Starting preschool marks a new phase in your child’s life. It’s the start of a new milestone in their development. While this early start helps set your child on the path for later academic success, the transition is not always easy. Preparing for this phase may be difficult for both you and your child. Here are some helpful ideas that can make the transition smoother and easier.
Talk to your child about the typical preschool day
You should introduce the idea of preschool to your child as soon as you finalize your decision to send them to one. It will give them plenty of time to digest the thought that they will be attending preschool soon. Describe what a typical preschool day is like so that they will have clues to what takes place. Highlight the most exciting and fun activities that they will do in preschool. Tell them about the items and toys they will play with. Tell them that they will have the chance to play on the playground. There will be time for storytelling, singing, coloring and more!
Get them excited by buying school stuff
Kids love to go shopping, especially when you buy them new stuff! Increase their excitement for school by buying them new school materials, like bags, crayons, and shoes. Tell them they will only get to use these things as soon as school starts. It will help build up the excitement as they find something positive to expect at preschool.
Visit the preschool with your child
You can’t expect your child to find it easy to adjust to preschool, especially when they haven’t been in formal group settings. Help your child familiarize themselves with preschool by visiting the center with them. Tour them around the facility to show them the classrooms and the outdoor area where they will play. It is also a good idea to let them play in the playground so that they will feel comfortable there.
Establish a set schedule
Following a daily, consistent schedule helps ease your child’s transition to the structure of preschool. According to the experts, kids learn best when schedules and routines are established. Through routines, children learn about sequencing and the concept of time. Make sure to let your child practice following a set schedule at home. Set specific schedules for meals, playing, reading, etc. This will help prepare them for school.
Stick to morning and bedtime routines
As soon as school starts, children must follow morning and bedtime routines. They will have to get used to getting up early to be ready for school. They will have to go to bed early so they can get enough sleep for the next day. Before the start of the school, get your child to practice following routines. Train them to get up early and teach them to make their bed. Teach them the habit of brushing their teeth, dressing up and organizing their stuff. Also, start bedtime routines like bathing, changing pajamas, brushing teeth, reading a book and saying their prayers.
Make time for reading
Foster your child’s love for reading by making it a habit to read to them every day. Pick books and stories that will inspire their imagination and creative thinking skills. Have reading materials in the car, in their bedroom and in the living room. Good children’s literature will help enhance your child’s vocabulary. It will also provide language skills that will help them succeed in school.
It is natural for children to experience anxiety when attending preschool. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the anxiety and make the transition easier for both of you. Feel free to refer to this list to help prepare for preschool. Also, make sure to choose the best preschool for the best quality education they deserve – Imagine Nation Learning Center.
