How to prepare a child for school: psychologist's recommendations

A photo: firestock Preparing a child for school is a matter that worries every parent. Readiness is defined as intellectual, and in many respects by its psychological base. To learn the skills necessary for schooling, it is enough to give 15-20 minutes a day. A huge number of developmental benefits and preparatory courses will come to the rescue. It is much more difficult to prepare a child from a psychological point of view. Psychological readiness does not arise by itself, but gradually formed over the years and requires regular classes. When to start preparing the child for school and how to do it correctly, we asked the medical psychologist of the psychotherapeutic center Elena Nikolaevna Nikolaeva. Elena Nikolaeva, medical psychologistIt is important to create in advance the child's minda positive attitude towards school: to say that at school he learns a lot of interesting things, learns to read and write well, he will have many new friends. In no event should you frighten the child with school, homework and lack of free time. A good psychological preparation for school is playing in a "school" where the child learns to be diligent, persevering, active, sociable. One of the important aspects of preparing for school is the child's strong health . That's why hardening, gymnastics, exercise and prevention of catarrhal diseases are necessary measures. For the best adaptation in school the child should be communicative, that is, be able to communicate with both peers and adults. Must understand and recognize the authority of adults, adequately respond to comments by peers and elders. Understand and evaluate actions, know what is good and what is bad. The child must be taught to adequately assess his abilities, admit mistakes, be able to lose. Therefore, parents should prepare the baby and explain to him the rules of life that will help him to join the school community.Photo: firestock Elena Nikolaeva, medical psychologistIt is necessary to start such work with the childin advance, from the age of three or four. The key to the child's further painless adaptation in the school community are two main conditions: discipline and knowledge of the rules. The child must realize the importance and responsibility of the learning process and be proud of his or her status as a student, have a desire to achieve success in his or her studies. Parents should show how proud they are of their future schoolchild, this is very important for the psychological formation of the image of the school - the opinion of parents is important for children. Such necessary qualities as accuracy, responsibility and diligence are never formed immediately - this takes time, patience and effort. Very often, a child needs simple support from a close adult. Children always have the right to make mistakes, this is typical of all people without exception. It is very important that the child is not afraid to make mistakes. Going to school, he or she learns to learn. Many parents scold children for mistakes, bad grades, which leads to a decrease in the self-esteem of the preschooler and fear of making a wrong step. If a child has made a mistake, you just need to pay attention to it and offer or help to correct it. A mandatory condition in working on mistakes is praise. Even for a small success or achievement, children need to be rewarded with encouragement.Photo: firestock Elena Nikolaeva, medical psychologistPreparation is not only about being able to count andwriting, but also self-control - the child must do some simple things on his own without persuasion (go to bed, brush his teeth, collect his toys, and in the future everything that is necessary for school). The sooner parents understand how important and necessary this is for their child, the better the process of preparation and upbringing as a whole will be formed. Already from the age of 5, the child can be instilled with motivation for learning, determining what interests him. This interest can be the desire to be in a team, a change of scenery, a thirst for knowledge, the development of creative abilities. Encourage these aspirations, they are the main ones in the psychological preparation of the child for school. The comprehensive development of the child is a guarantee of his further successful education, and all the abilities and aspirations instilled in childhood will certainly be realized in adult, independent life. Be patient and attentive, and your efforts will certainly give wonderful results. Good luck!