It's Never Too Early: 3 Tips To Get Your Baby Ready For Preschool

6 March 2017
 Categories: Education & Development, Blog

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Now that you're a new parent, you want what's best for your baby. If you're like most parents, you've probably already started thinking about their education. It's never too soon to start thinking about your baby's future. If you're going to be sending your baby to preschool when they're old enough, now's the time to start preparing the foundation for their success. Here are three simple steps that will help you get your baby ready for preschool.

Introduce Sign Language

The best way to prepare your baby for preschool is to help them develop their language skills. One way to do that is to introduce them to sign language. Even if your child does not suffer from hearing impairments, sign language can give them a head start with their language development. Beginning while your baby is still young, use sign language to reinforce the spoken word. For instance, when you say a word, provide them with the accompanying sign. Teaching your baby sign language will allow them to communicate with you long before they've developed spoken language skills.

Use Real Words

As tempting as it is to use baby talk, using it on a regular basis can undermine your baby's language development. Using real words will help your baby develop their language skills earlier and easier. When you hand your baby their bottle, say "bottle." It's okay that they respond with "baba." Not only is your baby learning how to identify items, but they're also learning how to pronounce those words. Reinforcing language development through the use of real words, and sign language, will help your baby develop the language skills they'll need to be successful in preschool.

Join Play Groups

If you're going to be sending your baby to preschool, you'll want to start joining play groups. This is particularly important if your baby is an only child. Play groups help teach vital skills that your baby will need once they're old enough for preschool.

Encourages Socialization with Peers

When your baby is finally old enough for preschool, they're going to be joining a group of other children. Joining playgroups now will encourage them to socialize with children of their own age.

Encourages Independence

It can be difficult for little ones to go to preschool when they've always been with their parents. Getting your baby involved in playgroups will help them develop the independence they'll need when they head off to preschool without you.