If your child will be attending preschool for the first time this September, you may have many questions… Will she be happy? Have fun? Learn? Make friends? Will he cry? There are so many emotions that both parents and children go through before the big first day.
Here are some tips to make this important transition as smooth as possible for you and your child:
1. Introduce your child to their school in advance. Since school visits may be limited due to Covid, show your child pictures of the school from the school’s website, and drive by the school to take a look at the playground, together if possible. Listen to your child’s questions, and allow them to talk about any worries. Let her know it is normal to be nervous or excited, and that all the other children will feel that way too.
2. Read books to your child about going to Preschool. Talk about the way the children in the books are feeling, and ask your child how they feel.
3. Encourage your child to learn and use self-help skills such as putting on and zipping their jacket. Preschool is a place for the growth of independence skills, so give your child a head start by getting them to do as many things on their own as possible. Make sure they clean up their own toys, throw away their own garbage (juice boxes, napkins, etc.) and help with any age appropriate chores at home.
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4. Use predictable routines at home for bedtime, morning and other key times of day. A high- quality preschool classroom will follow a predictable schedule. If your child is used to a predictable schedule at home, it will help him adjust to Preschool.
5. As it gets closer, shop with your child for a new backpack, to be used especially for school. Children are so proud and excited about their first backpack, as it is a symbol to them that they are now a “big kid”. Let your child pick it out, so she feels in control of this new next step in her life.
On the first day, and for the first few weeks, there are bound to be tears (by both children and parents) – this goes with the territory of learning to cope with change and growing up. Show your child you know they can do it, by smiling and wishing them a great day at drop off time. If they sense your unease, they can become worried. Don’t linger too long at drop off – instead, call the school a half hour later to check on your child. During the school year, keep in touch with your child’s teacher to gain insights into how she is doing, and to support her growth at home.
Plan ahead for a great new preschool adventure!
| Valerie Frost-Lewis, MS Ed. is the owner of The Peppermint Tree Child Development Center, offering child care in Toms River NJ. The Peppermint Tree Child Development Center is a 4 star rated, state-certified, non-sectarian, non- denominational center that offers a program developed for young, inquisitive minds. The Peppermint Tree is a proud participant in Grow NJ Kids, to assure high quality early childhood education for our children. For more information on their curriculum, visit their website or call: 732-929-2500. |  |
