Getting Your Child Ready for Preschool
Starting preschool is a big step for both kids and parents. It’s the start of a new adventure full of learning and fun! At Kia Mena Montessori Preschool in Beckenham, we want to help make this change as smooth and happy as possible. Here are some simple tips to help you get your child ready for preschool.
Learn About the Preschool
Knowing more about your child’s preschool helps everyone feel more comfortable. Here are some things you can do:
- Visit different preschools: Try visiting a few places to see which one feels best for your child.
- Check classroom sizes and teachers: Smaller classes with trained teachers often mean more personal attention.
- Pick a good location: Choosing a school close to home can help make your mornings easier.
A good idea is to ask if you can observe a class. Watching a normal school day can help you understand what your child’s day will be like. Many quality preschools allow this.
Also, take some time to talk to the teachers. Ask about what children do during the day and how they learn. If your child has special needs, let the teachers know so they can give the right support.
To learn more about school environments, check out National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Create a Daily Routine
Having a regular routine helps your child feel safe and ready. It also makes mornings go smoother!
- Start bedtime early: Try getting your child used to going to bed at the same time each night, about a month before preschool starts.
- Practice morning routines: Go through what a morning will look like — waking up, brushing teeth, getting dressed, and eating breakfast.
- Match meal times: Slowly change your child’s snack and lunch times to match the preschool schedule.
Routines help your child feel ready and confident when preschool begins.
Help Your Child Be More Independent
Preschool is a great time for kids to do more on their own. You can help them get started at home!
- Practice self-care: Teach your child to use the toilet, wash hands, and get dressed by themselves.
- Let them choose: Give your child simple choices, like what shirt to wear or what to pack for their snack. This helps build confidence.
- Clean up time: Make cleaning up toys fun by playing music or setting a timer. It teaches good habits for school.
You can read more about building independence in children from PBS Parents.
Support Social and Emotional Skills
Getting along with others and understanding feelings are important parts of preschool. Here’s how you can support your child:
- Plan playdates: Let your child spend time with friends. This helps them learn how to share, take turns, and make friends.
- Talk about feelings: Ask how your child feels and show them it’s okay to talk about emotions.
- Use books and play: Read stories or use dolls to talk about being kind and understanding others.
Learn more about emotional development at Zero to Three.
Start Learning Through Play
Preschool learning is all about fun, play, and curiosity. You can help your child enjoy learning with simple games at home.
- Play with letters, numbers, and shapes: Sing songs, play with blocks, and count snacks together to teach basic ideas.
- Read every day: Make storytime part of your daily routine. Ask questions during the story to keep your child thinking.
- Be creative: Give your child crayons, paper, and building toys. These help your child use their imagination and grow their thinking skills.
Check out these great reading ideas for kids on Reading Rockets.
Ready, Set, Preschool!
Starting preschool is exciting! With a little guidance and love, your child will be ready for this big new step. At Kia Mena Montessori Preschool, we are here to help families get started on this fun journey. Talk with your child’s teachers, keep routines predictable, and celebrate each small victory.
Preschool is just the beginning of a lifetime of learning. Enjoy the journey together!
