Your preschooler’s ideas about fashion may be highly specific. Maybe they love to wear rain boots every single day of the year, or their princess dress has seen better days from daily use. They might put together unusual combinations you’d never have imagined. (A winter coat and sandals? How creative!)
Costume and outfit changes are a way for children to express themselves, showcase their imagination, and explore different roles. You may even see them trying on your work clothes or athletic clothes for fun. Just as adults choose different outfits for work and play, preschoolers love having dedicated clothing for different activities.
By providing students with school uniforms, they can equate putting on those clothes with learning, playing at preschool, friendships, and growing. Here are four key reasons uniforms make sense for preschoolers:
1. Uniforms save families time.
Nothing simplifies a busy morning like having clothes set out ahead of time. A designated outfit for school, work, or play helps cut down on the back and forth that comes with deciding what to wear. When a preschool opts for school uniforms, it can make a busy morning easier for both parents and children. Preschoolers can select and put on their own clothes for the day without needing to find a matching outfit. This saves time and fosters their sense of independence and personal agency.
2. Uniforms save families money and space.
Having a uniform for daily wear can save a fair amount of money that would otherwise be spent on clothes for children who grow quickly and play enthusiastically. Once your child grows out of a uniform, it can be passed down to a younger sibling or re-sold to a new preschooler. Rather than having drawers and boxes filled with outgrown clothing, you can cut down on clutter and free up space in your little one’s closet and drawers.
3. Uniforms create a sense of community.
When you see a friend wearing an article of clothing that you like, it’s a natural instinct to ask them where they got it. Research has shown that as groups of people become closer friends, they begin speaking, acting, and even dressing alike. Your child can experience that same sense of belonging by wearing a school uniform. Wearing the same outfit can help students who are new to a school feel like they’re immediately part of the community. Plus, new friends look extra adorable in matching gear.
4. Uniforms help foster independence.
Preschoolers love doing activities “all by themselves” as they practice autonomy and independence and develop confidence in their skills and abilities. Just like their parents put on work clothes for their careers, children can develop a similar sense of mission and routine as they get ready in the morning. Choosing which items they want to wear from their school clothes and putting their choice of uniform combination on each day can help preschoolers develop confidence in their skills and abilities. When they put their uniform on, it’s time for learning, playing, and exploring.
5. Uniforms support a learning mindset.
Adults wear different “uniforms” in daily life when they switch from one setting or activity to another, like doing yard work or going to the gym. Changing clothes is often the first step towards preparing for a new activity. The same concept applies to children. Putting on a uniform can help your child adopt a “school mindset.” They know that fun and engaging learning activities happen when they have their uniform on! Over time, they’ll associate putting on a uniform with preparing their mind to learn.
Caring for Children and Creating Community
The Gardner School uses school uniforms to help children feel connected to their classrooms. By creating a warm and welcoming school environment, we help our preschoolers focus on what’s on the inside. With a myriad of on-site enrichment activities, a flexible curriculum, and plenty of time for imaginative play, children can exercise creativity and exploration. To learn more about our strategic approach to early childhood education, visit our website or schedule a tour today.