Is Your Toddler Ready for Preschool?

 

Preschool is a wonderful place for children to gain basic reading and math readiness, but more importantly, it’s a chance for them to learn social skills. Here are a few tips on how to prepare your toddler for preschool:

 

Routine

Establishing a routine at home can help your child feel more prepared for school and ease anxiety. Children thrive in an environment that is predictable and consistent. Create bedtime and morning routines so your little one knows what to expect. Dr. Rebecca Palacios, a Founding Director of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) and Senior Curriculum Advisor for ABCmouse.com shares that children learn best when routines and daily schedules have been established. “Routines make for smoother transitions and help children to prepare mentally for the day and what is to come, while providing frameworks in which creative learning can occur.” You can even make special morning charts to provide visual cues for your child in order to ease that transition from home to preschool. Here are a few ideas from Pinterest. 

Independence

At preschool, children will be encouraged to do some tasks on their own. You can help build your son or daughter’s independence and confidence by allowing them these opportunities at home as well. Small tasks like brushing their hair, getting dressed and undressed, brushing teeth, zipping zippers and putting on shoes, can go a long way.  Anna Jane Hays, a child development expert in Santa Fe and author of several books, including Ready, Set, Preschool! shared with WebMd that it’s good for a child to have that sense of accomplishment, and this will translate into other areas, including using the potty. “Self-confidence is the most important thing a kid can go to preschool with. And when they know how to do things by themselves, they will feel accomplished and capable and comfortable going into this big new world."

Important Information

For basic safety reasons, children should know important information about themselves. They should know their full name, address and at least one parent’s phone number (or home phone if you have one). Plus, they should know their parents “real” names, not just Mom and Dad. Personalized BKeepsakes activity placemats can help make this fun for your child. You can pick the information you want included on the placemat. Then, using a washable marker, your child can write his/her name, trace the other words on the placemat and begin to memorize this important information. The durable laminated surface makes for easy cleanup and re-use. For even more learning fun, the placemat is also filled with brightly colored letters, shapes, pictures, numbers and even a rainbow to teach colors.

Books
A fun way to help prepare your child for preschool is to read great books on the subject. Not only does this provide you with time together, it shows your youngster what to expect when he/she starts school. Here are a few recommendations:
Ready, Set, Preschool!
Maisy Goes to Preschool
The Night Before Preschool
What to Expect at Preschool
 

Starting preschool is an exciting time for your child. With a little preparation, the transition can be smooth and a wonderful experience for you all of you.