A major part of growing up is schooling. It helps a child learn the appropriate skills that’ll aid him in adjusting to an independent and responsible life. Making a transition from a home to school might not seem like a big deal, but that’s where most get it wrong. This shift is a very crucial part of the development and growth of a child. Whether your child is beginning preschool or kindergarten, knowing whether he’s ready is necessary.

School readiness refers to having a broad range of skills. In addition to a few academic basics, school readiness skills include “self-care, attention and concentration, physical skills, emotional regulation, language skills and play and social skills” according to leading child specialists. The time spent at school is supposed to be one of the most happy and exciting times of a child’s life. However, not every child is ready to take on this major step. Every child is different and the methods of getting them ready for school also differ. Parents need to speak to their child, understand their qualms and anxieties and reassure them that they’re doing okay. At times, children require an additional boost. Can be provided to them in the form of therapy.-10

Dr Rajiv Chabbra, a senior paediatrician, suggests “Two to two-and-a-half years of age is suitable for a mother-toddler group to start with and, depending on the child’s coping abilities, they can be moved to a more independent structure.” Occupational therapy helps children get accustomed to schooling norms and helps them adjust to their future lives. How do you know if your child has special needs? Evaluation. A checklist is used as a reference while evaluating how well a child is able to undertake simple tasks. Here’s a general example of how one of the checklists might look like:

• Pencil grasp – Drawing simple lines & shapes
• Scissor skills – Cutting circles & squares
• Social skills – Communicating with peers
• Pre-writing and drawing skills
• Organisational skills – Playing with building blocks
• Self-care skills – Using the washrooms or opening their lunch box
• Attention/ concentration – Reading & Repeating

The assessment is done in a fun and child friendly way, so it won’t be too much of a chore for a pre-schooler.

How can you get your kid ready for school? Try these tips:

Read 

Inculcating a reading habit is crucial. Reading opens up new areas of creativity and imagination in children. It promotes out-of-the-box thinking and also helps build a strong base for communication. Check out best-selling children’s books and either read them out to your child or sit them down and make them read a bit every night.

Play 

Pretending to play school helps children understand what they can expect from their actual schooling experience. Try sitting down for circle time, eating a snack out of a lunch box or snack bag, and reading a story at “nap time” to replicate the classroom they will be going to. You can be the teacher to model and then let your child give it a try, says leading therapists.

Make Friends 

Being able to communicate with a peer is quite different from communicating with an adult. Letting your child out in the community, under supervision, gives them an opportunity to make friends and help grow their social skills. This will also help them get accustomed to being in a classroom full of peers on a daily basis.

Occupational therapy has proven most helpful for kids who require that extra care. At In-Sync, we believe in getting out the best of a child’s abilities and helping them get all set for a blissful and comfortable life ahead.