Summer is coming to an end, it seems like just yesterday you got that letter in the mail from the local school telling you & your child that they are going to start school in September. It may only be a few hours a day but for us moms this is the hardest time ever & questions are rising in our minds. Is he/she ready? Will he/she cry? What should my child know entering preschool? Should he/she take a bus or should I bring him/her? In the end it all works out and your child will be fine, here are some tips to help ready your child for preschool
Bring out the pencils & paper -Help your little one learn how to write his/her name, draw shapes, write numbers etc. Get your little one to use different colors for different shapes. Teach him/her about all the different colors and where the colors are, blue sky, yellow sun, green grass etc.
Give a little space - It's time for your little one to start being a bit more independent, teach your child how to put his/her own shoes on, how to get dressed by themselves and how to wipe after using the bathroom. Give your child age appropriate chores such as helping put the clothes in the dryer, helping find matching socks, help putting the laundry away, clean up toys, etc. Put their juice boxes on a lower shelf in the fridge so when they are thirsty they can get their own drink. Teach your child how to punch the straw through the juice box.
Get flash cards - Flash cards is a good idea to help your little one learn and remember. Start using flash cards when your child is young, a great age to start is around 1-2 years old. The earlier the better.
Start a good-bye ritual - If your child has fears of being away from you then it's a good idea to start a good bye ritual. Although most children go into their first day of school without any crying and screaming there are those few who have a big attachment to mommy. Plan a few grocery shopping trips and get a family member to baby sit your child, keep reminding your child that you have a shopping trip coming up and that they will stay with the family member. Bring your child to the baby sitters house, at the door tell your child that you are going to buy some things and that you will be back for him/her in a little bit. If they start crying give them a big hug and remind them that you will be back. Get the baby sitter to find a distraction for your child such as a pet, a toy, a movie, a snack etc. Say good-bye and walk back to your car. In about 10 minutes call the baby sitter and find out what's going on, if your child is still crying suggest something that can calm him/her down or ask them to pass the phone to your child. Remind your child that it's okay and you will be back to pick him/her up. Tell them to be very well behaved for the baby sitter. Say " It's okay, mommy will be back in a little bit, be good and stop crying, I love you, Bye bye "
Practice listening skills - A great way to practice listening skills is to read a book to your child and when you are finished ask them about it. The best way to do this is to point while reading, point at each character as you say their name and point at the picture of what they are doing as you read that part. Make it fun, add funny voices and sounds.
Read to your child every day - This plays a big role in helping your child learn how to read and how to practice listening and patience skills.
Praise your child - Praising your child in everything they do right is a great way to encourage them to continue trying. If they make a mistake correct them and remind them that mistakes are made everyday and that it's okay. If they are having difficulty doing something encourage them to keep trying and be sure to help them.
Practice patience - Patience is a great skill to have in life, a great way to teach this is when you are talking remind your child to let you finish before they jump in. Another great way is when your child asks your for something tell them to wait a few minutes. If you are busy remind them that you are doing something and you will get what they want soon. Use specific times such as " when I'm finished with the dishes, when I'm finished folding the laundry " etc.
Schedule play dates - If you have a shy child play dates are a great way to get them involved in activities with other kids. It will help build their confidence and teach them social skills as well. If the children get into an argument over a toy let them solve the problem, if it gets physical step in and remind them that this behavior is unacceptable.
Visit the school first - Usually when a child is about to start preschool the teacher will invite you and your child in to see the class room. This is a really great way to get your child into wanting to go to school.
Involve your child - When shopping for school clothes and things involve your child, let them pick out a few outfits and let them choose which back pack they would like. Make it a fun day and be sure to go out to dinner when shopping is finished. At dinner talk to your child about school and ask them if they think they are ready. Tell them that they will make lots of friends and they will learn how to sing, color, cut paper etc.
Let them pick - The night before his/her first day of school let them choose the outfit they want to wear, this will give them a sense of independence.
Your little one is growing up, cherish these times you have together and remember to always take pictures. Hug your child every day and tell them how much you love them. The first day of school is stressful for you and your child, reassurance is what your child needs right now. If they start crying when it's time for you to leave the school, give them a small piece of you, a hair clip, a coin, etc. By the end of the day they will be fine, after the day is over ask them how it went. What did they do? did they sing? draw? etc. Make a routine such as, school, home, snacks, TV, supper, bath time, snacks, brush teeth, pick out school clothes, bed time stories, bed. Routines help a lot when a child begins preschool.
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