| Kindergarten is fast approaching for my daughter and I | | | | committing to a monthly plan. Parents are welcome to |
| find myself constantly answering questions about | | | | stay and observe or leave their child to experience the |
| whether she will attend preschool. The answer is no | | | | class on their own. |
| and most parents are just asking but some have felt | | | | 3. Discovery Centers. If these centers are available in |
| the need to have a firm discussion with me on how | | | | your area, take advantage of them when you can. |
| preschool helps with socialization skills. I am not | | | | Discovery Centers can offer 2 hour classes to |
| opposed to preschool, I just prefer to continue teaching | | | | weeklong camps for preschool age children. Children |
| my daughter at home until the kindergarten adventure | | | | learn about science, are offered hands on experience |
| has to begin. | | | | such as working with clay, learning textures, art, playing |
| I agree that preschool can offer children an opportunity | | | | music, etc. Brace yourself because some of the |
| to develop many skills, including very important | | | | camps require you to leave the child with the instructor |
| social skills. However, these conversations started me | | | | but remember that this exercise is to help the child |
| thinking about other non-preschool opportunities for | | | | develop social skills. |
| socialization that might be available in your | | | | 4. Art Museums. Many museums offer storytime, |
| community. As social skills are best taught through real | | | | camps, kids clubs, and kid related areas where the real |
| life situations, I have listed a few alternatives to | | | | fun begins. Children have a hands-on experience with |
| preschool that will help develop or enhance your | | | | other children their age including arts, crafts, using |
| toddler's social skills: | | | | chalks, textures, etc. They have to learn to follow |
| 1. Gymnastics/Tumble Class. These classes are | | | | instructions, take turns, and share art supplies. Be sure |
| structured to teach children to work as a team, sit | | | | to stand back and let your toddler learn to respond to |
| quietly in a circle and pay attention, wait their turn, learn | | | | the instructor and find his way in an unfamiliar group of |
| new physical skills, follow directions, perform in front | | | | kids. |
| of others, and provides exercise that our children | | | | 5. Your Local Zoo. Check your local zoo for toddler |
| need. Not only will your child develop social skills within | | | | related classes. Some Zoo's offer kid yoga classes, |
| their own age group, but their self-esteem will grow | | | | art classes, and toddler classes with arts and crafts, |
| week after week as they master somewhat | | | | storytime, and the opportunity to touch and learn about |
| complicated tumbling and gymnastics techniques. Be | | | | select zoo animals. The toddler classes especially |
| sure the class coach has a patient, encouraging and | | | | teaches the children to sit in a circle, learn to keep |
| enthusiastic manner when working with the children | | | | quiet, raise their hand to participate, and to listen and |
| and your child will grow into a more social, confident | | | | follow instructions about the assigned class project. |
| human within a short time. | | | | Whether you choose preschool or choose to keep |
| 2. Gymboree Play and Music Classes. Yes, the | | | | your child at home until it's time for kindergarten, you |
| clothing retailer. The company has an early childhood | | | | have options for teaching them valuable socialization |
| educational division that operates Gymboree centers | | | | skills. Do your research and look for the opportunities |
| throughout the US. Programs include classes such as | | | | that will expose them to as much as possible. Yes, |
| music and art, and Centers even offer a two-hour | | | | sometimes that will mean standing back and letting |
| schools skill class designed especially for 3-5 year olds. | | | | them learn their way but each little step they take will |
| The Center offers a free class for every course | | | | be one giant leap toward the self-confident beings we |
| offered so parents can preview a class before | | | | all want our children to become. |