AuntyB: There are eight more homestones (routines, activities and manners) that you need to be teaching and modeling in order for your child to be ready for a Montessori school. While fairly specific, these same homestones also refer to readiness for any preschool.
1. Toilet Learning. Your child has learned to toilet on their own, including wiping and pulling on own underwear and outerwear.
2. Dining. Your child dines independently, using utensils and sitting quietly at the table. We've a whole category on dining with your toddler, if you need help.
3. Fine Motor. Your child can engage in table activity. This means carrying work to a table and putting it away. This may, of course, need minor supervision and reminders.
4. Dressing. Your child can put on their own coat and shoes. They may need help with closures. If the school uses uniforms, start out dressing your child in uniform at least one week before school starts.
5. Language and Manners. Your child makes requests respectfully. For example, "May I use the scissors now?" instead of demanding "I want --or need-- !" This requires lots of modeling at home with respectful request of the child. Your egocentric two year old is growing into a dynamo, learning child who also must share time and materials with others.
6. Socialization. Give your two and a half year old a playmate to work beside before they enter the school group learning situation. At least twice a week, it would be great to cultivate a friend who would be in your child's classroom. This would give both children a sense of the known when stepping into the unknown world.
It is a must to go with your child for a classroom visit to meet the teacher and to see others in action in the classroom. This will ease your child into the classroom setting with more self-assurance. Locating personal cubbies and the bathroom, lunchroom and playground are minimal kindnesses for your child.7. Lunches and Nap Times. Duplicate lunch and nap times at home three months prior to school start-up.
8. Playground Expectations. Learn the rules on your school's playground. Take your child to a park and teach them the rules for: Swings, Slides, Higher climbing structures, Running, Adherence to stopping cues (What a blessing that will be for your child!)
Falls are a normal part of outdoor play. Learning to get up and go on ahead is a expected response at school and in life.
AuntyB Hint: Walking lines early on is a great precursor to walking in a line. Also, sitting on a circular rug at home for activities with you is another excellent way to get ready to sit on the circle of circletime at school.
Grandmama: Sounds like a lot, especially if you haven't been really concerned about what your child needs to know about practical living. Forget letters, how about clearing the table? Academic learning comes easy later when the routine of learning practical matters comes first. So put away "learning programs" and interact directly with your toddler. You'll be amazed at how fast they learn, how much they want to be capable and independent.
Beware of timesavers: All three of my girls learned to tie their shoes between three and four years old. It came about by modeling, then teaching (showing them how when they were ready to "Do it myself!"), and by NOT buying Velcro shoes.
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