Starting preschool marks an essential phase in your child’s development. Starting preschool is a big deal. Your child has been spending all their time either with you or in the company of other children who live close by.
Now, they’ll be spending most of each day away from home and family. While this should not come as a surprise to you, your child likely feels very differently about it. Now that they are faced with their first day of preschool, there is sure to be some anxiety.
The tips below can help you prepare your child for their first day of preschool and ease the transition into a brave new world.
Find The Best Preschool For Your Child
One of the best things you can do to ensure your child has a tremendous first preschool experience is by taking them to the best preschool. There are so many preschools nowadays, so you can start by searching for the best preschool near me on the internet.
Now, there are many things to consider when looking for the best preschool for your child. You’ll want to find one with experienced teachers, clean, well-stocked with educational tools, and has a good learning environment. Make sure you research local preschools in your area before deciding which school would be best for your child.
Talk About How Much Fun Learning Is
Preschoolers live in a world filled with playtime activities designed to teach them essential skills. These activities are fun because they’re not necessarily productive, but children often pressure themselves to perform tasks well.
Discuss how learning is a necessary part of life and how it doesn’t have to be stressful or take too much time away from their favourite things. Make sure your child knows that you’ll always be there when they get out of school.
Seek Out A Friend In Advance
If your child is nervous about attending preschool, perhaps they have another friend starting preschool on the same day. Please take this opportunity to start a new friendship by giving your child the chance to meet their future classmates ahead of time.
You can even plan playdates that take place before school starts, so they’ll feel more comfortable during their first few days of preschool.
Get Them Excited About Their New School Stuff
Get your child excited about their new backpack, folder, lunchbox, etc. Talk about how big it is and what kinds of special things might fit inside it.
Having something brand new to take to school can often ease fears because children love the excitement of getting new things.
Talk About What A Typical Day Might Look Like
The first day of preschool can be a lot for a young child to take in all at once. A general conversation about which activities your child might participate in may not be enough to ease their fears or help them settle into the daily routine.
Discuss what the first day of school might look like. What might they see, what do you think the teacher will teach them, and what things might they eat for snack? Go into detail about the friends they will play with and how much fun it’ll be.
Pack Something From Home to Make The Transition Easier
For younger children, a familiar blanket or stuffed toy can be a source of security in an otherwise new and unknown place.
Your child may also find comfort in having something from home during their first day of preschool when they are still getting used to being away from you all day long.
Discuss What A Good Friend Does
Preschoolers often struggle with the difference between playing and fighting, especially in large groups where they may not be familiar with everyone’s play style.
Talk to your child about treating others kindly, being willing to share toys when asked, and calling out bad behaviour when they see it.
Teach Them How To Take Care Of Themselves
Teach your child how to take care of themselves if something happens while you’re gone. Tell them how to ask for the teacher’s assistance during the day. Teach them what to do if they fall while playing or get hurt in some other way.
If your child is old enough to understand more detailed instructions about what they should do in particular instances, be sure to practise these scenarios at home. That way, they’ll feel confident when you’re not with them.
Talk About The Ideas Of Before And After School
Before school starts, explain to your child that they need to prepare for the day before leaving the house. This means brushing their teeth and using the potty, so it’s important not to leave home if they haven’t had a chance to do these things yet.
Once you arrive at the preschool and everyone has settled in, remind your child about what comes next. This could be anything from staying in class, listening to the teacher, doing circle time activities, or taking a group nap.
Visit Your Preschool Before The First Day
You will most likely be able to tour the facility, meet some of the teachers and staff, and answer any questions about your child’s expectations on their first day. If you visit during a class party or other special event, you can see firsthand how children respond to planned activities and where everyone goes during free playtime.
Visiting ahead of time allows you to go at your own pace, so no one feels rushed, and it gives your child an opportunity to explore the school beforehand and ask questions if needed.
Planning The Perfect First Day Of Preschool
If your child is about to embark on their first day of preschool, it may be an anxious time for both of you. You need to reassure them that everything will be okay and they will love being in school. Talk about all the exciting things they’ll do and the new friends they’ll make.
With that in mind, if you’re still looking for the best new preschool for your child, please get in touch with us, and we can discuss enrolment.
