As your little one grows, you might start wondering… “IS MY CHILD READY FOR SCHOOL?”
When should I introduce my child to join an early childhood education school or child development & care center, or should I continue to rear my bundle of joy at home – till the admission age of 3 years in the nursery or maybe 6 years in grade 1 of a formal school?
It’s a big, BIG step, and it’s natural to have questions, dear parent:
Let us first understand that thee first six years of a child’s life are a very critical period for brain & physiological development; and lays the very foundation for lifelong learning, social skills, and emotional well-being – so its important to take development of your child in this period very seriously.
So home rearing should ideally be supplemented by Early Childhood Education (ECE) development schooling.
WHAT ARE THE CHECK POINTS TO LOOK OUT FOR?
Consider these physical development checkpoints before sending a child to an ECE center:
- Gross motor skills: Can they walk steadily, run, jump, climb stairs, and kick a ball?
- Fine motor skills: Can they pick up small objects, use utensils, turn pages, and draw simple shapes?
- Self-help skills: Can they eat independently, use the toilet (with or without assistance), and dress themselves partially?
If you have any concerns about your child’s development on above, consider working with your child on above @ home and/or consult with your pediatrician for guidance.
And while there’s a wide range of normal development in a child, here’s a general timeframe for the mentioned milestones:
- Gross motor skills: Most children can walk independently by 12-15 months, run by 18-24 months, and climb stairs by 2-3 years.
- Fine motor skills: Pincer grasp (picking up small objects) develops around 9-12 months. Using utensils improves between 12-18 months. Turning pages and drawing simple shapes typically starts around 2-3 years.
- Self-help skills: Independent eating starts around 18-24 months. Toilet training varies, but many children are potty-trained during the toddler years. Dressing skills develop gradually, with partial independence around 2-3 years.
Remember, these are general guidelines, and every child develops at their own pace. If you have concerns or are unsure, consult with your pediatrician.
WHAT ARE CHECKPOINTS FOR PRE-NURSERY AND EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SCHOOLS?
Even before formal schooling, early childhood development centers play a crucial role in a child’s overall development. Here are some key checkpoints to consider for pre-nursery and early childhood development schools:
- Social-Emotional Development:
- Can your child interact with other children and adults positively?
- Do they show empathy and understanding towards others’ feelings?
- Can they manage their emotions, like frustration and anger?
- Cognitive Development:
- Can they pay attention to stories, songs, and activities?
- Do they show curiosity and ask questions about the world around them?
- Can they follow simple instructions?
- Language Development:
- Can they understand and respond to simple questions and requests?
- Do they use words and sentences to communicate their needs and thoughts?
- Can they recognize letters and numbers?
WHAT ARE THE CHECKPOINTS FOR FORMAL SCHOOLING?
Once your child is ready for formal schooling, here are some additional checkpoints to consider:
- Physical Development:
- Fine Motor Skills: Can they hold a pencil, cut with scissors, and button clothes?
- Gross Motor Skills: Can they run, jump, and climb with ease?
- Self-Help Skills: Can they use the bathroom independently and eat without assistance?
- Cognitive Development:
- Problem-Solving: Can they solve simple puzzles or follow directions?
- Attention Span: Can they focus on an activity for a short period?
- Memory: Can they remember simple tasks or stories?
- Social-Emotional Development:
- Social Skills: Can they share, take turns, and cooperate with others?
- Emotional Regulation: Can they manage their emotions, like frustration or anger?
- Independence: Can they separate from you without significant distress?
ANY TIPS FOR A SMOOTH TRANSITION?
- Prepare Your Child:
- Visit the School: A familiar environment can reduce anxiety.
- Read Books About School: Stories can help them understand what to expect.
- Practice Routines: Simulate school routines at home, like waking up early and getting ready.
- Communicate with the Teacher:
- Share Information: Discuss your child’s strengths, weaknesses, and any special needs.
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask about the classroom environment, daily routine, and expectations.
- Stay Connected: Regular communication can help address any concerns promptly.
- Build a Strong Foundation:
- Encourage Curiosity: Ask open-ended questions and explore the world together.
- Read Aloud Daily: Reading exposes children to language, vocabulary, and imagination. Talk with them often – every day.
- Limit Screen Time: screen time can hinder cognitive and social development. No screens/phones is ideal.
Remember, every child develops at their own pace. The key is to provide a nurturing environment that fosters their growth and prepares them for the exciting journey of school. By focusing on these checkpoints and implementing these tips, you can help your child transition smoothly into this new chapter of their life.
WHAT ABOUT PUTTING MY LITTLE ONE IN A FULL DAY DAYCARE?
So I can get back to work sooner.
But if the development of your child is as /more important, full day – “just childcare” centers should be completely avoided, as all they do is just provide, childcare & some space for free play for the day, in a hygienic, comfortable environment & maybe food as well during the day.
Given the phenomenal developmental importance of the early years for your child -explained above – you need to necessarily ONLY look for an ECE OR A GOOD SCHOOL and not a full day childcare or daycare center.
Some schools, especially those with a strong ECE grounding SCHOOLs – do provide afternoon daycare(post morning – first half school) – which often have activities & play time interspersed too, in the post school period, till afternoon or evenings – including rest, sleep & feeding times – which is what you should be looking for so both your and your child’s needs are fully met.
So in effect, your child your child will get the extremely important developmental schooling in the morning , besides rest-food-sleep & care in the afternoons + supplementary developmental activities & play in the late afternoons/evenings – all done properly in the hands of child developmental trained experts in age appropriate classes /learning spaces – allowing you to focus on your work/other interests too, either at home or workplace.
We hope this helps!
Do you have any suggestions/specific thoughts or questions about your child’s readiness for school?
Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
Meanwhile enjoy developing your child at home and outdoors
There are some great parks/green spots near our school campuses – consider locating a suitable one in your neighborhood, for a picnic party – near say:
- SouthCity1
- Sector31
- Sector40
- Sushant Lok
- Sector72
- Sector70
- Sectot71
- Sector48
- Badshahpur corridor*
- Leisure Valley
(*) which is right next to the Sixth Element – Tata Primanti campus – and the trees there near our school’s north/east boundary – help filter our school campus air too.
why – the Sixth Element?
Very simply, the Sixth Element was a phrase coined by the school founders 20 years back, to illustrate igniting the joy of learning – so important for children’s development – as we nurture, and get them ready for the future.
How to Foster a Well-Rounded Child?
While there is lots of operating structure and detailed SOPs in school’s daily /weekly/monthly/annual – schedules – “how” the same is executed is unique – i.e., the Sixth element way of incorporating co-curricular & scientific & artistic activities, project work etc – leading to children enjoy learning & look forward to coming to school each day (and interestingly they do miss school on holidays 😊 ! )
Some examples of what’s done on instilling values & character building:
- Instil values: Understanding differences between right or wrong, is discussed in its many facets often. As also discussing environmental issues, volunteering for community activities, clean-ups, and respecting all living beings.
- Values as a Compass: Values are the moral principles that guide our actions. The Cambridge International Curriculum, with its emphasis on global citizenship and community service, fosters values like respect, empathy, and responsibility
- Embrace sustainability: Reduce waste, conserve energy, and grow your own food together. Encouraging minimalism (BTW we are a uniform school), up-cycling, gardening, and exploring green technologies like rain water harvesting, recycling, etc
- Building Confidence: The curriculum’s focus on individual & team achievement (over experiential projects in small groups) and overcoming difficulties – and making progress, encouraged by the teacher helps build self-esteem. By setting and achieving goals, students develop a strong sense of confidence and resilience
- Life Skills for Real World: The curriculum’s focus on independent learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving equips students with essential life skills. These skills are invaluable in navigating challenges and opportunities- building confidence
THE SIXTH ELEMENT School’s commitment to sustainability?
At the Sixth Element, we believe that education should go beyond classrooms. Our green airy, spacious campuses are a living laboratory, where children learn experimentally about sustainable practices. From solar panels to rainwater harvesting, recycling & near no plastics usage.
Our curriculum integrates sustainability into every subject, fostering a deep appreciation for nature, science, commerce & the arts – while instilling a desire to protect our planet.
By igniting the joy of learning, nurturing curiosity, confidence, values, and environmental consciousness – we empower children to become not only successful individuals, but equally responsible members of society and global citizens.
Does a unique International Curriculum School like the Sixth Element help?
A progressive holistic school following Cambridge International Curriculum significantly contributes by lots of experiential learning and project-based work.
The Sixth Element School: Where Cambridge International meets India- in an exclusive, low density, impactful format
Reason why we chose Cambridge International curriculum is because the blend of teacher directed as well as learner self-driven learning & research seems to be relevant for aspirational kids from Indian families, keen on preparing their kids to be global citizens of the future – weather based in India or overseas.
Is the Sixth Element School duly registered with Cambridge International?
Yes, The Sixth Element School – is duly registered as one of over 10,000 schools globally – as a Cambridge International school with a global registration number IA 892
Keen to see what a unique school like The Sixth Element School offers? Schedule a visit and see for yourself why it could be the perfect launchpad for your child’s bright, global future!
Our schools & afternoon extended school & afternoon ‘activities enriched’ daycare centers are unique, exclusive compact neighborhood green campuses – where a lot of outdoor activities & experiential learning (physical – not digital) takes place with children on most days.
Our unique Smaller campus – with only 2 sections per each class grade – and very limited children on campus, allow us to focus on each child’s growth & development properly.
We are proud of our high quality, committed teachers – the very backbone of any good learning environment.
We raise well-rounded future ready individuals who are prepared to face the challenges of the world with confidence and integrity – with the right methods and practices. As an example – our foundational fitness program delivered in partnership with xfit kids , our gym, our green playgrounds and great coaches – give a great foundational fitness and start to our school kids.
A good understanding and partnership between parents and schools is key to nurturing the future leaders of gurugram, our great nation and our planet.
THE SIXTH ELEMENT SCHOOL WE BELIEVE IN THE IMPORTANCE OF CATALYSING & ENSURING “THE SIXTH ELEMENT – i.e. THE JOY OF LEARNING ” FOR EVERY CHILD. OUR CURRICULAM IS BENCHMARKED WITH THE BEST INTERNATIONALLY, WHILE DRAWING FROM OUR VERY OWN CORE ANCIENT INDIAN BEST PRACTICES SUCH AS THE GURU SHISHYA PARAMPARA) & VALUES. THANKS TO ITS 20+ YEARS EXPERIENCE AND ITS CORE CHILD DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES DRAWN FROM PIAGET, VYGOSTKY AND BRUNER – WHICH IS INCIDENTALLY THE RESOURCE POOL – FOR THE FOUNDATIONAL YEARS SCHOOL CURRICULUM OF THE UPGRADED NEW EDUCATION (NEP) UNDER ROLL OUT IN INDIA NOW.
So in line with some of India’s top and globally the very best : we are now a unique 100% Cambridge International School.
www.sixthelment.edu.in
the Sixth Element School
the school children love
SOUTH CITY 1. TATA PRIMANTI (sector 72)
85272-74695 or 97736-32626
since 2004(20 years)
limited enrolment available in pre-NURSERY, NURSERY, KG & DAYCARE, grade 1 now – in our prenursery to K12 school programs.
@ Gurgaon’s only single section “exclusive” boutique VENTILATED, AIRY, SPACIOUS. GREEN SCHOOL CAMPUSES
