The benefits of reading to preschoolers and toddlers

On your lap or in the big bed with mom or dad listening to your favorite book, while you looked at the pictures. Who doesn't remember?

But reading aloud is so much more than beautiful memories! Among other things, you stimulate your child's language development. What other benefits does reading to your toddler or preschooler (or older kids) have? We'll break it down for you.

The (read) parts!

Before we start: choose the right book. Because if things go wrong there, you can forget the whole reading. A book that does not appeal, is recognizable or is in line with your child's experience, will not work. And beautiful illustrations are certainly a must for the little ones!

Making memories

Reading is a moment of conviviality and one-on-one time. For instance you and your child are sitting in a Super cozy position.  hope that they will have as fond memories of this as of your mother who read to you in her wonderful language.

Start early

Young learned, old is done! It may seem crazy to read to you so early, but the advice is to start in infancy. Besides being super cozy with such a chubby cooing baby on your lap, it is very good for their language development.

Don't stop reading too early either! 40% of children aged 6-11 who are no longer read to at home would prefer it to continue. So don't be ashamed to read them until they are 13 or older if you and your child like it. In addition, many children in secondary school read less, by reading to them you keep them interested. Did you know that there are even teachers in pre nursery schools in pune who still read aloud?

Tip! Take into account the tension of your little one and don't push through, that makes reading an unpleasant experience. If after three pages he demonstratively closes the book with your fingers in between, then he's probably done with it.

To bed, to bed said

Reading to us is a very important part of the bedtime ritual. It is a relaxing moment with children and it is also a clear end to the day.

Tip! Really too tired? Set up a listening story, because this also stimulates your child's vocabulary and reading pleasure. Spotify is full of them!

Again!

Read 'Snuffy and the fire' for the hundredth time. You can now recite the book backwards, but your child will love it! And that is for a reason: the first time they discover the story, the second (and hundredth) time it is a feast of recognition. In addition, they always discover something new in the pictures or the story.

Tip! To make it less sleep-inducing for yourself, you can come up with topics to talk about after reading: the theme, the characters, maybe your child has experienced something like this himself?

Seeing Dad Read Makes You Read

Set an example and read in front of your child. Both mom and dad! Because research shows that it is mainly the moms who read to them, while a reading dad is invaluable. Especially for their sons. It contributes to the improvement of reading behavior and a possible reading delay, which occurs more often in boys. It also breaks through the stereotypical image of reading as a women's hobby. Go daddy!

Language development

Reading aloud contributes enormously to the language development of your child. He learns new words and sentence structures. But he also learns to predict (what would happen next?) and to listen carefully. The foundation for this is laid in kindergarten. The more and the earlier they come into contact with language, the better their start will be in group 3/4 where the real reading begins. To encourage them, many schools also have a library, where the children can choose a book themselves. We love seeing what they take home with them. It often completely deviates from my expectations, but it gives an insight into their interests and what goes on in that head of theirs.

Fantasy

Reading aloud does something with your imagination. Small children who are not yet able to read themselves, dream away at the pictures. Later, when they can read, they form the images in their minds to accompany the story. The little ones can sometimes really get lost in a story.

Something for everyone

There are so many types of books that you can give your child. As long as it matches his interests. Does your child have a dinosaur obsession? Read a book about it together, it can be a story but also a book with facts about dinosaurs. There are also outright interactive books that you can read that use a special pen to get even more information. Often you can also perform commands, such as “find the t-rex”, to learn even more about the subject. By doing it together, you also learn something from it!

And don't underestimate the value of comic books and magazines. There are many magazines aimed at children of all ages. 

Later

But what added value do Jip & Janneke, Miffy and Liselotje have for later? Very valuable! Because reading aloud makes your child smarter and can learn better. And they enjoy that for the rest of their lives.

In addition, children who have been read to, and who continue to read, have a much greater capacity for empathy. They recognize other people's emotions better and can put themselves in other people's shoes more easily. This also allows them to work better together. So do you want to prevent your child from becoming a blunt farmer later on?

Reading breakfast

To draw attention to reading to young children, organize Reading Days once a year. At primary school in pune, the library, playgroup or daycare center, your child can enjoy a nice breakfast while listening to the Picture Book of the Year. Well-known people or local heroes then read it aloud. Not every primary school participates, but perhaps a reading breakfast will be organized at another location in your area! A fun outing is guaranteed!

'The leader in me' with preschoolers; how do you do that?

We started at our pre school in pune with a pedagogical line based on Stephen Covey; the seven habits of effective leadership. This is about self-management and insight into yourself and your relationship with others, but also about gaining insight into your own responsibility in all kinds of situations. The tree of the seven habits is used throughout the school. All learning processes start at the roots of the tree, the first three habits. These habits are actually about yourself. You become stronger and you get a better grip on social situations. The tribe symbolises you and your relationships with others. Children learn to think win-win, listen to each other and seek cooperation. The top of the tree is in bloom, but that is only possible if you 'keep the saw sharp'.

Many questions

After the introduction of 'The leader in me' at our school, there were mixed feelings. Of course it sounded very nice, but as kindergarten teachers we found it very difficult and exciting to implement this with the toddlers. How do you make preschoolers think about themselves and their own contribution in certain situations? And how do you get two toddlers to really listen to each other and come up with a solution together? Many questions that played with us, but certainly did not stop us.

Think smaller

Because we were very enthusiastic about Stephen Covey's ideas, we dived into it together. We have gained inspiration from other schools, but also abroad. How do others do this with the pre-school groups and what should we think about? After we had gathered a lot of ideas and had also come up with the biggest and most beautiful ideas ourselves, we came to the conclusion that we might have to start thinking much smaller with the toddlers. In the end we decided to start with habits 1, 2, 3 and 4.

"I haven't played with that, so I don't have to clean that up either."

Habit 1, be proactive, we made it much smaller and stripped it down until there were a few points left for us to work on. These points actually came together beautifully in our idea of ​​'leadership roles'. Together with all the children, we devised which actions the teacher actually does every day, but which can also be done by children. Then came a lot of ideas. For example, they came up with the following actions: watering plants, cleaning tables, washing dishes from the fruit, checking toilets, checking whether everyone has hung their coat under the lice cape and on the hook and so on! It was fantastic to see how enthusiastic the children became about the idea that they themselves would be responsible for one of these actions. In addition, that in this way they also learned to address others about something. Many children came to life because they had a small form of responsibility in the classroom. They pointed out to each other when a certain action had not yet been taken and helped each other when they saw that others needed extra help. Esther Voorburg wrote in her blog 'A task for every child 'how she approaches this in her class.

"You can't come to my party anymore!"

Habit 1 also includes the 'pause button'. A button that causes you to take a short break to think about how you're going to react. This way you can avoid doing something you will regret. In my kindergarten class, we try to use the pause button regularly. I introduced the pause button through role play. During the role play, my toys were accidentally broken. Before responding, I pressed the pause button. I asked the children how they thought I would react. A number of children immediately shouted: “You are getting angry, teacher!” and “Are you going to break something from him now too?” and yet another child said: “You can also see if you can make it together”. A wonderful answer that we could continue with! That day I instructed the children to try the pause button on themselves. With some children this has worked very well and with a number of them some help was needed. The pause button is now used daily and this has created a nice atmosphere in the classroom! Children take the time to think before reacting and this prevents some arguments in the class.

"Why do I have to do two more things now and she's nothing more?"

Habit 2 and 3, starting with the end goal in mind and important things first, were easier for us to accomplish in class, but no less exciting. At the same time, we started with the digital choice board and education of our pre-primary schools in pune has completely changed. In the digi-choice board there is an option to schedule the week. With the thought of habit 2 and 3, we also carefully started planning the week for toddlers. It was exciting though, because how far can a toddler see into the future; it lives mainly in the now. And how does a toddler know what is important? That tension was soon gone, because the children also picked up on this fantastic!

Planning the week

We have started planning the week with the oldest toddlers. We talked to them about the tasks and games that had to be done in a week. They themselves came to the conclusion that a number of tasks were important and therefore had to be done first. The days were planned and the children got a better understanding of what to do first. These were often the tasks of the week (games, corners), but they also started to see more and more that on some days they could also play a game themselves. Every day I get the question: “Teacher, how many days do we have left?”. After my answer you see them thinking about what it would be useful to do first and then often say “Oh, but then I'm going to play first, miss!”. I always laugh so hard at this

Step by step

We are now five years further and we are also much further in the process surrounding The leader in me. In kindergarten we still keep it small. Also because throughout the year many children are added who, in addition to their start at school, will also have to appropriate the routines in the classroom around The leader in me. For every habit we go one step further and we ourselves are also learning better not to offer the habits in separate parts, as before. The habits are increasingly becoming a part of the day and are woven into all kinds of actions throughout the day. The start showed us that we should not be too afraid and not fill in too much for the toddlers. They can do a lot by themselves, as long as you take them with you and go step by step!

When can and when your child has to go to primary school?

Your child can go to pre schools in pune from the age of 2.5. Before the 4th birthday, children can get used to it for a few days. Your child has to go to school around the 4th or 5th birthday. Some children go to preschool or early school from the age of 2.5. Your child must then make the transition to kindergarten around the 5th birthday at the latest.

To primary school: 4 or 5 years

There is a difference between the age from which you can go to primary school and when you have to go there. In practice, this means that some children start kindergarten from 4 years old. Other children from 5 years.

To school, allowed from 4 years

A child is allowed to go to school from the age of 4. From two months prior to the 4th birthday, children are allowed to get used to it for a few days. It is a maximum of five days.

Appearance to school with 5 years

Education is compulsory. A child must attend school on the first day of school of the month after the 5th birthday. This is a duty of the parents or guardians.

From Home to kindergarten, also no later than 5 years

Before primary school age, children can already receive early childhood education from 2.5 years. Some primary schools in pune work closely with early childhood or preschool. For example, by working together in one building. Your child must make the transition to kindergarten around the 5th birthday at the latest.

Education is important, compulsory education counts

The government considers education for minors important. That is why everyone is obliged to go to school. This obligation eventually expires on your 18th birthday.

How do you choose a primary school?

One day it has to happen; choosing a school for your child. Where this has to be done before birth in a large city, nationally, the age for registration is around the third year, depending on the popularity of a pre school in pune.

In this article you can read what considerations our readers came up with. The aim is to help you make a sound choice, but it could also just be that your final conclusion is that there are very many criteria so that you do not know it at all. In that case, my sincere apologies.

INSPECTION

You can learn a lot about a school via the internet. Nowadays, every school has a website. Often full of photos, the school guide and information about their vision. The inspection reports can also be found on the internet. This states whether a school is classified as a strong or weak school.

The question is how much value you should attach to such a report. We received the following response via Twitter: “These days, the inspectorate no longer looks at social interaction, atmosphere, and safety at schools. So a 'good' can still mean that the atmosphere is unpleasant, or that there is disorder. In principle, the Inspectorate only looks at figures.” In addition, it is possible that a school that is classified as 'weak' will invest enormously in quality, while a 'strong' school board may fall asleep.

After all, it is a place where children should feel good for eight years.

TEACHING METHOD

You have many types of primary education: ecclesiastical, public, free schools, development-oriented, Natural Learning, etcetera. You probably know whether or not you want your child to go to a church school. But all these new forms of education make it difficult. They all have an enthusiastic story and everything seems to have something to say. Who can tell us that the methods will not be obsolete within ten years? A tip is to listen not only to the proponents of an education type, but also to the opponents.

SIZE

How many classes a school has and how many children a teacher has can also be a consideration. Large schools may have more to spend because they can buy in bigger and therefore cheaper, but a small school may make a child feel more secure. The way a school is set up also plays a role in this. Do all children exit through the same door or is there a separate wing for the toddlers?

DISTANCE

Your favorite school is stuck on the other side of town. To what extent is it important that your child attends a neighborhood school? It's nice if he can play with neighborhood kids, but maybe they don't necessarily have to go to school with him. For some schools, such as the Waldorf school, people flock there from far and wide. Even though the school is on the other side of town, it is possible that classmates still live in your area. Also handy to include in the choice to be made.

EXPERIENCES OF OTHERS

Fortunately, you are not the first to face this choice. Ask about the experiences of your neighbors or friends. It is important not only to ask whether the school suits them well, but also what they based their choice on. If you don't think your neighbors' criteria are important at all, they probably don't help you much either.

FEELING

Perhaps the most important, and frequently mentioned by our readers: what is the feeling when you walk through school? Join a tour and make an appointment with the director.

Questions you can ask include:

• How do you deal with unwanted behaviour?

• Is there an active bullying protocol?

• Do you have a nutritional policy and how does this manifest itself in practice?

• What commitment is required of parents?

• Does the school have a regional function or is it a neighbourhood school (percentage)?

How you are received can say a lot. Is there attention for you? Do you feel like you are listening to hot air or are you hearing a story with vision? How is a critical question responded to? What kind of atmosphere does the pre primary school in pune exude? Do the classes look homey? And does it seem like kids are having fun in class? What you see remains a snapshot. Don't hesitate to take another look. After all, it is a place where children should feel good for eight years..

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR CHILD'S CLOTHES FOR KINDERGARTEN?

 Every year, when school is about to start, the parenting blogs and parent groups on Social sites all talk about one thing: what children's clothes to choose for Pre School in Pune.


Whether you've already received a list of kindergarten clothes or are trying to find your inspiration online, don't panic. Things are not as complicated as they seem. A well-developed plan will help you navigate the hundreds of lists and recommendations you'll find online.


Here are a few suggestions that will help you organize better:



Store plan

Start by identifying the main categories of children's clothing that you will need during the school year. The easiest way is to plan the toddler clothes in layers that you can use separately or together, depending on the season.


Underwear

If your toddler is diaper-free, you should bring at least one extra pair of underpants for those unpleasant situations. It is preferable to use natural fabrics such as organic cotton, bamboo or modal. Depending on how often you plan to use your washing machine, you can calculate how many underpants you should buy.


For the winter, you should put some wool socks and stockings on the list. They will be priceless on freezing days or while playing in the snow.


The base layer

Whether it's a cardigan, t-shirt or long-sleeved undershirt, these items will play multiple roles, from spring to winter. You can use them as an outer layer in late winter and early fall. If the temperature drops, your child will wear them under thicker clothes while he or she is outside.

Their role is to absorb perspiration and keep body heat as close to the skin as possible. In this case, too, we recommend that you choose natural fabrics, such as organic cotton or wool. Since they are next to your toddler's skin, it is better to choose clothes that have not been chemically treated. For cotton, check the label and choose the fabrics with organic certification (such as GOTS – Global Organic Textile Standard – the highest fabric certification). This certification is a guarantee that all processes to which the cotton has been exposed, from seed to dust, are safe for the environment and people.

For the entire year of Nursery Schools in Pune, you can buy a few sets of blouses and leggings that your child will wear under the thicker clothes in class, or outside. Some moms recommend up to 10 sets; others think 4-5 is enough. You can determine the number based on how often you plan to wash and how naughty your child is. If your child is a miniature Picasso, you may want to make sure you have enough clothes so as not to limit his/her creativity.


The middle layer

The second layer can be used for extra warmth during the frosty days, but also as an outer layer during autumn or spring.

We recommend two or three must-buy items: a jumper/cardigan, a hood, and a cotton jumpsuit. The latter has the advantage of being easy to put on and keeping your little one warm everywhere.


The outer layer

This category usually confuses most parents. The online lists contain fall jackets, winter jackets, rain, and windproof jackets, each with suitable trousers. The budget is growing exponentially, your pulse is racing, and panic sets in. If you also take into account that a growing child only wears these items for a season, then you are already hyperventilating.


Of course you can buy a set of each category or, if you want to protect your budget and have some cash to spare for the winter holidays, you can find smart solutions to cover a wider range of situations.


The softshell has the advantage that it fulfills many roles: it retains the heat inside, is wind and water resistant, and allows the skin to breathe. Since softshell is a technical fabric, it is light and does not restrict the movement of the child. These clothes are also easy to clean, a bonus for those who love mud, sand or puddles. If you buy a softshell jumpsuit (or two, to have a spare jumpsuit), you can cover the entire cold season, including the wet or windy weather. You can put an extra layer or two under the jumpsuit and use it in winter too.


Shoes

For kindergarten you need a pair of comfortable indoor slippers. Those with flexible, non-slip soles and easy to put on are better for the little ones (The kids who are not used to tying their shoelaces really love the Velcro).


For outdoor activities, you should buy at least 3 pairs of shoes or light boots for the entire school year: a pair of shoes or light boots for the fall spring season; a pair of wellies, and a pair of snowshoes.


We do not recommend that you buy more than one type of shoe of the same number. Based on the child's age, their feet progress to the next size in 2 to 6 months.


Pay attention to the choice of shoe size. Measure the foot and follow the manufacturer's size chart. The dimensions may differ between the different brands.


Winter Accessories

Invest in a set of a hat, scarf, and gloves to cover all season (or, if you're lucky, even next winter). Choose warm fibers, such as merino wool, alpaca or cashmere. For the valves, choose organic cotton.


For babies, a balaclava may be a better investment as you don't have to buy a separate scarf.


Regardless of budget, age or experience, we hope the above list will help you create your own plan for this year's shopping.

WHAT MAKES A PRESCHOOL THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOUR CHILD

Preschool choices often bring out anxiety in parents. As the child takes the first step into a new world, it is essential that this transition is a joyful ride for both parent and child. Preschool is the child’s first social setting away from home; hence, it should offer a safe, warm and comfortable environment for them to thrive.

Choosing the right Pre School in Pune which is responsive to the child’s interests, strengths and needs is important for a supportive educational experience. Here are some tips to look out for in a preschool to ensure it meets your child’s holistic needs:

• CLASSROOM ATMOSPHERE: A safe and childproof classroom that is conducive to learning, and that offers a variety of age-appropriate engaging activities will stimulate the child’s curiosity, fine motor skills and provide the required structure for developmental progress.

• PROFESSIONALLY TRAINED TEACHERS AND STAFF: Supportive relationships is fundamental to a child’s socio-emotional development. A positive interactive environment helps children feel secure at school and enables them to persist through challenging learning activities.

• CURRICULUM: Paying attention to the curriculum will help the parent understand the pedagogy and learning methodologies adopted by the preschool. Reviewing the curriculum to ensure that it offers a rich content, hands-on and play-based approach to learning will prepare children for future academic journeys.

• LANGUAGE STIMULATION: Language and literacy activities that promote imagination, vocabulary, and listening skills through book reading, storytelling, and expanded conversations will stimulate children’s thought processes to describe their feelings and action, thus, creating a positive environment for language acquisition

• PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT: A child needs a healthy outlet to successfully channelize their energy. Preschools that provide ample space, time and activities, while ensuring safety, will help them gain new skills, abilities, and healthy physical growth

• CHILD-FRIENDLY FACILITIES: The premises of the preschool will leave a profound impression upon the young mind of a preschooler. Hence, it should be welcoming and the child should look forward to spending time in school. Safe and engaging outdoor facilities like a sandpit, Lego wall, gardens, climbing net, etc. will provide the child opportunities for outdoor play while improving health and brain function.

Remember, each child is unique. As an aware parent, making an informed choice by finding a preschool that resonates with you and the individual requirement of the child is important. Considering these points can help understand if the preschool prioritizes the child’s health as highly as the parent does.