What does your child learn in kindergarten?

An overwhelming joy fills the home when your child arrives in the world, and this continues for about three to four years, during which the parents are their child’s only social circle. Then, the kindergarten stage (First Year of Kindergarten) knocks on the door, and parents must open up the vast world to the newcomer, helping them take their first real steps in the journey of life. From this perspective, the importance of this stage becomes clear in shaping the child's awareness and personality throughout their life, despite its relatively short duration. **What is Kindergarten?**

The term is derived from the German word "Kindergarten," which translates to "children’s garden." It suggests a place where children can play freely and engage in activities before formal learning begins, a concept developed by the German educator Friedrich Froebel, who invented the term. Froebel believed that this stage should be a nurturing environment that promotes the development of children, preparing them for the future.

Froebel connected the act of planting flowers in a garden with the care and nurturing of children, feeding them with knowledge and exposing them to sunlight, in order to raise healthy, productive, and creative individuals who contribute to society and humanity. **The Importance of Kindergarten**

Kindergarten plays a crucial role in building the child's personality, with its main goal being to prepare the child for school. Here are the key benefits of kindergarten: 1. Preparing the child to interact with a broader social circle, including teachers and classmates. 2. Learning to handle social and daily situations different from those experienced at home, such as dealing with parents' absence, engaging with peers during play, group work, and activities, and even navigating discussions and disagreements. 3. Beginning to follow a daily routine, including waking up at a specific time, engaging in educational and recreational activities at school, and then returning home. For the first time, the child understands the concept of routine and organization. 4. The child starts to grasp the idea of behavioral discipline, learning what is right and wrong. 5. In kindergarten, play is linked with learning, which differentiates it from the informal play at home that lacks academic or cognitive connections. 6. Boosting the child’s self

confidence and teaching them to rely on themselves throughout their time at kindergarten. **Psychological Preparation First**

This is not an easy task, but with a little patience, it can be done successfully. The key is gradual adjustment. It is not expected that a child will immediately embrace the idea of leaving home, replacing their parents with teachers, or interacting with new children instead of their siblings! Here are some tips to make the transition easier:

Calmness from the parents is crucial, as any anxiety they feel will transfer to the child. It’s important to create a calm environment at home, including early bedtimes, preparing meals, etc. Transmitting anxiety to the child could set back the entire process.

Discuss with the child openly about the positives of kindergarten, such as the new friends, playgrounds, activities, drawing, coloring, singing, and more. Focus on what your child enjoys and link it to kindergarten.

Experts suggest that parents accompany the child on a daily basis during the initial days of kindergarten until the child feels comfortable and familiar. This could take some time, depending on the child’s comfort level.

It is also advisable for one or both parents to stay with the child for one or two hours daily, gradually decreasing over the first three months.

If possible, let the child bring their favorite toy as a source of comfort and familiarity.

Avoid letting the child miss the first few months of kindergarten, as regular attendance is key to adaptation. After this period, if the child wishes to miss a day, it can be arranged with caution.

Expect some resistance and stubbornness from the child, such as refusal to wake up, crying, or reluctance to enter through the gate. Stay firm during these moments; it’s a natural part of the transition. The kindergarten gate is their first step into the broader world. **What Does a Child Learn in Kindergarten?**

Developing motor skills, such as playing with clay, catching a ball, opening locks, and playing with puzzles and blocks.

Learning how to hold a pencil and write by tracing dots.

Understanding the concept of time, including learning the days of the week, months, year, reading the clock, and learning about the seasons.

Writing their name and memorizing the alphabet in both Arabic and English.

Learning colors and coloring with different types of materials, alongside practicing drawing, cutting, and pasting.

Basic personal hygiene habits and learning to be independent when eating, drinking, and using the bathroom.

Following instructions from teachers and working in groups, such as participating in school assemblies and group activities in the classroom.

Developing basic speaking, singing, listening, and language skills.

Engaging in simple physical activities suited to the child's physical abilities.

Learning how to sequence things, such as arranging cards, balls, or pictures.

Identifying basic shapes and learning the differences between them, like circles, squares, and triangles.

Expanding their vocabulary.

Using educational tools on the internet and interacting with computers. **Additional Tips to Help the Child Adjust to Kindergarten in the First Few Months**

Praise the child for any good work done at kindergarten – teachers will let you know – and thank them sincerely.

Occasionally offer small rewards or gifts, especially during the first few months.

Talk to the child about their feelings towards kindergarten: "What did you do today?" "Was the story nice?" "Did you like the food?" "What did the teacher say to you?" These conversations are essential for the child to feel that kindergarten is becoming part of their life.

Engage with the child’s homework if applicable.

Meet other parents of classmates and create social events, like birthday parties or festive gatherings. **Cooperation and Coordination Between Home and Kindergarten**

All of the above should be done in full coordination between the parents and kindergarten. This communication and collaboration is the key factor in the child’s success during their kindergarten years. Kindergarten schools consider this communication vital, and the administration invests in providing modern communication tools, regular meetings, and special follow

up journals to ensure the child feels secure and calm, leading to the best academic and personal outcomes.

For the best kindergarten options, visit the schools page at theedukey.com or download the app.