It’s that time of year when parents of preschoolers are not only checking out preschools for their three, four and five-year-olds, but also preparing their children for preschool in the fall.
Social Preparations
If your child has siblings, he (or she) probably has already had numerous opportunities to learn to take turns and share. Or, if your child has been involved with a playgroup or part of a church nursery or child care environment, he’s had some experiences interacting with other kids.
However, if you have an only child or your child hasn’t had much chance to interact with other children, it’s even more critical to teach some basic social etiquette. Therefore, invite other children to your home regularly so he’ll have a opportunities to learn to share and take turns.
Learning to Sit Still
Although many children are learning to sit still by preschool age, others who are more active (or who have attention deficit discover) may need more practice. Take advantage of any story hour programs for preschoolers at your local library. Insist your child sit with you quietly in church. (If he’s still in the church nursery, it’s time to graduate to the big church.)
Make Sure Your Child is Potty Trained
Of course, this is obvious, but sometimes when kids start preschool they’re not fully toilet trained. If you child isn’t totally trained by preschool it not only puts a burden on the teacher, but singles out your child as immature with his peers.
- Talk about preschool - Rather than just dropping off your child the first day of school, prepare him during the summer for how exciting this new experience will be. Have planned “together times” where you and your child talk about going to preschool, encouraging him to ask any questions.
- Calendar countdown - Take out a calendar and circle the date of the first day of school. Also, have your child cross out each day that draws him closer to the big day. By taking part in a “count day” it won’t be as overwhelming.
- Read books - Read to your child books about going to school such as Little Cliff’s First Day of School by Clifton L. Taulbert.
Meeting the New Teacher
When you meet with your child’s teacher be sure to discuss any concerns. What’s more, introduce the teacher to your child as this will help to alleviate some anxiety on the first day of school.
Teach Basic Information
- Address and phone number - By teaching him to recite his address and phone number, as well as any other personal information, he’ll be a step ahead. Also, if you know the name of his new teacher, make sure he can say it. This way he’ll have a jump on his classmates which will boost his confidence.
- ABCs - Teach him the familiar “ABC” song.
- Counting -Teach him to count to at least up to 50. Rather than sitting him down for a “formal” math lesson, work it into your everyday interactions. For example, when playing blocks with him say, “Let’s count the blocks---one, two three…”
Finally, when the big day arrives, send your child off with a happy face. You may feel like crying, as this is your first major separation. But let him see you smiling. In other words, learn to let go. Don’t hover. It’s advisable to take your child the first day and meet his new teacher, but leave. By not clinging, you’ll not only do yourself a favor, but your child will start out on a positive note.
