How to Prepare Your Child for Preschool in Valrico, FL
Preschool is a big step in your child’s development, and they may find the process of starting preschool overwhelming. Even for children who have previously been part of a toddler program, they shift to preschool will still be a significant one. Your child will be in a new environment where they will make friends, learn new skills, and grow in confidence. And it’s here, in this foundational phase, where your child gets the basic building blocks that they will need as they progress in their schooling.
To ensure that your child is academically ready for preschool is much less demanding than you might be expecting. By playing with them, reading together and spending time outside exploring, you’re giving them everything they need to be ready for the preschool environment. If you’d like to expand on this, you can go on nature walks, do puzzles and board games together, or visit the library.
Taking steps to prepare your child (and yourself) emotionally for preschool is not as straightforward, which is why Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academy of Valrico, FL has stepped in to share their top ways to prepare your child for preschool.
Before Preschool Starts:
- Visit with your child – meet the teacher, chat about the schedule, and look at where personal things will go.
- Read books – you can read books about going to preschool with your child
- Work on practical skills – such as using the toilet, putting on shoes and socks and washing hands.
- Talk about feelings – allow your child to express their emotions and watch for signs of regression in other areas that may signify their inner anxiety (such as waking up in the night or needing nappies where before they were using the toilet).
- Change your schedule – predictable routines can be very soothing for a child. If you will need to get up earlier for preschool, start doing so ahead of time to make the transition easier. Other changes may include limiting time watching TV or playing on the iPad, making bedtime a bit earlier and enjoying dinner together as a family. This will help your child to feel more connected and secure at home, which will help them be more prepared for school.
- Roleplay – children have such active imaginations, and you can tap into their love for pretend play to prepare them for preschool. Mimic the morning routine by pretending to go to school, practice hanging up their backpack and other activities that you know they will be doing at school.
- Practice social skills – preschool will involve a whole new language for your child. You can help to prepare them for this teaching them how to ask for help, take turns, and join in a game.
What to Do for the First Few Days of Preschool:
- Make sure your completely organized. Pack snacks and lunches the day before (and stock up on healthy snacks when you do your grocery shop). Remember to put out clothes the night before. Check that you’ve handed in all the forms and that your child has everything they need (and that it’s been clearly labeled).
- Stay with your child for 15 minutes on the first day. Help orientate them by showing them the activities, meet other children, and ensure that they’re settled. Say a quick goodbye and follow the teacher’s direction if they’d like you to stay or go.
- Stay sensitive. Be ready to talk about their day when you fetch them and talk to their teacher if you have any concerns.
Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academy of Valrico, FL is a family-owned and run learning academy that focuses on providing a safe, nurturing environment to help children thrive. Their preschool classes are designed to provide the right environment, nutrition, safety and tools they need to keep their active minds growing and learning.
