Attending a preschool center marks a big step in your child’s life, but shy children can find it difficult to adjust to the change, becoming withdrawn and un-engaged in the classroom. Working on participation is a key part of school readiness, and if they’re more comfortable around their teacher, they’re more likely to speak up and succeed at school. Here are a few ways to help your child become more comfortable.

How to Increase Your Child’s Comfort Around Their Preschool Center Teacher

1. Practice Conversations With Them at Home

For shy children, speaking to someone new can be difficult. Run through hypothetical scenarios with your child at home to help them practice appropriate responses to common questions. This will help them prepare for the classroom, making it easier for them to speak up and increasing their self-confidence.

2. Encourage Extracurricular or Group Activities

If the preschool center offers group outings or extracurricular activities, speak with your child about participating. Being around and interacting with groups of children their age will help them develop key social skills, making the classroom feel less intimidating. It could also lead to new friendships.

3. Arrange a Meeting With the Teacher

If their comfort levels don’t improve, schedule a meeting with your child’s teacher. Ask about their behavior in class and the teacher’s approaches to pedagogy. Together, you’ll be able to discuss what seems to help your child open up and develop a strategy to work on their social skills. A comprehensive, team-based approach to the issue will lead to a smoother, more efficient solution.

4. Spend Time With Your Child at the Preschool Center

Arrange to visit your child at preschool. Participate in the activities, and engage as many of the children and teachers in conversation as possible, encouraging your child to join in. Sometimes, having a familiar and supportive face present will let your child relax enough to open up, and once the ice is broken with their teacher and classmates, it’ll be easier for them to participate in the future. Visiting their school also allows you to observe their behavior and ensure there isn’t an underlying cause to their shyness that needs attention.

Set your child up for success by enrolling them in a program at Pumpkin Preschool in Fairfield County, CT. For over 25 years, they’ve focused on providing affordable child care and school readiness services that don’t sacrifice quality for affordability. As a fully licensed and insured preschool center, their teachers are certified in first aid and CPR. With extended hours and convenient locations throughout the county, they cater to busy parents, offering summer camp and before- and after-school programs. Learn about their child care providers online, then call (203) 255-7505 to reserve your child’s spot today.