Preschool Prep: How to Prepare Your Toddler for Preschool

Preschool marks a significant turning point in your child’s educational and developmental journey. While starting the formal learning process is thrilling, learning to spend time apart can be challenging for you and your child. Therefore, it’s beneficial to prepare and help them gradually adapt to this new phase of their life. At Rothewood Academy, we understand that parents and children have conflicting feelings as they reach this milestone. We provide a warm, safe, and nurturing environment to help your child become accustomed to their new routine and learning environment. We provide a space that cultivates their social, emotional, physical and intellectual skills.

Tips to Prepare Your Toddler for Preschool

Here are some tips you can use to prepare your child for this next stage:

  • Engage in pretend play to explore the idea of a preschool

Make a simple classroom at home so your child can act like they’re in class. You can each play the roles of parent, student and teacher while rotating roles. Act out typical daily activities, including waving goodbye to parents, hanging up a backpack, singing songs, reading stories, making art, participating in group time, playing outside and taking naps. By switching roles and allowing your child to be the teacher, you help them feel more in control and reduce their anxiety. It also assures them that a school is a good place where they will have fun and learn.

  • Visit the preschool together

Visiting a school is an excellent chance for your child to get used to their new surroundings while you assess the school’s facilities, letting them watch, explore and meet the teacher. You can also stroll around, play on the playground and describe the activities that will take place there. This allows your child to feel confident and at ease. Rothewood Academy is happy for parents to bring their children to tour the facility before the school year begins.

  • Practice self-help skills

Teaching children self-help skills helps them develop independence and gain confidence in their ability to perform tasks and try new things. To prepare your toddler for the preschool environment, you can teach them how to feed and clothe themselves. You can also teach them hygiene habits like washing their hands, wiping their nose and cleaning up after themselves.

  • Spend time away from your child

Children who are used to being left with caretakers, such as grandparents, relatives and friends, often adjust to preschool more easily. Create a separation plan and start implementing it. First, only leave your child for brief periods – like an hour to go shopping – and gradually increase the time until they are content to be left alone for an entire morning or afternoon.

  • Create a routine

A few weeks before school starts, have your child practise the bedtime and wake-up time they will need for preschool. Choose a bedtime that allows for a restful night’s sleep and an early enough wake-up time to avoid rushing in the morning. Routine provides the structure for innovative learning, smoother transitions and mental preparation for the day ahead.

Are You Looking for a Preschool in Surrey?

If you’re looking for a preschool for your child, contact Rothewood Academy.

Our passion is encouraging students to have a love for learning. Our teachers nurture students’ creativity and curiosity, creating amazing learning opportunities and lasting connections. At Rothewood Academy, your child will develop high expectations and a passion for education that lasts a lifetime.

Get in touch using our contact form to learn more about our schools or take a tour.