Tips for Starting Preschool
Getting a Child Emotionally Ready for the First Day of School
Aug 23, 2009
There is nothing more heartbreaking than watching a child cry for her mom or dad on that first day of school. However, there are ways to prepare a toddler for preschool and get him off to a good start.
Introduce a Child to the Preschool in Advance
Preschools give parents the option to bring in their child before school is actually in session. Because of busy lifestyles, there are always summer sessions in preschools and plenty of chances to introduce a child to his or her future classmates. Introduce teachers before classes begin by taking the child to class a week to a month before school starts. Parents can sit with their child, get involved in the activities, and show him that there is nothing to be scared of. Remember that anxious parents will create anxious children, and going to school with the child is the perfect way to relieve parental and child anxiety.
Read Books About the First Day of Preschool
Back to school books for preschoolers are a fantastic way to get children ready for preschool. Books that hit on the same fears and anxieties that children are experiencing help them understand that those feelings are normal, justified, and understood. Quality picture books also give parents cues for how to respond to their child's questions, and how to handle her anxieties.
Allow Children to Take a Special Something From Home
It is OK to take a favorite blanket or stuffed animal to school. In fact, most preschools encourage it. Anything that a child equates to safety and security will help him get through the day. The child will eventually "forget" to take it to school one day, and will be fine without it. The most important thing is to get the child to school happy and feeling secure.
Talk About Preschool Often
Never underestimate the power of words. Talking frequently about what school is and how much fun it is will encourage kids to want to go, and stay. Say things like "at school, kids color, and do crafts. Kids sing with their teachers and have lots of fun." Make school sound like a magical wonderful place, and kids will be less skeptical on the first day.
Start a Preschool Routine at Home
Parents should get their children in a preschool routine before hitting school so that kids will get used to that routine. Start by waking a child a little earlier, having morning playtime, mid morning snack, craft time and lunch. Ask the school about the specific routine your child will have while at school and try to model that. A little structure in a child's routine will make the adjustment that much easier.
Issues with School Readiness
Not every child will be thrilled to be left behind by his mom or dad on that first day of school. Even if every precaution is taken, a child might still break down and cry the entire first day. It is important to respect a child's feelings and help her work out her anxieties. If, within the first month, a child still isn't adjusting, it may be that he simply isn't ready to start preschool, and that is fine too. Every child is different, and finding out how to work with a child is one of the rewards of parenting.
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