Question about starting preschool and behavior

we are thinking of sending ds to preschool after he turns 3 (he's 2 1/2 now) but I'm worried about how he'll behave. Right now at 2.5 he's very high energy and quite rambunctious, basically wanting to do what HE wants to do. We wanted to start with a couple days a week just to introduce him to a classroom setting and for socialization, I just don't want to set him up for failure.

If you had/have a "spirited" toddler how did they handle the preschool enviornment?

TIA

Question about starting preschool and behavior

Mine was fantastic.. He is extremely hyper with a lot of sensory issues so I was worried but they were great with him! His teachers were excellent. He is in prek now and he has an extremely strict teacher. It is the best thing that could have happened! Your little one might surprise you! Good luck.

Question about starting preschool and behavior

My ds is crazy at home but completely different in his class at daycare.

IMO I'd want them exposed to a classroom setting way before Pre K or k.

Re: Question about starting preschool and behavior

DS started nursery school in September, and just turned 3 on 11/9. so he wasn't quite 3 when he started school. he only goes 2 mornings a week, but its been SO good for him!!
He's not a "rough and tumble"/constantly moving kind of kid, so that wasn't really a problem for him. His problem was me leaving him there (i'm a SAHM, and hes the only child). It took him about 3 weeks before he stopped crying at drop off.
As far as following "rules", I think teachers of this age are really great with the kid and know what to expect DS's teacher didn't start doing "circle time" (where they have to sit and listen) until a couple week in. She also does some great activities where the kids are up and moving (they were working on numbers one day, and she had them bring paper "turkeys" to the matching number "barnyard". So they were learning to match numbers, but still up and moving around. So I don't think they expect them to sit for long periods of time at this age at all!!
But, there are definitely "rules" they have to follow, like sitting at snakc time and circle time.
Maybe you can get your DS in a "mommy and me" type class, so he at least gets a feel for having certain times he has to sit, and for listening to another adult besides you and DH?? I'm sure he'll do fine though- they mature a lot in 6 months

Message edited 11/24/2013 3:22:52 PM.

Re: Question about starting preschool and behavior

My kid is a total and complete nut at home. At school he's great. He's still energetic and likes to be moving in class, but he's much better than he is at home. I think kids are usually much better behaved for anyone who is not their parents!

Re: Question about starting preschool and behavior

My DS is super active.
Was much better in preschool at 3.5. He started at 3.
The teacher said she couldn't believe the difference in a few months... I think it was just an age thing.
Personally, I think Kids just chill with age a bit & can sit for things.

Question about starting preschool and behavior

Thanks everyone!

Re: Question about starting preschool and behavior

I have no personal experience yet, but DD will be starting a more structured day care setting a few months after she turns 2, and I asked the teachers how kids usually handle it. They told me almost every kid figures it out, understands what's expected of them and falls in line pretty quickly and not to expect an issue.

So I wouldn't worry about it. They'll probably handle it better than we will.