The first day of preschool marks an important milestone for both the child and the parents. This also means the child is ready to pick up new skills, develop independence and make new friends along the way. The transition, however, can be quite difficult and overwhelming. The right smooth prep can foster more emotional, exciting shifts.
This blog focuses on practical approaches that can work wonders while getting the preschooler ready for school.
The Reason that Preparation is Important
Preschool is usually the first encounter a child has outside the comfort of their home. Children are introduced to various forms of social interactions, guided activities, and even some lessons. With the right form of preparation, stress can be minimized while confidence can be elevated.
Preparation is more than just registering the child in school; it is an entire emotional framework. The child must be mentally accustomed to concepts such as socialization and self-reliance to a certain degree. Children that are positively prepped tend to adapt better.
Advice to Get Your 3-Year-Olds Ready for Preschool
Always Emphasize The Positives
Make sure that conversations regarding preschool start long before the actual date. It should be framed as a place full of excitement where they will make new friends, learn and even participate in out of the box games. Try to build as much anticipation as possible because that reduces fear.
There are videos and books aimed at preschool that you can utilise which will help your child understand everything that comes with office culture. It is also a good idea to read stories with your child that feature characters going to preschool. This will help to make the experience more familiar to them.
Always Go Along On A Tour
If something like a tour is offered by the preschool, it is advisable to take full advantage of it. Introduce yourself and your child to the teachers and caregivers so that he or she is able to make some mental connections with what they might perceive the preschool environment to be.
While some preschools do not offer this service, some do. It is important for your child, so it is highly recommended for parents to take these activities seriously.
Always Set A Schedule
Children always love routine. Try to align your child’s schedule in accordance to what your child will have to deal with at preschool weeks prior to school. The routine should include things like wake up time, meal time, nap time and sleep time.
Establishing a consistent schedule eases the transition from home to school for your child and minimizes reluctance on the first day.
Foster Autonomy through Self-Help Skills
Preschool-age children are expected to manage basic self-care tasks. Work on the following skills:
- Using the toilet with no help needed
- Washing hands with no need for supervision
- Dressing and undressing without assistance
- Eating with limited guidance
- Tidying up their toys or personal space
These skills are empowering and boost your child’s self-esteem in the lesson.
Promote Social Skills with Playdates
Preschool offers social opportunities as well as educational ones. Your child will be expected to share, take turns, express their feelings and interact verbally. Help foster these skills by organizing playdates or small group outings with other children.
During playdates, help your child with sharing toys, asking to use them appropriately and settling minor disagreements. Use praise to reinforce the skills to improve negative behaviors.
Encourage Listening and Following Directions
Listen to the teacher and following basic instructions is crucial for success in the classroom. You can assist by playing games that need focus and obeying such as “Simon Says” or “Follow the Leader.”
Provide your child with simple instructions and reward them with a small gift when they complete the task as instructed.
Prepare Your Child Emotionally
It’s common for children to experience some degree of separation anxiety prior to starting preschool. Remind your child that it is perfectly fine to miss you and that you will always come back after school.
Develop a unique way of saying goodbye, for instance a special handshake or a hug and kiss routine that is done in a particular order. This gives your child some emotional protection which allows them to face new challenges with greater self-assurance.
Allow Your Child to Take Part in Preschool Preparations
Involve your child in the process by letting them choose a backpack, lunchbox and wardrobe for the first day. This kind of involvement fosters anticipation while simultaneously giving them autonomy.
Talk to them about what they might want to take to school like a favorite toy or a comfort item if it is permitted, to help prepare them for the new environment.
Work with Other Staff Member of the Preschool
Teacher’s open communication with caregivers can facilitate the child’s smooth transition into and within the school. Provide the staff with the basic information regarding the child’s preferences, dislikes, allergies and some fears if any. That way, teachers will be able to provide more appropriate strategies to the child.
Find out what the preschool has planned for each day, what rules they have and what can be done at home to strengthen the lessons taught.
Maintain a Good Outlook
Kids typically tend to mirror a parent’s feelings. You might make your child more apprehensive if you’re anxious or worried. Always radiate confidence that your child will have a great experience during preschool and maintain a positive attitude around it.
Encourage your child and celebrate even the smallest milestones.
Conclusion
If you are looking for Preschool for 3 years old in Fresno, Growing Patch Preschool was designed and built uniquely for preschoolers ages 2-6, everything from the classrooms to the bathrooms to the enormous backyard has been tailor made for our kids. Like a garden, our school is a space where our children grow and develop during the most critical years of their lives. Come join us today, your child’s kindergarten teacher will thank you!
