In today's competitive world, it's never too early to train your little one for the school experience. As a parent, you might feel that your child is just a toddler, and too young for any training. But it is advisable to prepare your child before he or she enters school, which could be a playschool, nursery or the kindergarten. Here are a few tips to make your child feel at home in the school environment. 
 

• THE FIRST STEP
  
  Teach your children the importance of sharing. Make them share sweets and toys with neighbours, siblings or anyone who comes home. Teach them how to welcome guests and how to be polite. The aim of this exercise is to make them realize the importance of peaceful co-existence. Apart from behavioural tips, children should also be told to keep the environment clean. This habit of cleanliness will go a long way in making them responsible citizens.
  
  
  
• COMMUNICATION
  
  If all your communication with your child consists of googoo and gaagaa, you're not exactly grooming him to become the next Shakespeare. Children pick up words and languages a lot faster than we think, so talk to them, and talk sense. Expose the child to a multilingual scenario. Don't stress any particular language. 
  
  
  
• NUMBERS AND ALPHABETS
  
  Early preparation is the best foundation. Always start with the basics. Teach your child a few numbers and alphabets while performing routine tasks. Recount alphabets while eating meals or make your child count birds when at the park. Make learning fun! 
  
  
  
• WRITING AND COLOURING
  
  All children love drawing, so encourage them. Just give them a paper and a set of crayons and watch them take off! This will not only build self-confidence but also grant a sense of achievement. Don't force them into a colouring exercise.  Let initial lessons come the natural way.
  
  
  
• BOOKS
  
  Start reading to your child from a very early age. Whet the thirst for knowledge by reading stories, newspapers, books and magazines. Or simply leave a picture book for the child's perusal while you are busy doing something else. This will boost creative imagination and instill a love for books, which will stand the child in good stead throughout life.
  
  
  
• GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
  
  Expose your little one to varied environments. Take him or her to the zoo, the park, the aquarium, the beach, the funfair, the market and even the bank. In this way you will sharpen the intellect and widen the child's spectrum of knowledge. These varied environments will train the child to be receptive to change.
  
  
  
• ELECTRONIC MEDIA
  
  There's more to television than just cartoon network. And since children love to watch TV in any case, why not encourage them to watch the Discovery Channel and National Geographic. In this way they will be transported into a brand new world of animals and natural surroundings. You can also get a few general knowledge and educational CD ROMs for your computer.  The idea is to expose them to a wonder world of knowledge and excitement.
  
  
  
• BUILD AWARENESS ABOUT THE SCHOOL EXPERIENCE
  
  You have to build excitement about the school experience. Show the child other school-going children with their trendy water bottles and school bags. Discuss the school experience like a fun experience. Narrate your school life anecdotes. 
  
  
  
• LOVE
  
  Do not underestimate the power of love, as this is the ultimate confidence-booster your child can ever receive. Love and security are the basic ingredients in helping your child cope with a new world and all its pressures. Always remember that quality time spent with your child is the best investment and preparation for all future experiences.