The transition to preschool is one of the first social milestones for your three year old. How to help your child get used to preschool is significant to a successful time for you and your preschooler. The concept of playing with other children, learning new things, and having fun are the most important. I definitely suggest you talk about preschool with your child but do not overload the topic and create anxiety!
For your own checklist, think about your child's experiences. Has he spent time away from you? Does she separate from you easily when you go out? Do you spend time reading with your child because often preschool has a time when the teacher reads to her students. Your preschooler will need to be able to sit and listen for short periods of time.
It is helpful if you plan a 10-15 minute reading time with your child so that they get used to this. It helps them with their listening skills. If your child has a favorite book that they request over and over again, they may have memorized it. If that is the case, ask them to "read" it to you. This enhances their sense of self esteem as well!
There are so many things you can introduce at home to help them with some of the skills that will help them in preschool. Have an art time when you work together with paints, clay, play dough, crayons, etc. Encourage them to create as much as they wish. This is providing a basis for fine motor skills that they will need later on to learn to print and write.
To help your child get used to preschool, plan a visit to the preschool at least 3-4 weeks before it starts. If you know ahead of time when other children will be there, ask if you can visit then so that your child can see other children having fun in this setting.
If your child has not had much experience playing with other children, plan some play dates so that they can go to another child's house to play and then have that child to their house. You are providing the beginning foundation for social skills that they will need in life. If you are new to an area or don't know other families with children, you can ask the teacher where your child will attend if you can have a class list. This will allow you to introduce your preschooler to a few of his/her classmates ahead of time and there will be a familiar face on the first day!
Listening skills are important for both you and your child to learn. For your preschooler play games at home. Try giving a list of 1-3 things to do in order and then see if they can do them. You can start with something simple such as Simon Says. For you as the parent, listen to your child's comments about fears or concerns they may have about preschool. It is important to let them talk about these fears.
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