Getting Ready for Your Child’s First Day of Preschool
Starting preschool is a big step for your child and your whole family. At Kia Mena Montessori in Beckenham, we know this can bring lots of feelings—both happy and nervous ones! We’re here to help you get your child ready in a way that makes the first day fun and exciting.
With a little planning, you can make this new beginning a smooth one. Let’s get started!
What Does Preschool Readiness Mean?
Before we jump into tips, let’s talk about what it means to be ready for preschool. Your child doesn’t need to know math or long words just yet. Being ready is more about how they act and feel.
- Emotional readiness: Can your child handle big feelings like fear or being shy?
- Social skills: Can they share, take turns, and play nicely with others?
- Following directions: Can they listen to simple instructions like “Put your shoes on”?
These are the skills that will help your child feel more comfortable in a preschool classroom.
Creating a Daily Routine
Having a routine helps children feel safe and know what to expect. It also makes getting ready for school easier each day!
Tips for a Great Routine
- Same bedtime every night: Try sticking to around 7 PM. Good sleep means a happy morning.
- Start the day with breakfast: Eating together can be a fun way to talk about the day ahead.
- Practice getting dressed: Let your child choose their clothes and dress themselves.
- Have regular meal/snack times: This helps your child learn when to eat and when to play.
- Read books every day: Even 10 minutes of storytime helps your child learn and relax.
Talking About Preschool
Talk to your child about what preschool will be like. Help them see it as a fun new adventure!
How to Have These Talks
- Share fun things: Like painting, playing outside, and making new friends.
- Answer questions: Even if they ask about unicorns at snack time, listen carefully and reply kindly.
- Role play: Pretend you’re at preschool. Practice raising your hand and packing your bag.
For more ways to talk to children about new experiences, visit Zero to Three or NAEYC for expert tips.
Helping Your Child Be Independent
Preschool is a big place for learning, and doing small things by themselves helps kids feel strong and confident.
Things Your Child Can Practice
- Dressing themselves: Practice buttons, zippers, and putting on shoes.
- Washing hands: Teach when and how to wash with soap after the toilet or before snacks.
- Using the potty: Make sure your child is comfortable using public toilets.
- Cleaning up: After play, help them put toys back where they belong.
- Following simple steps: Try fun tasks, like “Pick up your toy and put it in this box.”
Visit Preschool Before the First Day
Visiting Kia Mena Montessori before school starts is a great way to help your child feel calm and ready. This takes away the fear of the unknown.
What to Do on the Visit
- Meet the teacher: Say hello and help your child feel safe with the new adults.
- Look around the classroom: Find fun areas like the reading corner or art table.
- Find important places: Show where the bathroom is. That helps children feel more in control.
- Talk about rules together: Like raising your hand or using kind words with friends.
Say Goodbye the Right Way
Saying goodbye can be hard—for you and your child! Creating a goodbye ritual can help make parting easier.
Easy Goodbye Tips
- Make a fun goodbye: Use a silly handshake or kiss routine your child will look forward to.
- Keep it short: Quick hugs and big smiles go a long way.
- Remind them you’ll be back: Say, “I’ll be here right after your snack!”
Read more about handling separation on Parents.com or Child Mind Institute.
Helping with First Day Feelings
Even with lots of planning, some children may still feel upset. That’s okay! It’s all part of learning and growing.
How You Can Help
- Stay calm: Your child looks to you. If you’re okay, they’ll feel okay too!
- Stick to the routine: Having the same steps each day builds trust and comfort.
- Talk to the teacher: They have ideas and support to help with rough mornings.
Working Together With Teachers
Your child’s teachers are your teammates. Stay in touch and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Helpful Questions to Ask
- What does a typical day look like?
- How do the children play and learn together?
- What snacks are allowed? Are there any rules I should know?
If you’d like to discover more about Montessori teaching, check out AMS or The Montessori Foundation.
You’re Ready!
With these tips, you’re all set to help your child have a great first day at Kia Mena Montessori. Celebrate this exciting day with hugs, smiles, and maybe even a special cupcake!
Wishing you and your little one a happy start to preschool!
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