How to Successfully Prepare Your Child For Preschool Or Kindergarten

The first day of preschool or kindergarten can be quite stressful for a child. If they haven't been in any kind of daycare program previously, even the matter of being separated from their parents can cause a lot of anxiety. Setting out on their own to preschool or kindergarten represents a rather large step in a child's development, so it can be a good idea to help them prepare for it. With just a little bit of effort, you can do a lot to make this transition easier for your child.

Keep Them Informed

Several weeks before the first day of school, begin discussing preschool or kindergarten with them. If they have participated in daycare previously, you can remind them of the fun times they've had in the past with the friends that they've met. Be sure that you seem enthusiastic about the concept of going to school. You can tell them about all the exciting things they will learn, and about the new friends they will meet. Ask them about their feelings on the matter, and see if they have any questions or concerns. If they do have questions, take the time to answer them to their satisfaction. If your child doesn't seem to want to talk about school, it is best not to force the issue. But, keep the lines of communication open about the subject. The most important thing is to impress upon your child that the first day of school is something to look forward to and not dread.

Schedule Some Time Away From Your Child

It can be helpful to plan some activities that will require you to be away from your child, especially if they have not spent much time away from you in the past. This could be as simple as having them spend a half a day at their grandparents or other relative's house. Leaving them with a babysitter for the day or in the evening while you go out for several hours can also be good practice. This will allow you to see how much separation anxiety your child tends to exhibit. If they have problems with being separated, start with just small amounts of time, working your way up to an entire morning or afternoon. Arranging play dates for your child at a friend's house can also be good practice. This is even more beneficial if you can arrange a play date with one or more of your child's future classmates.

Activities to Practice in Advance

Practicing some of the skills that your child will be expected to use while at school can also be a good idea. Help your child master writing his or her first and last name, and be sure they can at least recite their phone number and address. If you have a list of "readiness items" from the school, go over them with your child. Skills that are commonly expected are the ability to count up to at least ten, as well as the ability to recognize and recite the alphabet. Of course, your child may already have begun learning how to read by the time they start preschool or kindergarten. The ability to recognize primary colors and basic shapes are also good skills to work on. You could also practice coloring in a book, or cutting things out with scissors. Practicing these skills will be fun for your child, and can go a long way towards making them feel prepared for school.