How to Make Easier for Your Child to Transition to Preschool
Is it just us or is summer flying by?! Before you know it, stores will line their shelves with pencils, binders, paper and all kinds of school supplies. Starting a new school year always comes with a lot of jitters and excitement! If your child is starting her first year in preschool this fall, there are a lot of changes about to happen in her world. Some children adapt almost seamlessly into new social settings because they thrive around new people and environments, but for others, new circumstances can be very stressful.
If your child is slow to warm up to new people and more cautious of her surroundings, then starting preschool may be a source of anxiety that she is dreading instead of celebrating. Consider the following ideas to help her make a smoother transition into the world of preschool.
1. Invite friends over to your house for a play date! – When you create an opportunity for your child to be social in a familiar environment it can encourage her to connect with others. Ask other neighborhood moms if they would like to come over for a casual play date and try and have children come over that your child may not know as well to help her get used to being around children her age.
2. Talk with her teachers. – If you are concerned your child may not do well in a preschool environment, let her teacher know! Preschool teachers and staff at your childcare facility always appreciate a heads up from parents concerning shy children. While they may not be able to make your child completely comfortable the first few weeks of preschool, they can be more mindful of her disposition and keep an eye out to make sure she is doing well in the new classroom environment.
3. Act out potential scenarios. – For many children, preschool is the first time they will encounter a structured classroom environment. Role-play a classroom by playing her teacher, having her sit in a particular spot to listen to instructions, raise her hand to ask questions, etc. The more your child becomes familiar with the routine of preschool, the more likely she is to not be as intimidated by it. You can also act out potential interactions she will have with her peers such as children asking to play with the toys she is playing with or inviting her to join them in a game. If your child knows how to respond and think critically in each situation she will likely not be too scared to connect with her peers.
Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academies understand the importance of making every child feel comfortable in new environments which is why our facilities are equipped with glass walled classrooms that allow children to view the classroom they will be graduating into to help alleviate fears. Additionally, our enthusiastic teachers offer nurturing encouragement for every child and provide parents with a daily report on their child’s progress. Find the location nearest you and enroll your child, today! Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academies – Smart Choice. Smarter Child.