When it comes to the education of your little ones, parents want to provide them with nothing but the best. You tend to research the best schools and what career paths they can choose for a successful future. However, the frown on our foreheads starts to appear when it comes to deciding the right age for LKG (Lower Kindergarten) admission.
Now, parents tend to have different views in this regard. Thus, asking around can make deciding the correct age for LKG a daunting task. Fortunately, this blog covers everything you need to know on this matter.
Keep reading to learn more and make an informed decision!
What is the best age for children to get admitted to LKG?
As per the National Education Policy 2020, the LKG age limit for kids is 4 years. This means that students completing four years of age on or before June 1, 2023, can get admission to LKG for academic year 2023-24. The Directorate of Education has passed a circular to all schools across India to enforce the age criteria for LKG admission 2023-24.
But, as parents, you know that every child is different. Your little one may or may not be ready to join LKG at the age of 4. So, it is possible that you end up deciding to delay the admission of your child past the cut-off age. This is known as “redshirting” and some parents believe that it makes their little ones get used to the school environment more easily and do better academically.
There have been observations that kids who have been redshirted at kindergarten, had developed better cognitive learning capacities and social skills in comparison to their younger peers.
But, according to a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, there is hardly any concrete evidence to prove that delaying kindergarten admission has a significant impact on educational performance.
So, how do we decide the right age for enrolling our children?
The right age for LKG admission is when the child is ready to easily transition to a new social environment. Each child learns and grows at its own pace and it is important for parents to enrol at the right time.
Usually, toddlers start walking, talking, jumping and running right from the age of 2. But, you should watch out for certain other signs, which will help you understand whether your toddler is ready for attending school.
How to know whether your child is ready for kindergarten?
These are some of the signs which indicate whether your child is ready to start learning at school:
● Ability to identify alphabets and numbers
Today’s kids are fast learners. So, if you notice that your little one can identify even some of the alphabets and numbers, it is a potent sign that he/she may be ready for attending LKG.
Now, he/she may yet not be able to read and identify all alphabets and numbers, but that’s okay. If they have learnt some of them, the rest will soon follow.
● Ability to follow basic instructions
To study in a class, your child needs to have the ability to listen and execute simple instructions. For example, the teacher may ask your kid to take out a book and open a certain page.
In addition, it is important for them to have the ability to understand the instruction and remember what has been said. You can ensure the presence of this skill in your kid by asking him/her to do simple tasks at home.
● Has all the basic motor skills
To attend school, your little one should have mastered all the basic motor skills. These include holding a pencil, throwing a ball, picking up and putting down objects, etc. In case your child is still learning them and hasn’t quite figured them out yet, it is better to wait for them to get used to it, before you send them to school.
● Has completed potty training
One of the most important requirements in LKG is that your little one needs to be potty trained. This ensures that your kid has an enjoyable experience in school, without having to go through an embarrassing situation.
Additionally, please remember that having completed potty training does not mean that there will not be any accidents. But, it will at least show that they have understood their bodily needs and have the necessary skills to use the toilet.
● Able to spend time away from parents
Going to school means that your child will spend a considerable amount of time each day away from you. So, you need to be sure that your kid can handle such a situation.
To determine this, you can leave them with a family member or a babysitter for an entire day. If they are not upset about spending such a long time away from you, it is a sign that they are ready.
● Can socially interact with other children
Another important skill which your toddler needs to have is to know how to socialise with other children. At school, they will have to interact with several other kids of their age. Thus, knowing how to behave with other students, share items and take turns while participating in activities is important.
Letting your little one play with other children is an effective method to improve their social interaction skills.
Narayana e-Kidz – The Best Place for Your Child to Start Their Educational Journey
At Narayana e-Kidz, we aim to create an atmosphere where your kid learns concepts with unconscious effort. Our interactive classrooms have rhymes charts, sight boards, story charts, etc., to facilitate a fun learning experience.
The curriculum we follow is an amalgamation of traditional values with a futuristic approach. This helps us develop social, intellectual and physical skills among each of our students.
So, if your child has reached the right age for LKG admission, Narayana e-Kidz can be the best place to start their educational journey!
To stay updated about all the important information from the Narayana Educational Institutions, Join our Telegram channel: https://t.me/narayanaeducationalinstitutions