Getting Your Toddler Ready for Preschool: Easy Tips for Parents
Welcome, Parents!
Hi there, awesome parents! Are you getting ready to send your little one off to preschool? That’s a big step, and it’s okay to feel excited and nervous at the same time. Going to preschool is a fun and important time for your child to learn and grow. At Kia Mena Montessori Preschool, we want to help you make this transition easy and happy—for both you and your toddler. Here are some simple tips to get ready for the journey ahead!
Is Your Child Ready for Preschool?
What Does Being Ready Mean?
Being ready for preschool isn’t just about knowing letters or numbers. It’s also about how your child feels and gets along with others. Here are some signs your child might be ready for school:
- Doing simple tasks on their own, like putting on shoes or washing hands
- Being able to talk in sentences and share their thoughts
- Wanting to play with other kids, even if they don’t always share perfectly
What’s Different Between Home and Preschool?
At home, life can be pretty relaxed. But preschool has a routine your child will follow each day. They’ll make new friends, follow rules, and learn fun things. Here’s what they’ll find at preschool:
- A daily schedule like story time, snack time, and outdoor play
- Lots of social fun—sharing toys, playing games, and learning how to be a great friend
Helping Your Toddler Feel Ready
Talk About Preschool Often
Let your child know what preschool will be like. Read books together that show preschool in a fun way. Stories like “The Kissing Hand” or “Llama Llama Misses Mama” are great choices.
Build Confidence
Give your child chances to make choices and do things alone. For example:
- Let them pick their outfit, even if it’s a little silly
- Cheer them on when they do something by themselves, like cleaning up toys
Practice Being Apart
It can be hard being away from each other at first. Try:
- Short goodbyes: Let a family member watch them for a bit
- Playdates: Help them get used to other kids and adults
Learning Everyday Skills
Taking Care of Themselves
Kids don’t need to be experts, but basic self-care helps a lot! Try to teach:
- Using the potty with stories or songs to make it fun
- Getting dressed using clothes with easy buttons or zippers
- Eating on their own with kid-friendly utensils
Talking and Listening
Good communication helps your child at school. Talk together about their day or what they love. You can:
- Ask open-ended questions, like “What did you build with your blocks today?”
- Read stories and talk about them to grow vocabulary
Building Brain and Movement Skills
Preschoolers love to learn through play. Try activities like:
- Simple puzzles to help with thinking and problem-solving
- Arts and crafts like coloring or cutting paper to build fine motor skills
For helpful tips on early childhood development, visit Zero to Three or NAEYC.
Get to Know the Preschool
Visit the School Together
Before that big first day, take your child to visit the preschool. At Kia Mena Montessori, you can explore the classrooms and meet the friendly teachers. This helps your child feel comfortable and excited!
Start a Mini Routine at Home
Try doing a pretend preschool day at home. You can:
- Set playtime, snack time, and storytime so your child gets used to a routine
- Have a little circle time with songs or books—it can be silly and fun!
Getting Ready for the Big Day
Pick the Right Supplies
Let your child choose their backpack or lunchbox. It makes them feel proud and excited for school!
Practice Morning Routines
Help mornings go smoothly by practicing early wake-ups and eating breakfast together. Try to keep mornings calm and happy.
Talk Positively About School
Speak with excitement when you talk about school. Say things like, “You’re going to have so much fun meeting new friends!”
Helping Your Child Adjust
Be Patient During the First Weeks
The first few days can sometimes be hard. That’s okay! Here’s how you can help:
- Talk to the teachers to see how your child is doing
- Celebrate small wins, like staying all day or making a new friend
Keep the Routine at Home
Stick to a daily routine even on weekends, like mealtime and bedtime. Talk with your child about their school day often so they feel heard and supported.
You’re Both Learning Together
Going to preschool is a big and exciting change for your child—and for you! Trust that your child will grow and do great things with love and support. At Kia Mena Montessori Preschool, we’re so happy to welcome your family. We’re here to help every step of the way!
Extra Helpful Resources
- Learn more about child development at CDC
- Find parenting tips and fun ideas at Parenting.com
- Explore more about Montessori education from the experts at AMS
Great Books to Read Together
- “Llama Llama Misses Mama” by Anna Dewdney
- “The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn
- “Preschool, Here I Come!” by D.J. Steinberg
Want to learn more about starting preschool? Come visit us at Kia Mena Montessori and see how magical learning can be!
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