While preschool is generally a new and exciting experience for children, it can sometimes create stress in children. The environment and daily routines will differ from home, and there will be many kinds of children with whom to get along.
Here are a few family ideas you can practice at home to help your toddler get ready for preschool:
Teach Cooperative Effort During Toddler's Activities
Have your child share a daily chore with you. (I’ll put the plates on the table, you put the silverware).
Share Simple Chores
Teach your child to put away a toy or book after using it or have him take out some trash.
Play the Name Game and Other Toddler Learning Activities
While your child won’t be able to read, teach her to recognize her own name in written form. At school she likely will have a cubby hole with her name on it to store objects, or will have her belongings labeled. Make name tags at home and use them on your child’s bedroom door and personal belongings. Write her name on artwork you put on the refrigerator door. Get a T-shirt or backpack with her name on it.
Create Toddler Games for Following Directions
Make a game out of it. For example, tell your child, "Pick up that book, hop on one foot and put it on your shelf." It will help him learn to follow directions given by the teacher at school.
Let Your Child Make Simple Decisions, So He Will Be Able to Do the Same in Preschool
Give choices like "Do you want an apple or orange?" or "Shall we put on your shoes first, or your hat?"
Provide a Little Structure to the Toddler's Activities
Teach her that some activities occur in a certain order. "First we have lunch, then we take a nap. Bath, then story, then bedtime." It will help her adjust to the scheduled routines of school.
Nurture Child Social Development
Organize a few play dates before your child begins school. Let your toddler play in small groups of children. It will help her adapt to one-on-one and group interactions in a school setting.
Practice Preschool Activities and Routines
If your child will be having nap time, let him practice unfolding and folding his sleeping mat. If he will be bringing a lunch, buy a fun lunchbox and teach him how to pack and unpack it, use the thermos and what to do with leftovers and trash. In colder weather, teach him how to get in and out of his coat and boots and how to hang up jackets and scarves.
Get Him Used to Carrying a Book Bag or Backpack
Give him practice in packing and unpacking it and remembering to bring routine items.
Talk About Going to School in a Positive Manner
Be a cheerleader and encourage your toddler to go to school and have a great time. Be enthusiastic about the things you buy for school supplies. It will boost your child’s confidence about tackling her new environment.
Irene Helen Zundel is a homeschooling mother and a freelance writer. She specializes in writing educational and family oriented articles and books.