Parents who choose to homeschool their kids usually have their children’s best interests in mind. However, if you ever decide to transition from homeschooling to the traditional classroom setting, it may take some time for your child to adjust, particularly if they have been at home all day with only you and other siblings as peers. It can be hard to say goodbye to the family environment of homeschooling and jump into the unknown of an unfamiliar classroom setting, but there are plenty of things you can do to make the transition easier on your toddler and yourself.
Here are a few tips on how to transition from homeschool to a traditional classroom setting. After all, if your child gets off on the wrong foot at school, they may never want to go back!
Understanding the Change
Children can experience change at any age, but when they’re very young, it might be difficult for them to understand. When introducing toddlers to classrooms or other unfamiliar settings, help your child get acclimated by anticipating what new things they will encounter.
Whether your child is homeschooled or not, it’s important that they feel secure in their new classroom environment. Before your child starts school, discuss with them what will happen during school days and answer any questions they have about teachers, friends, or activities. It also helps to set daily routines with you, so she feels comfortable that everything will be predictable at school too.
Help Your Child Feel Safe
It’s common for young children to feel anxious when starting something new—especially if they have experienced a significant change in their routine, like transitioning from homeschooling. Help your child start off on a positive note by reassuring them that they’ll be just fine and that it’s normal to feel nervous about going into an unfamiliar classroom.
Expect There Will Be Some Struggles
When moving your child from homeschooling to a traditional school, you may expect an easy transition. After all, you’ve probably taught your child everything they need to know, right? Well, that might always be the case. It’s important to recognize that any change, especially one as massive as switching from homeschooling or being tutored into a public school setting, is going to be difficult for your toddler. It’s unrealistic and unfair of you to expect things will go perfectly smoothly right off the bat. Be sure to prepare yourself for some tears and tantrums as your little one gets used to being around other children and trying new activities.
Pick a Reliable Preschool
The learning environment can make or break your toddler’s first experience in a traditional school. Daycare centers and preschools often play an important role in helping children get comfortable in conventional classrooms. Take time researching potential childcare centers or preschools and figure out which one will be best for your toddler’s needs.
Apart from analyzing the academic curriculum offered by the school, you should also take into consideration the approach they take towards children, especially those with no experience of being in a classroom setting. A good preschool program should have a laid-out plan of teaching that helps enhance the children’s mental development through more methods than one.
Are you looking for a trusted daycare and preschool near me where your little one can learn and grow? Get in touch with Precious Moments Preschool to schedule an appointment today!
