August 2021 Preview At Little Bear Preschool
Parents: August means it’s back to school season! If you have a toddler and are searching for the best preschool in Reno, Nevada to enroll them in for this school year, consider Little Bear Preschool! Little Bear is also a daycare center, and offers a Toddler Program for 2 year old children, and a Preschool Program for 3 year old children. Our staff has degrees in Early Childhood Education, and our programs in this field are designed to foster the overall growth and development of children through sound educational experiences. At Little Bear, we believe that play is the work of children, and that this is the method through which they learn best. We also know that children develop in their own individual way and pass through stages differently, and our goal is to help your child reach his or her full potential. We work with your child to celebrate their unique interests, abilities, and learning styles, while also incorporating family involvement into your child’s education, as this is essential.
Back To School Tips During COVID-19
This school year will be very different from the past, since we are still in what has become over a year-long pandemic of COVID-19. Fortunately, there are ways to cope with this anxiety-provoking and difficult transition, including how to prepare your child academically, socially, and emotionally, along with the benefits of sending your child to a classroom environment.
Reduce Separation Anxiety
You should start by validating your child’s expressions of anxiety, and then set a positive tone. This means allowing them the space and time to express themselves, being empathetic, and then saying something encouraging, like, “Being apart is hard and I’m going to miss you too. I’m really proud of you for going to school! What’s something you want to do in your classroom?”
Get a head start on practicing separating with your child for school during the summer. This can be done by having your child spend time in a different room in the house for a while, and then practice leaving your child with a trusted caregiver while you leave the house. Be clear with your young one about where you are going, how long you will be gone, and come home when you tell them you will. Then role play with your child what they can expect to happen during their school day after you drop them off. This will help build trust with them, and prepare them for the longer separation they will experience once school starts.
Establish a loving goodbye ritual with your child, such as hugs and kisses or one of their favorite sayings. When consistently used, your child will recognize that this means you are separating, but that they are loved and going to be okay.
Encourage School Readiness Skills
Ensure your preschooler gets structured and unstructured playtime to develop critical life skills at their age. Encourage responsibility and independence, by letting your child do some things for themselves or take on simple household chores, to feel more confident in themselves at school. Make everyday routine activities a learning experience, because education doesn’t only happen in a formal classroom setting. Finally, ask your child open-ended questions to encourage critical thinking and language skills, such as, “What do you think will happen next?” or “What were you thinking when you did it that way?”
Create Routines For You And Your Child
Establish a concrete routine that eliminates daily decision-making to increase efficiency. This can also give your young one a feeling of accomplishment when they are able to successfully execute the routine themselves, and it promotes accountability. Begin practicing this routine with your child at least 3-5 days before school starts. Reinforce to your child that a transition in their lifestyle is coming, so it’s not such a big surprise on the first morning, and answer any questions they may have. Maintain a bed-time and sleep schedule, as sleep has a significant impact on our emotions and behavior. Do practice runs of this schedule at least 3-5 days before school starts. And don’t discount your own morning routine; you want to wake up with enough time to get ready for your day without feeling rushed and frazzled!
We Are In This Together!
While there are uncertainties and challenges in store for this unprecedented school year in the age of COVID-19, taking your kids back to school is very important! Little Bear Preschool wants your child to feel valued, safe, and well educated for their age and abilities. Little Bear serves a double purpose as the best preschool in Reno, NV and provides childcare in Reno, NV. Visit our website at https://littlebearpreschool.com or schedule a tour of our facility today to start your child on the path to a great education and a bright future!
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