10 Tips For Getting Your Child Ready For Pre K

Your child’s first day of Pre-K is an exciting time but can also be a bit emotional too – for both the child and the parents. Your child is proud to be growing up and doing things on their own, but your child is also probably a bit nervous and worried about the transition. Luckily, there are a few ways we can help your child prepare for their first day of pre-kindergarten.

It’s great to get your child excited about their first day of Pre-K but it’s important to find the right balance. If you make too big of a deal about it they might end up being more worried and anxious than excited.

Here is a list of our 10 tips for getting your child ready for Pre-K.

1. Read Your Child Books About Pre-K

Reading books to your child is a great way for them to learn about real-life experiences and help them prepare and understand things. There are lots of books about children starting pre-kindergarten and these should all be available at your nearest public library. Choose a few different books for your child and read to them over the summer before the first day of school. Once you’re finished reading, you can talk to your child about the story and the characters. You can ask your child about what the characters are feeling and how it makes them feel.

2. Play Pretend First Day Of Pre-K With Your Child

Playing pretend with your child is one of the best ways to get them to learn about real-life experiences. You can take turns playing the parent, the child, or the teacher. Act out what the daily routine would look like and how each person would behave in the situation. This can prepare them for getting used to things like saying good-bye to mummy or daddy after drop off.

3. Go Shopping For School Supplies Together

A great way to get your child excited about the first day of school is to go shopping for school supplies together. Try and make a list of items you need with the help of your child. Engage with them about what they think they need and let them choose some things – like a backpack or lunchbox.

4. Practice Self-Help Skills With Your Child

When your child goes off to pre-k on their own, it’s important they know self-help skills. Some of these skills include hanging up their coat on their own, putting on their backpack, or getting their shoes on and off. A fun way to get your child excited about doing these things on their own is to make a game of it. For example, you can race each other to see who can get their shoes on first!

5. Visit The School With Your Child Before Their First Day

It’s important to get your child familiar with the school they are going to be spending a lot of time at. Ask the school if your child can have a tour before the first day. Have your child walk around and explain all of the activities they are going to be doing. This will really help your child be more comfortable on their first day.

6. Talk To Your Child About Any Worries They Might Have

Ask your child to tell you how they’re feeling about starting pre-k. It’s perfectly normal for your child to be feeling a mix of emotions. Let them know it’s ok to feel that way and reassure them that it will be okay.

7. Practice Your Morning Routine Before School

Starting school is going to be an adjustment for any child. Especially when it comes to the morning routine and getting to school on time. Practice the morning routine with your child and even drive past the school so you know how long it takes to get there.

8. Introduce Their Teachers

It’s really helpful for your child to meet their teachers before the first day of school. Find out if you can introduce your child to their teachers over the summer. This will allow your child to feel more comfortable saying goodbye to you on the first day.

9. Start Setting A Bed Time And Stick To It

If your child doesn’t already have a bedtime, it’s a good idea to start one before school starts. Because school starts at the same time every day, your child should get into a routine of going to sleep and waking up at the same time. This will make day 1 a lot smoother for both child and parents!

10. Have Your Child Pack Their School Bag With You

Pack their school bag together and let them choose something they want to bring from home with them! Some kind of familiarity on the first day will get them excited to go and help them be more comfortable.

Pre-K At Providence Children’s Academy

If you’re looking for a warm and comforting environment for your child then Providence Children’s Academy should be the preschool of your choice. We have a hands-on approach to make sure your child feels safe and secure in his new surroundings. Learn more about the best preschool in Coconut Creek and get in touch to enroll your child with us today!