Tips for Parents: Prepare Your Child for school
A Holistic Approach to School Readiness
As your child prepares to enter preschool and kindergarten, it’s natural to focus on specific skills like letter and number recognition. However, school readiness encompasses much more than these basics. It’s essential to consider the whole child—understanding their unique strengths and areas for growth. Here’s how to ensure a smooth transition by focusing on the full spectrum of readiness skills.
1. Encourage Independence at Home
Help your child develop independence by encouraging them to handle everyday tasks on their own. Teach them to dress themselves, manage their coat and shoes, use the bathroom independently, and wash their hands without reminders. Allow them to serve themselves at meals and clear their dishes afterward. These self-help skills will serve them well in the classroom and beyond.
Ensure your child can perform basic self-care tasks, such as wiping their face after lunch and blowing their nose without assistance. At the same time, teach them that it’s okay to ask for help when needed. This balance will foster independence while also preparing them for collaborative environments.
Start assigning small responsibilities to your child. After family outings, let them manage their own belongings, such as emptying their backpack, refilling water bottles, or hanging up their wet swimsuit. Even if it’s easier for you to do these tasks, allowing your child to take responsibility builds their confidence and independence.
2. Develop and Follow Routines
Establish consistent morning routines that reflect what will be expected at school. Start by setting a regular wake-up time and creating a structured sequence for getting dressed, brushing teeth, and having breakfast together. This gradual adjustment helps your child get used to the rhythm of a school day and reduces the shock of an abrupt change in schedule. Involve the whole family in these routines to foster a sense of support, and use positive reinforcement to encourage your child’s participation. You can also incorporate a small “school activity” at home, like reading time or a short craft (check out our TPT Store for ideas), to help your child get accustomed to the types of structured activities they’ll encounter at preschool. A predictable routine not only provides comfort and stability but also builds your child’s confidence, making the transition to school smoother and more enjoyable for both of you.
Check out this comprehensive chore chart for kids: 3 in 1 Bedtime/Morning/Daily Routine Chart for Kids, Visual Schedule
3. Read Aloud Regularly & Engage in Meaningful Literacy Activities
Make reading a daily habit. Get your child a library card, visit the library to choose books, and read together every day. Explore a variety of reading materials, including books, captions in newspapers, and even comics. This not only enhances literacy skills but also builds a love for reading.
Involve your child in literacy-related activities such as helping with thank you cards, shopping lists, or notes. Their early attempts, whether through scribbles, pictures, or letters, will evolve with practice. Celebrate their efforts and encourage their development.
Reading books about going to school can help your child understand and feel more comfortable with the transition. Here are some great options:
Check out these Kissing Hand Themed Activities:
-Brave Raccoon Headband for the First Day of School
-Brave Raccoon Number Sequence and Puzzle Activities for the Kissing Hand Theme
4. Acknowledge Their Feelings
Be mindful of your child’s feelings about starting school. They might feel nervous or excited. Instead of focusing too much on school, address their emotions and provide reassurance. Validating their feelings helps them process their emotions positively. Talking about feelings can be tough, not only for us as adults but also for our little ones who are still learning to navigate their emotions. To help with this important process, I suggest using this Feelings Aid that I created, which I find incredibly useful for connecting with the children in my life. It offers a fun and gentle way to explore feelings together.
5. Support Social Skills and Self-Regulation
Helping your child develop strong social skills and the ability to self-regulate their emotions is crucial for a successful school experience. One way to reinforce these skills is by setting up a calm down corner at home, where your child can practice managing their emotions and interactions with others. I offer a product specifically designed for this purpose, which includes visual aids that provide clear, child-friendly strategies for self-regulation and social skills. These tools can help your child learn how to navigate social situations, manage their feelings, and approach interactions with confidence. Introducing these strategies at home will make it easier for your child to apply them in the school setting, leading to a smoother and more positive transition.
6. Visit the School and Meet the Teacher
If possible, visit the school with your child and meet their teacher before school starts. This helps familiarize your child with the new environment and builds comfort. Participate in any school visit days or arrange a visit if you’re unable to attend scheduled events.
7. Select a Comfort Item
Let your child take a special object from home to school, such as a lunchbox or a small pillow for rest time. This personal item can provide comfort and a sense of familiarity in a new setting.
8. Add a Fun, Personalized Touch
Consider using a special digital product to help make the first day of school even more memorable. Our digital download headbands, available in a variety of themes, allow children to color their own headbands leading up to school. These personalized headbands can be worn for first day of school pictures and help spark conversation and excitement about their new adventure. Check it out, you won’t regret it!
9. Be Patient and Supportive
Remember, transitioning to school is a process. Both you and your child will need time to adjust. Be patient and supportive, acknowledging that it’s normal for children to need time to feel comfortable in their new environment.
By addressing these various aspects of readiness, you can help ensure a smooth transition for your child. Emphasizing independence, self-help skills, and emotional support, while acknowledging each child's unique strengths, sets the stage for a positive and successful school experience.
Sources
“13 Tips for Starting Preschool.” National Association for the Education of Young Children, https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/13-tips-starting-preschool.
“Kindergarten, Here We Come.” National Association for the Education of Young Children, https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/kindergarten-here-we-come.