Child Care for Self and the Home More than a spectator. When a child can care for themselves they are developing confidence and independence. Give your child lots of time to practice self-care skills, putting on socks, shoes and getting dressed. Demonstrate or model how to do the tasks. The self care rituals that you hold in your family is one that even the youngest child can participate in. Gathering items for... READ MORE

How to Get Your Child Ready for Preschool (6 of 9)

August 26th, 2015

#6 - Teach Your Child to Respect the Answer "No" Prevailing parenting culture assumes that it is our job as parents to keep our children happy all the time. Shouldn’t I Keep my Child Happy? The popular idea that "I must keep my child happy all the time" rests on a misleading understanding of what makes children happy. Saying “no” less might seem like it is making your child happier. But that is only the short term. However,... READ MORE

How to Get Your Child Ready for Preschool (7 of 9)

August 26th, 2015

#7 - Allow Your Child to Figure Some Things out on his/her Own The most powerful/impactful learning experience is you discovering something by doing it yourself. Humans are Wired for It Allowing time for your child to figure challenges out is vital in becoming resourceful and in developing critical thinking skills, independence, problem solving and self initiative. The reasoning mind is unique to human beings. When we allow and encourage our children to figure things out... READ MORE

How to Get Your Child Ready for Preschool (8 of 9)

August 26th, 2015

#8 - Read to your child & expect that s/he stay seated for an entire book Reading to a child is a wonderful activity! We recommend that all parents read to their children every day from a very early age. What are the Benefits? Children love the sound of language and especially the voice of their parents. Reading books aloud to children stimulates their imagination and expands their understanding of the world. It helps them develop language... READ MORE

How to Get Your Child Ready for Preschool (9 of 9)

August 26th, 2015

#9 - Teach your child to get ready for bed. Teaching your child to get him/herself ready for bed is not only another way to help your child be independent, but also a way to increase your child’s concentration in preschool. Including your child in the process of getting ready for bed creates a feeling of joy rather than dread--for both you and your child. Create a bedtime plan that can help take the battle out of... READ MORE

The Montessori Difference in Preschool

August 18th, 2015

How is Montessori different from traditional preschool? A child in a traditional preschool classroom is exposed to a standardized curriculum; learning is often teacher-centered and play-based; student activity is typically confined to desks and chairs. In a Montessori setting, your child is exposed to a greater variety of hands-on educational materials designed to teach concepts in all academic areas; learning is not limited by schedule, class grouping, or teacher assumptions; rather, students are encouraged to go as far... READ MORE

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