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Starting preschool is an exciting milestone for both parents and children. It's a time for little ones to step out of their comfort zones, make new friends, and begin developing their social skills. But some children may find it challenging to adjust to new social environments, and that’s perfectly normal! At Learning As We Grow Childcare & Preschool, we understand the importance of fostering strong social connections and communication skills early on. Here’s how you can help your child become more socially active and confident in preschool.
1. Encourage Playdates to Build Friendships Early On Organizing playdates before the school year starts can make the transition into preschool much smoother. Invite a few of your child’s future classmates over for a playdate or meet up at a local park. These early interactions will help your child recognize familiar faces at preschool, making it easier for them to engage and interact in the classroom. Tip for Parents: Keep the playdates short and structured with activities that require cooperation, such as building a tower together or playing simple board games.
2. Model Positive Social Behavior at Home Children often learn social skills by observing adults and older siblings. Take the opportunity to model positive social behaviors, such as sharing, taking turns, and using polite language. When engaging with your child, practice skills like greeting others, making eye contact, and expressing emotions using “I” statements (e.g., “I feel happy when…”). Activity Idea: Role-play different social scenarios with your child, like introducing themselves to a new friend or inviting someone to play.
3. Read Books That Emphasize Social Skills Storytime is a wonderful way to introduce your child to various social situations and teach them how to navigate relationships. Choose books that emphasize themes like kindness, sharing, empathy, and problem-solving. After reading, discuss the characters’ actions and emotions to help your child understand different perspectives. Recommended Books: How Do Dinosaurs Play with Their Friends? by Jane Yolen The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister Llama Llama Time to Share by Anna Dewdney
4. Encourage Group Activities in Preschool Group activities are a great way for children to learn teamwork and collaboration. Encourage your child to participate in group projects, games, and arts and crafts activities at Learning As We Grow Childcare & Preschool. These activities help children practice taking turns, listening to others, and working together to achieve a common goal.
Tip for Parents: Talk to your child about their day and ask open-ended questions like, “What did you build with your friends today?” or “Who did you play with during recess?”
5. Support Communication and Self-Expression
Teach your child to use their words to express their needs and feelings. If they’re upset because another child took their toy, guide them to say, “I was playing with that. Can I have it back, please?” Encourage them to communicate positively and assertively rather than withdrawing or acting out.
Parent Strategy: Practice these communication skills at home using real-life scenarios. Praise your child when they use positive language to express themselves.
6. Create a Consistent Routine to Reduce Anxiety Routines provide children with a sense of security and predictability, making it easier for them to face social interactions. At Learning As We Grow Childcare & Preschool, we maintain a consistent daily routine to help children feel comfortable and confident. Reinforce this at home by setting regular times for meals, play, and bedtime.
Tip: Create a morning routine that includes a few minutes of positive affirmations, such as saying, “I am brave, I am kind, and I can make new friends.”
7. Attend Preschool Events Together
Participating in daycare and preschool events is a great way for parents to support their child's social development. Events like open houses, family fun days, or holiday celebrations offer opportunities for children to see their parents interacting with their peers and teachers. This shared experience helps children feel more at ease in the social environment.
Parent Tip: Use these events to connect with other parents and encourage your child to play with other children while you interact with the adults.
8. Encourage Independence and Problem-Solving Promote independence by allowing your child to make simple decisions, such as choosing their outfit for the day or deciding what toy to bring to daycare. Problem-solving helps children build confidence in their social interactions and fosters a sense of responsibility.
Activity Suggestion: Encourage your child to come up with solutions to small problems on their own, such as resolving a toy dispute with a sibling or figuring out how to clean up their toys.
Helping your child become socially active in preschool is a gradual process that requires patience, encouragement, and positive reinforcement. By creating opportunities for social interaction and teaching effective communication skills, you’ll set your child up for success both in preschool and beyond. At Learning As We Grow Childcare & Preschool, we are committed to nurturing your child’s social growth in a caring and supportive environment, allowing them to thrive and make meaningful connections. So, let’s work together to make preschool an exciting time of friendship, fun, and social learning!
Learning As We Grow Childcare & Preschool
Where Great Minds Are Born
414-210-4779
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