Back 2 School is in full swing!!!

 

So what better way than to give you some tips on making sure your child is successful in preschool.

 

 

It is definitely that time of year again…the start of another school year.  When I was a teacher, this is the time of year when children would start to leave my classroom, and I would start to get new children…It was a sad time of the year for me to see many of the children leave who have been with me for two, sometimes three years; but it was also an exciting time where you were anxious to get to know and love your new little friends!  It may sound cheesy, but I hold a special place in my heart for the children that have been in my classroom over the years.  I try to keep in contact with quite a few of their parents as well; as they have become my friends and I ask about their children often!

 

 

The importance of preschool

Parents choose to put their children in preschool for many reasons.  The reasons can range anywhere from building their social skills, to developing growth in language skills, to promoting growth in maturity.  The same can be said for why parents choose Montessori as well; and sometimes for more specific reasons.  The reasons why parents choose to put their children in a Montessori school are due to the fact that it is an environment that promotes self care, care for others, independence, and communication & problem solving skills.  The Montessori environment is a structured, yet loving place where children enjoy being a part of a community, take pride in their independence, and are involved in their learning.

 

 

 

 

 

The preschool environment

First let me start off by saying that these tips are useful no matter what type of preschool environment your child is going in to. It could be Montessori, academic, play-based, or traditional, these tips are helpful tips for parents to help their child succeed in the preschool journey!

It is the job of the Montessori teacher to teach, guide, and encourage the growth of the whole child.  The whole child is independent, is a natural learner, and is willing to take on care of themselves, the environment, and at times; their peers.  Although the Montessori teacher is there to assist in developing the growth of the whole child, the parents are just as important to this process.  There are things that parents can do to prepare their children for entry into a preschool classroom environment.

I get it…it’s hard for parents to come to terms with their children may no longer be “babies” and that they don’t want them to grow up so fast…Trust me, I know how it feels from both sides of the fence; as a mother and as a teacher/educator.  But  PLEASE listen to me when I say, that you are doing your children a HUGE disservice when you do not allow them to grow and mature independently.  I have had parents linger around the classroom for far too long, call the school all day long, and hide out in the parking lot watching to make sure their child is doing “okay”.  Yes, this actually happens…All. The. Time.  Please understand that if you trusted the school and teachers enough to enroll your child, please trust them enough to let them do the job you are paying them for…Okay, sorry. Rant over.  In coming up with the ways to prepare your child for preschool, it may seem that some of the tips may be obvious, while others you may have not even thought of.

 

5 Tips for Preparing Your Child for Preschool

 

1. Please DO NOT stay too long at drop off time.

I understand that you may be nervous if it is your child’s first school experience.  But staying too long makes your child get comfortable with the idea that you will be staying with them all day.  It also makes it difficult for them to want to go explore the classroom and engage with the other children.

DO practice the motto, “short drop off, long pick up”.  Make pick up time a longer, engaging experience.  Trust me, most times when it’s time to go home, they don’t want to go!  It happens all the time.

 

2. Please DO NOT leave without saying goodbye.

Of course it is important to practice the motto, “short drop off, long pick up:.  But never just leave without saying goodbye to your child.  It may cause feelings of abandonment, and make them feel as if the school and classroom are not a safe place.  Even if they are crying and sad, still say goodbye to them and leave promptly.

DO give them a hug and even a kiss goodbye, and encourage them to have a fun or good day while at school.  You can also add that you will be back as soon as you’re done at work.

 

 

 

 

3. Please DO NOT say goodbye, leave the classroom or playground, and then come back.

This is a very common thing parents do.  It is very disturbing to your child, especially if they have calmed down and are otherwise distracted.  To see you come back, gives them the impression that they are leaving, and once you leave out again, the entire episode starts again…only this time it’s WORSE!

DO remember, once you say goodbye and leave, you mustn’t return…under no circumstances.   It is very hard; not only on your child; but on the teachers who have to find a way to calm and comfort your child.

 

 

**Number 4 is especially important in a Montessori environment.**

4. Please DO NOT enable your child by doing everything for them.

By this, I am referring to self care activities that they can do themselves.  From an early age, please remember that your child is more capable of doing things for themselves than you give them credit for.  All they need is the opportunity.  Provide as many opportunities as you can for them to exercise their independence skills. I have parents ask me all the time, “They pour their own water and milk?!”.  The answer is yes.  If i didn’t teach them from the first day they start, all I would do all day is pour water and milk! I wouldn’t have a chance to do anything else.  It is not going to hurt them if they are able to do things themselves.

 

Making her own snack

 

DO provide opportunities for your child to care for themselves.  A few examples are to have them dress themselves, help clean up after they eat, pick out their clothes, feed themselves, serve themselves snack, or let them help you cook.  You’d be amazed at what your child is capable of, if they are given the chance!  Some of these activities can be introduced as early as two years old.

 

 

Helping to make fresh bread

 

 

5. Please DO NOT discuss starting school with your child too much or often before they actually start.

I have gotten feedback over the years from many parents that informed me that the month before their child started school they were excited to go.  But by the time it was their start date, they would either push back the start date or not enroll at all.  I found that talking about starting school too much actually causes anxiety and has the opposite effect on a child, making them not want to experience going to school.

DO discuss with your child that they will be starting school.  Do so often, but not so often that they lose interest in wanting to go.  Casually mention it here and there to them, and if they start to develop signs of anxiety or nervousness, end the conversation.  You can always try talking to them about it at another time.

 

 

In conclusion

Following these tips can make your child’s transition (and yours), to school an easier one.  Try to make things as easy as possible for your child, even if that means making it more difficult or uncomfortable for you. You want your child to feel safe and comfortable at the place you are leaving them! By following a few; or all of these tips may even cause a teacher to thank you!

So, THANK YOU!!!

 

 

 

P.S. I would love to hear any other tips you have that have been helpful to your child’s success in preschool! Leave your suggestions and tips in the comments below!

Interested to learn more about this topic?  Here are even more great tips on dropping your child off at school for the first time.

Anitra J.

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