Preparing Your Little One for Preschool Gaining an education is a primary desire that all parents have for their children and typically, until around high school anyway, going to school and learning is an exciting prospect for most young kids. However, the first step in the education process for most children begins at preschool, which is a significant stride in the young lives of most kids and should therefore be thoughtfully and thoroughly prepared for. Each child will react differently to the prospect of starting preschool. Some will be excited, others will be nervous, but most will be both nervous and excited.
The Problems with the Beginning Some children may face a period of separation anxiety where their only problem with beginning school will mean that they will have to be away from their caregivers like parents or grandparents. Still others may be hesitant to participate with preschool simply out of a lack of trust because they are venturing into an unknown world completely different than that which they have come to know. Because of all of these variables in how a child may react to starting preschool, it is important that a parent be observant and communicate clearly with their children as to what potential obstacles they may face when beginning preschool. In fact, the first and perhaps best way to prepare a young child to begin preschool is to communicate clearly with them about preschool and what to expect. Kids need to be supported in this their first great endeavor and subsequently will need to be reassured by those they trust that preschool is a good and exciting thing that they will do great at and enjoy. A parent should begin talking preschool up in the minds of their children months before the first day of school. When doing this, be positive and excited about the opportunity that the child will have to attend preschool in the coming fall school year. Also, a parent should use the months before preschool starts to educate their child on all aspects of what to expect in preschool.
Planning and Preparation Consider explaining what preschool is and how a normal preschool day will transpire. You may also want to consider playing school at home with your
child in an effort to familiarize them with the process before school begins. Playing school at home can be a fun and educational experience for the child if done properly. Consider purchasing preschool worksheets that the child can work on while playing school at home. Preschool worksheets are available for purchase at most scholastic stores and online shops and can be a great way for a parent to prepare their child for not only the regimen they will find in school but the curriculum as well. Along with sample school work a parent can help prepare their child by reading books about school to their children during normal reading time. Many books on school have been written by talented children’s authors that are both fun for the child to read with their parents as well as educational for them on what to expect when they have the opportunity to attend preschool.
Photo Credit: Kagey_b, LaPrimaDonna