Getting ready for preschool or kindergarten? Here are eight family home activities to help your child make a smooth transition.
- Talk about your child’s expectations. Correct any misconceptions.
- Help her memorize her address and phone number. She’ll feel more secure knowing she can get home if she gets lost.
- Begin school routines a week or two early. Begin the transition to bed earlier, get up earlier. Eat lunch at regular times.
- Engage in a quiet toddler activity. Practicing quiet play at home will prepare him to do it at school.
- Teach her to put away what she uses and to recognize her belongings.
- Read together. Nothing prepares children for school like toddler reading with a parent. Just 10 minutes a day can make a huge difference in your child's reading readiness.
- Go througha “dry run” of the trip to school.
- Visit the school and start parent-teacher communication with a brief introduction.
As for you, Mom and Dad, do something special for yourselves on your child's very first day of school too. You've all come a long way.