Find, Find, Find…
That’s how Jonathan would go singing while looking for his toys…“Find, find, find…everywhere. Find, find, find…everywhere.”
We are planning to send Jonathan to school next year. Not that I think he is ready but I think he needs to learn to be more sociable. I would expect some crying sessions and refusal in the beginning, knowing him, my son! It’s happening in Sunday School.
Another reason (more of an excuse you’d say), I am unable to spend fun-time with him at this moment. My mind have many activities that I would like to do with him but regretfully can’t (if you understand the situation I’m in now). Not wanting him to miss out all these, and so I think sending him to school is another way for him to learn, pick up more things and most importantly, have fun.
And so, a bit late, we are scouting for a school for him. Few aspects that we are taking into consideration when looking for a school for him.
Location
Either close to our house or along our way to work so that either Darling or myself can drop him off school. May be a bad idea because there will be tendency that he refuse to get down from the car.
Time
School must open its door by 7.45am, else we will be late to work. If this is impossible, we have to find a transporter. May be a good idea so that we don’t have to wake the sleepy head up early in the morning.
Fees
School fees can be rather expensive nowadays compared to many years back. We don’t mind paying a little more but must be reasonable. But how much is consider reasonable?
What are other aspects that you think I need to take into consideration?
What are the things that I need to observe or ask during my visit to the school?
Ann says:
Oh…hope you find a good kindy. When Christopher first went to kindy, his class teacher was a really warm and motherly woman. Made it easier for him to love and accept school. She has left now but he will remembers her. High turnover is said to be expected esp when you go for the smaller kindys. A kind and experienced principal helps too since you may be dealing with her the most.
But most importantly listen to your gut feeling. Will keep your quest in prayer.
prince n princess mum says:
I’m doing kindy hunt recently, too!
mery says:
Hope you can get a good kindy for your son…I also looking for some good kindy for my boy Ryan.
Ponytail says:
Ask for a thorough tour of the school. Check out the classrooms, toilets, eating area, places where they keep books and stuff. All these must be clean and organized.
Environement must be cosy, not too hot or stuffy.
Browse through the books in library and ask to see what books or methods they use to teach the child.
I personally like principal and teachers that can converse well in Eng and Mandarin, it is a plus point.
BM is usually poorly taught in kindy level.
Check the timetable and assess weather it is too overwhelming for the child – ask urself what you want to achieve from sendind the kid to school – this will somehow give u an idea weather the timetable is alright.
Ask to see the meals menu schedule and check the food they provide during break weather you like it. Ask also where the source of the food from..
Get Jonathan to visit the kindy a couple of times. If can, ask for a week of trial class. This is a way to prepare him gradually for school.
Let the teachers talk to him and interact with him. He would need to find a teacher he likes to start getting accustom to the school….for a start!
Phew…a lot yea…just my 2 sens worth of thot!
Lynette says:
My first priority is cleanliness. Bring him along for kindie hunt, I think kiddos’ feeling towards a new environement is important. If he find the school appealing, it could help a little… Manfred stepped into his kindie and has been bugging me to bring him there for good consecutive 3 days. but he did cried for a whole week when school starts. Now it’s all good…
rachel says:
Happy Hunting.
kristie says:
I’m also on the hunt for a preschool for Jayden…. ur concerns are exactly the same as mine… of cos we would want a place near to us, and clean etc… still hunting… anyway good luck! xoxo
andrewjune says:
kindy must be near to your home/work so easier to pick/drop them off.
we went for a tour (without informing them and we turned up on a weekday during school time).
then only we are able to check the cleanliness of the kindy esp the toilets & the canteen area.
of course they will hv separation anxiety for awhile…but within week(s), it should be ok!
happy hunting, julie 🙂
Amanda says:
I went thru the same when I look for a kindy for Abigail. I personally just want my child to grow up first to know God and learn His Word. Academic wise, she will catch up later on but character must build from young. That’s why I choose a Christian background kindy. Their moral class is using Christian values and children were thought to pray. If a person who love God, all other things will be in order.
You have to know your objective too. that will help you to choose. 🙂