Preparing Your Child for Preschool

For many children, preschool is the first time spent away from home for an extended period of time. Starting preschool is supposed to be a fun and exciting time for families, but it can also be stressful and produce anxiety. It is important for families to adequately prepare children for preschool in order to make the transition easier.

This article from the website Parents.com provides suggestions as to how to help children get ready for preschool. Here are a few highlights:

1. Establish a Set Schedule

Children should be used to following a schedule and a routine. “Following a routine provides opportunities for making decisions and and acting responsibly, and having a daily schedule can help ease your child’s transition to the structure of a preschool setting.”

2. Take Advantage of Teachable Moments

There are numerous opportunities to encourage a child’s learning throughout the day. Take the time to embrace these teachable moments. Point out letters on street signs, go on a nature walk and introduce vocabulary of things found in nature, visit a zoo or farm and talk about the different animals and imitate their signs, take a trip to the store and identify different colors in fruits and vegetables. The possibilities are endless!

3. Fine-Tune Fine Motor Skills

Developing a child’s fine motor skills is essential. Fine motor skills involve the smaller muscles, such as those in the fingers. “Prior to preschool, help your child develop his fine motor skills during play by creating a fun craft that involves snipping paper, coloring, and gluing.”

4. Make Time For Reading

Reading together with your child is one of the most beneficial ways to promote their development. “Read to your child every day to foster a love for reading and to enhance your child’s vocabulary.” You can read in the car, at the park or beach, anywhere!

Check out these reads to get your child excited for preschool!

My First Day at Nursey School by Becky Edwards

Maisy Goes to Preschool by Lucy Cousins

Rosie Goes to Preschool by Karen Katz

The Night Before Preschool by Natasha Wing

The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! by Mo Willems

Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn