New skills, new friends, and all-day fun- there’s a lot to look forward to in kindergarten! It is a major step for young children and brings big changes for them.
Although kindergarten might seem daunting to your child at first, by knowing what to expect in school, they will have confidence and feel more independent and the transition into a new environment will be much easier for them.
The below tips will help your child in the easy transition to Kindergarten schools in Tokyo:
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Sleep and wake up early
Many sleep experts recommend that a young child should go to sleep no later than 8:30 pm. That should be enough time for kids to sleep through the night and feel refreshed early in the morning.
Adjust bedtime and wake-up time depending on when you plan to leave for school. Wake your little one at least an hour or a little more before you leave. This should give them enough time to wake up and squeeze in some play or downtime before they leave for school.
2. Teach Basic skills
Kids who possess a few basic skills feel more comfortable in Kindergarten schools. It is where children learn basic habits and skills that will last their entire lives. However, if your child already knows to count to 10, recognizes their name, holds a pencil, uses child-friendly scissors, and dresses themselves, they will be ahead of the curve.
You can help your little ones to practice these basic skills over the summer in a fun and low-stress way, like coloring or having a getting-dressed race.
3. Assign chores to your child
Teachers of kindergarten in Japan might assign simple tasks to the children, like turning on/ off the lights or putting mats away. Give your child general chores around the house, such as picking up toys, putting refusal plates in the basin, and putting clothes in the hamper.
If the child seems keen or able to do any task, assign it to them. The tasks will take longer than if you were to do them but it teaches them self-sufficiency skills and promotes a community-minded mentality.
4. Role Play Self-Care Habits
Little children need to know how to take care of their own needs when they enter big schools. This includes dressing up, going to the washroom, and washing hands thoroughly.
Teach your little child to sneeze or blow their nose into a tissue or handkerchief. Get them used to washing their hands thoroughly. Young children can care for themselves in this way they just need to be shown how.
5. Get familiar with the school campus
Many schools in Tokyo open their classrooms for parents to meet and greet with the teachers before the first day. Visit the school with your child so they’ll get to see their classroom and meet their teacher ahead of time.
Walk around the school building to spot the garden, school playground, and restrooms (if any).
Conclusion
Kindergarten may feel nerve-wracking, but now the little ones will know what to expect and will eventually learn to love this new chapter in life.
