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Get Ready, Get Set, Go Preschool!

Ok, so its summer time and you’re starting to think “My child starts preschool next year.  What can we do to get him/her ready for the up coming school year?”  You’ve already got a lot to think about; what with transitioning out of ECI and into preschool, but how can you get your child ready for all that other jazz that comes with starting school?   Well have no fear, we’ve got some tips and trick that you can do with your toddler that will make that journey easier for both of you!

• Get your child used to following directions by using them regularly in your home. Use simple one-step directions first (such as “brush your teeth”). Then incorporate a second step (such as “brush your teeth and then get in bed”). Over time, your preschooler will get used to following directions and this will make doing so in preschool easier.
• Try getting them involved in a summer play group or other social activity.  If you child isn’t used to being away from you during the day this is important, because it will help to greatly reduce the anxiety of being away from you when school starts. Also very important; your preschooler is going to need to learn to share items, take turns and otherwise interact with children, so make sure that you’ve given them the skills to do so.   If you’re trying to choose a group or activity that will be fun and interesting to you child, try contacting you local library.  Most libraries have summer activities for young children, such as story times and classes (art, computer, etc.) that are fun, entertaining, and educational.  Ask you local library for a summertime schedule of these events.  Another good contact idea is your local community center.  They often offer classes such as arts and crafts, music, and sports, that would be great opportunities for you child.  Most of these activities and classes run about 30 minutes to an hour, and are held on a weekly basis.
• Make it a point to say that preschool is a big kid thing!  Point out the ways in which your child is growing up!  This way, your child will be proud and excited about preschool, not scared.
• Make a special trip to the store with your soon-to-be preschooler to purchase some special items that your child will need for school.  Make it special by letting them help pick out the items they will need…a backpack, lunchbox, set of crayons.  These items will be saved to be used for when they go to preschool… the anticipation of getting to use and show off these items will get them exited and will help with the transition into preschool.
• Use a schedule at home.  Since your child will be on a schedule in preschool, this is a very useful skill for them to learn. Have a playtime, a nap time, a snack time, a video time, and an outside time that are basically the same every day. The routine itself may be different in preschool but the process of getting used to a routine won’t be new to your child.
• And of course, the most important thing about preparing your child to start preschool is that you have to prepare yourself! Even parents who are eager for their child to start preschool feel a twinge of regret when it’s time to send kids to preschool. It’s a change that can breed fear and anxiety. Keep in mind that if you are overly anxious about it, your child will pick up on that and the transition to preschool will be more difficult. So trust that you’ve prepared your child for preschool and rest easy in that knowledge.

Now you’re both going to be ready for preschool!! Remember that this is a time for learning new things for your child, and the more you do together the more fun it will be for both of you!! So Get Ready…Get Set…Go to Preschool!