Getting your Toddler Prepared for Pre-School
The big day is fast approaching. That day when you have to say goodbye at the gates as your toddler starts pre-school. The first rung on the ladder of growing up.
While it is a big day for you as a parent or guardian, it is a massive step for your toddler, who may not have been away from home or from you before.
So how do you prepare your child for the big day?
If it is possible, take your child to the pre-school before they start, so they can meet the teachers and check out the environment, the toys and some of the children. Then it won’t be quite so daunting on the first day.
Many parents or guardians know others with children of the same age, so it is ideal if there are some children enrolled in the pre-school who they already know.
It may also be a good idea to try some separation tactics, leaving your child with friends and family for a couple of hours at a time to alleviate any separation anxiety. If you are able to combine this with playdates with children already in the pre-school it will be even more effective.
School is fun – or it should be, so why not introduce some pre-school play, acting out some of the activities they will likely be exposed to so they know what to expect. Additionally read them books about pre-school and tell your child stories about your own school days.
Purchasing a selection of wooden toys will be a great introduction to the toys which will be in pre-school, such as marine lacing blocks or magnetic puzzles. As well as being a lot of fun, these toys are fantastic for improving fine motor skills.
To get your child excited at the prospect of school, why not let them choose a new ‘big boy’ or ‘big girl’ school backpack or lunchbox which they can only use for going to school. Or you could get them their first ride-on toy from the Beehive Toy Factory so they arrive at pre-school in style. It will give them something extra to look forward to every day.
Most importantly make sure you talk to your child and explain everything that is happening, and that it is ok to be scared at first. Encourage your child to talk to you about their day and anything that may have bothered them, or the many things they enjoyed.