If your child is starting preschool this fall, you might be approaching this momentous milestone with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. You might be excited about the new experiences your child will have but may be a little worried about how they will handle such a big change. The following are ideas for activities to engage in this summer to make this important transition a little easier for you and your child. 

How to Prepare Your Child for Preschool

1. Make a Game Out of Practicing Routine Tasks

A routine day at preschool includes tasks that your child might not be used to doing without you. These can consist of putting on his shoes, unzipping his jacket, opening his lunchbox, or going to the bathroom independently. Use the summer to let your child practice these skills and build confidence in his ability to do them without your help. Make a game of it. Race to see who can zip their jacket up the fastest. Pack his lunchbox for a picnic and let him open it, and unpack the goodies on his own. Little achievements will add up to big confidence.

2. Use Storytime to Talk About Preschool

Reading to your child has uncountable benefits. There are many children's books that portray the preschool experience. You can use these stories to help your child understand what to expect when school starts and help her voice her feelings about this big transition. As you read the book, ask your child if she has any questions about what the characters are doing or what is happening in the story. Ask her how she feels about it, and let her know it is okay to feel scared about new experiences. Allowing your child to share her feelings will help her learn how to deal with them. Reading with your child has the added benefit of building her vocabulary and preparing her for learning.

3. Tour the Preschool 

Ask the administrators at your child's new preschool for a tour in the weeks before school starts. Let your child visit the classroom and play in the playground with you. Spending time at school together can help demystify the idea of preschool for your child and build his confidence in the new setting.

Preparing your child for preschool will set her up for success throughout her education. Choosing the right early childhood center is an integral part of that preparation. That is why many parents choose Great Beginnings in St. Charles and Cottleville, MO. Their highly trained staff provide a full range of child care programs, including summer camp and before- and after-school programs. Their blend of traditional and progressive teaching styles sets your child up for academic excellence. Call them at (636) 724-5048 in St. Charles, or (636) 447-4212 in Cottleville to enroll. Visit them online for more information.