COMMON QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS OF PARENTS AS CHILDREN ARE ENTERING PRESCHOOL FOR THE FIRST TIME

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR MY CHILD TO ADJUST TO SCHOOL?

As the world of the young child expands and moves from their home environment to the school environment, children encounter new places, new people, new routines, new rules and new experiences.  Each of these things present a wide array of opportunities for children to grow and develop.  But, these things also present challenges for the child.  Children must be given time to adjust to these new experiences.  The time it takes for each child is different and is based on each child’s individual personality and learning style.

HOW DO I COMMUNICATE WITH MY CHILD ABOUT SCHOOL?

Parents often ask how best to communicate with their child about their school experiences.  With young children, it helps to ask specific questions such as :  What story did Mr. Glenn tell today? Or I see by your hands that you painted today, tell me about your painting.  When you were in the puzzle and block classroom today, did you build anything special?  Questions such as What did you do today?” usually do not yield productive information.  Questions that can be answered with a “yes” or “no” also will not provide lots of detailed information.

HOW WILL TEACHERS COMMUNICATE WITH PARENTS?

At the Lab School the teachers are very available to the parents.  However, the primary focus of teachers during class time is the children.  Teachers will not be able to communicate with each parent about each child and their experiences on every given school day.  But, the teachers do make every opportunity to write notes or share exciting information with parents.  Please know that in 3 short hours, the teachers are spending quality learning time with each child and these moments are maximized to the fullest.  If something happens during the day that the teachers feel is significant they will either write down the information to share with parents, or speak with them after class.

WHAT ABOUT FRIENDSHIPS?

The children will begin to learn other children’s names and they will be working on that during class time as school as school starts.  Please know that friendships for young children are developed over time, just as they are for adults.  Children may have many acquaintances, but a small number of really close friend who they enjoy spending lots of time with.  Also, not unlike adults, children seek to find classmates who share common interests and whose company they enjoy.  In an environment like the Lab School where their is much to see, do , enjoy, and explore, children are often more focused on their own interests and what activities they want to participate in than who they are doing these activities with.  Especially early in the year, parents and teachers will see lots of parallel play where children are playing side by sided as they seek to adjust to their new environment.  This is a very common aspect of early childhood social development.

WHAT ARE THE SCHOOL RULES?

 The children will begin learning to follow classroom rules such as choosing one activity from the shelves and then putting it back.  They will learn to not take things from their friends.  And, they will learn to listen and follow directions.  Each classroom has rules and guidelines that are unique to that space but, that make sense for the children to have fun and learn to get along with others.  The teachers use redirection and positive child guidance techniques to assist children in making good choices.

Sometimes when parents are at school for story time, music, or for a special activity, the children are confused about who is “in charge” .  They may get creative with their behavior or test the waters and the boundaries.  The policy of the teachers at the Lab School is to defer to the parents if the parent is present and in control of the situation and to only intervene when it is deemed necessary.

The rules at the Lab School are in place to ensure that everyone’s experience is a safe and valuable one.

HOW DO TEACHERS HANDLE CLASSROOM MISBEHAVIOR?

At the Lab School, the children will learn how to get along with others in a school environment.  For many of the children this is their first experience in an organized environment outside of their home.  When young children are placed together in a group setting, they are provided with many opportunities to practice sharing, taking turns, being kind, respecting other, and listening to others- all of which are life long skills.  But, these skills are developed over time.  These skills are practiced each day and are modeled by the teachers.  The teachers at the Lab School are masters at helping children learn social problem-solving skills.  Young children are not born with these skills, but must learn them in an environment that is age appropriate.

Young children are not great about keeping their hands to themselves in a group setting until they learn to express themselves with their words.  Sometimes, young children are impulsive and use their bodies as a substitute for words.  The Lab School has a low staff to child ratio so that we can help provide the supervision necessary to assist children with the development of their social skills. This does not mean that we can prevent all unfortunate interactions between children.  But, these interactions can and will be addressed so that the children have the opportunity to learn from these experiences.

Sometimes, parents are looking for the perfect school, with the perfect teachers, and the perfect children so their child will have a place to learn and grow.  There probably isn’t such a place.  But, if there were, children probably would not reap positive benefits in terms of social growth and development.  Children have to learn how to resolve conflicts in socially acceptable ways.  And, how to treat each other with the dignity and respect that they deserve.

WHAT ABOUT THE STORIES CHILDREN TELL?

Parents often ask teachers questions based on information that their child tells them.  The teachers ask that if parents have a question or concern regarding something that happens at school, that they ask those questions in a timely way within a short period of time with relation to the event.  This helps teachers more effectively answer the questions.

It is important for parents to remember that young children tell the story from their perspective and their point of view and they often eliminate important facts and information.  When asked, teachers can often fill in the blanks and provide useful information and details to help clarify the situation.

CAN MY CHILD HAVE THIS MUCH FUN AT SCHOOL AND STILL BE LEARNING? 

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CONCLUSION 

Through effective planning, the teachers at the Lab School provide structure in providing daily learning opportunities and activities through a wide variety of diverse learning materials.  The teachers challenge, suggest, stimulate and encourage each child to be responsive to the classroom environment based on each child’s unique learning style, interests, and abilities.

Each day, teachers plan new learning activities that are developmentally appropriate and that are them or topic related.  The activities are planned to develop the various readiness skills in preparation for kindergarten and beyond.

We are always looking forward to learning and growing together as we explore a wide array of topics and activities.

We appreciate your interest in the Lab School and if you select our school for your child, we will count it an honor and privilege to be their teachers.

Dr. Kay Hastings and the Lab School teachers and staff