Starting preschool can be a time of trepidation for some children. Taking a few extra steps and preparing for school can ease fears, and give parents the satisfaction of knowing their children will have a happy and productive day.
Plan an Early Field Trip to the School
Kids thrive on routine. Children need to know what to expect and how to plan ahead for their day. Before school starts, pick a day to get up and follow your morning routine. Drive to the school and let the child be a part of check-in, putting their lunch box away and getting ready for class. Letting them go through this routine will give them an idea of what they will be doing each morning.
Kids are curious creatures. Plan to tour of the building with the administrator or teacher. Ask to see the classroom, the indoor play area and the outdoor playground. Showing a child the classroom will get them excited to start preschool.
Sometimes children are intimidated by new classmates. Bring them to school early and allow them to play with the other kids in class while you fill out paperwork or talk with the teachers. This will give them a chance to get to know the other children they will be spending most of their days with.
Meet the Teacher
One of the most important people in the life of your child is their teacher. Get to know them, ask questions and find out what they will be doing throughout the day. The more you know about their teacher, the more comfortable you will feel. Ask the instructor what teaching methods they are using, and what you can be doing at home to help promote what the child learned.
Set Out Clothes and Make a Lunch
Preschoolers love to help. Give them a chance to help pack their lunch. Ask them to get things out of the refrigerator, such as yogurt or applesauce. Let them grab silverware out of the drawer and help rearrange the items in the lunchbox.
Decisions aren't always easy when you're little. Encourage kids to set out clothes the night before, and the time spent deciding on an outfit will be alleviated the next morning.
Plan Extra Time Each Morning To Get Ready
Preschoolers are notorious for taking their time. Fingers don't move as fast to button clothes, eating breakfast usually takes more time and getting motivated isn't always a priority. Plan to wake up a few minutes early and avoid rushing around adding frustration and tension to the day.
Sticking to a routine will help establish confidence in your child and alleviate stress for the entire family. Take the time to plan an early trip to school, before the year starts, and give children a chance to get to know their peers, teachers and surroundings. Planning ahead will minimize fears in both parents and kids.
Julie Pollitt - Julie Pollitt started writing for publication in 1995. She gained experience as a reporter and editor at a Colorado newspaper. She has ...
