Alternatives to Preschool: Five Tips for Developing Social Skills
Kindergarten is fast approaching for my daughter and I find myself constantly answering questions about whether she will attend preschool. The answer is no and most parents just ask, but some have felt the need to have a strong discussion with me about how preschool helps with socialization skills. I’m not opposed to preschool, I just prefer to continue homeschooling my daughter until she has to start her kindergarten adventure.
I agree that preschool can offer children the opportunity to develop many skills, including very important social skills. However, these conversations got me thinking about other non-preschool socialization opportunities that might be available in your community. Since social skills are best taught through real life situations, I have listed some alternatives to preschool that will help develop or improve your toddler’s social skills:
1. Gymnastics class/Tumble. These classes are structured to teach children to work as a team, sit quietly in a circle and pay attention, take turns, learn new physical skills, follow directions, perform in front of others, and provide the exercise our children need. Not only will your child develop social skills within his or her own age group, but his self-esteem will grow week by week as he masters somewhat complicated gymnastics and tumbling techniques. Make sure that the classroom coach has a patient, encouraging and enthusiastic attitude when working with the children and your child will become a more sociable and self-confident human being in no time.
2. Music Classes and Gymboree Play. Yes, the clothing retailer. The company has an early childhood education division that operates Gymboree centers throughout the United States. Programs include music and art classes, and the Centers even offer a two-hour school skills class designed especially for children ages 3-5. The Center offers one free class for each course offered so that parents can preview a class before committing to a monthly plan. Parents can stay and observe or let their child experience the class on their own.
3.Discovery Centers. If these centers are available in your area, take advantage of them when you can. Discovery Centers can offer 2-hour classes to week-long camps for preschoolers. Children learn about science, hands-on experience is offered such as working with clay, learning textures, art, playing music, etc. Be prepared that some of the camps require you to leave the child with the instructor, but remember that this exercise is to help the child develop social skills.
4. Art Museums. Many museums offer storytimes, camps, kids’ clubs, and kid-related areas where the real fun begins. Children have hands-on experience with other children their age, including arts, crafts, chalking, textures, etc. They have to learn to follow directions, take turns, and share art supplies. Be sure to step back and let your toddler learn to respond to the instructor and find their way around an unfamiliar group of kids.
5. Your local zoo. Check your local zoo for classes related to young children. Some zoos offer kids’ yoga classes, art classes, and toddler classes with arts and crafts, storytelling, and the chance to touch and learn about select zoo animals. The toddler classes especially teach children to sit in a circle, learn to be silent, raise their hand to participate, and listen and follow directions on the assigned class project.
Whether you choose preschool or choose to keep your child at home until it’s time for kindergarten, you have options to teach them valuable socialization skills. Do your research and look for opportunities that will expose them as much as possible. Yes, sometimes that will mean stepping back and letting them learn their way, but every little step they take will be a giant leap toward the self-confident beings we all want our children to become.