Is the Little One Ready for School?

Lately, there is an increasing number of different types of schools being opened. These institutions are established for younger children who are below school age. They also have part time classes for infants, as well as institutions for toddlers. Amazing, isn’t it?

This will certainly make parents wonder regarding the right time for enrolling the Little One in a school. Or they may even ask to themselves, should the Little One be enrolled in a school as soon as possible. How important is it?

There is no definite benchmark for when the Little One should start studying in kindergarten, as this should be based on the readiness of the Little One and their surrounding conditions, not only on their age alone. If the Little One can obtain adequate stimulations at home, going to school at an early age does not become the main priority. This is also true particularly if the surrounding environment comprises of other children within their age group, or other adults aside from their parents.

A study conducted by Thomas Dee, a professor of education from Stanford University, demonstrated that children in Denmark whose entry to kindergarten were delayed by a year showed better self-control levels. “We discovered the fact that delaying entry to kindergarten for a year has positive impacts in children aged 11 years, as it reduces the risk of hyperactivity and decreased concentration by up to 73 percent,” Thomas further explains. This reinforces the notion that enrolling the Little One to school too early can make them feel stressed and bored of going to school.

Nevertheless, schools have the advantage of having teachers dedicated to educating, more complete facilities and infrastructure for playing and learning, and can also function as a means of better socializing for the Little One.

So, what are the signs that the Little One is ready for school? Parents can observe the presence of the following signs:

1. The Little One starts to like carrying a bag and pretending that they want to go to school.
2. The Little One starts to become bored playing at home.
3. The Little One enjoys playing and socializing with friends of the same age.
4. The Little One can understand and carry out instructions.
5. The Little One can urinate without assistance.
6. The Little One can hold a pencil and scissors well.
7. The Little One shows an interest in books.
8. The Little One shows an interest to learn new things.

If there is an indication that the Little One is ready for school but parents are still uncertain, try to satisfy their curiosity by bringing them to play and socialize more often with other children within their age group. Parents can also try to enrol them in small classes, such as dancing, children gymnastics, or other classes.

Another alternative is to participate in trial classes at a full-time school. This way, parents can get an input from teachers regarding the readiness of the Little One as well as the suitability of the school for them.

Whatever step you decide to take, do it by taking into consideration the needs as well as readiness of the Little One, as they will have to undergo the activities and possible consequences from the decision.