What does it mean to be “ready” for preschool? When parents talk about preparing their children to transition into preschool, they’re usually thinking about several different factors. Parents want to make sure their children are emotionally and socially ready for preschool. They also want to make a smooth, seamless transition into the preschool environment from a home environment or daycare atmosphere.
If you’re considering preschool for your little one in the near future, we put together three simple tips to help your family feel confident and ready to make the leap.
1. Prepare for the transition with stories.
Storytelling, modeling, and practicing all go a long way with kids. If you’re planning to help your child transition into preschool soon, you can help them adjust by slowly introducing them to the preschool concept. You may say something like, “Just like parents go to a different place to work, kids sometimes go to a new place to learn.” Reading books together such as Llama Llama Misses Mama and Chu’s First Day At School are excellent ways to explore both excitement and uncertainty.
You can even role play going to preschool by pretending to be the teacher or having your child pretend to work at the preschool. Together, you can act out different scenarios that will help your future preschooler feel comfortable and ready for their big day ahead. Above all, let your child guide the narrative, as you may be surprised at what they bring up.
2. Establish a regular morning routine before preschool begins.
Mornings with a preschooler can be a busy time. Everyone must eat, get dressed, gather the objects they need for the day, and head out the door. So, before your child begins attending preschool, set up a morning schedule. A morning routine can be as simple as having breakfast around the same time every day. If time permits, try to build in a little time for reading a book or snuggling a bit. Connection before separation can help kids feel secure and confident.
Your preschooler can help contribute to the morning routine in several ways. They can choose a book to read while having breakfast or a song to play while getting dressed. They can place their coat and shoes near the door. The same way you instinctively reach for the same coffee cup every morning, your child may also crave similar objects or rituals that make them feel reassured. A beloved stuffed animal or favorite toy can provide a portable link to home that they can carry with them on the way to preschool.
3. Make space for your child’s feelings about preschool.
Being “preschool ready” also involves your child’s heart and mind. Remember that it’s ok for a child to feel ambivalent about going to preschool. You may love your job, but there may also be some days when you dread entering the office. The same thing is true for children. When making the transition into preschool, kids may feel excited, scared, curious, overwhelmed, or any combination of those feelings. Make it safe for them to share all their feelings with you, both positive and negative. In doing this, you can process these feelings together as a family.
Some families find that children adapt better to attending preschool every day, instead of periodically over the course of a week. Having five days of a similar schedule can be reassuring by providing daily consistency. Watch your child’s response and see what level of frequency works best for both their schedule and yours.
Is Preschool on the Horizon? We’re Here for You!
We help kids transition to preschool by providing a warm, active, and engaging atmosphere for little ones. We provide plenty of play time, as well as structured activities to help children prepare for kindergarten and beyond. To learn why parents choose The Gardner School for their children to grow and learn, contact us to learn more or to schedule a virtual tour.