16 Strategies for a Successful First Day of Preschool
From Teaching Strategies GOLD
If it’s time for your child to start preschool or elementary school, then it’s likely you’re worried about how the moment of separation will go. You want your child to be excited and eager and have a successful start, but you’re realistic about the possibility of a difficult separation. Will your child cry or fuss, or hang on to your leg, not wanting to let go? What about you? Will you be enthusiastic about this next step, or will you be close to tears? What’s the best way to handle all these conflicting emotions?
First, be aware that it’s normal for many young children to cry when they have to separate from you and experience something new and unfamiliar. Most preschools are prepared for this and have a process to help make things easier. But expect that it may take some time. Some days your child may be fine until other children start crying. Crying usually ends after a few weeks.
Is there something you can do to make this transition easier for you and your child? While there are no guarantees that everything will go smoothly, or that you and your child won’t cry, there are many things you can do together to prepare for these first days of school, no matter what your child’s age.
Here are some suggestions:
1. Arrange for your child to visit with his or her new teacher before the first day of school. Many preschools schedule home visits by the teacher. If not, find out when you can bring your child to meet the teacher. (This took place last spring 2011 during registration).
2. Visit the classroom with your child before the first day. Find out when you and your child can go to see the classroom and become familiar with the environment. Then talk together at home about what you saw. This is helpful to all children no matter what their age. (This takes place Tuesday, September 4, 2012).
3. Talk with your child about whether there is a special object (blanket, stuffed animal) he or she would like to bring to school for comfort. Make sure you find out about school rules, too. The object may have to stay with personal belongings. (We ask that you keep toys at home, but if there is a blanket or stuffed animal your child might find comfort with, they may keep it in their cubby).
4. Talk with the teacher about whether you can send in a family picture to post in a special place for your child to look at during the day. (We encourage you to place a family picture inside your child’s folder so that he/she can pull it out when they might feel home sick).
5. Get the names of some other children in the class. Arrange a play date before school starts so your child will know someone on the first day. (We will designate two room parents for each class to collect phone numbers, email addresses and parent names during our Preschool Orientation Day!)
6. Find out if you can visit the playground at the school so that your child may become familiar with the equipment and feel comfortable. (Yes! Our playground is part of the Park District. You may use it anytime you would like! Enjoy!)
7. Do some pretend play with your child about how you will go to school and how you will say good-bye. Imagine waking up, having breakfast, getting in the car or bus, walking in the door at preschool, and kissing good-bye. (This is so important! Make it exciting! Show your child that you are excited for them!)
8. Agree on a good-bye ritual: how many kisses, hugs, etc.
9. Make sure your child is clear on who will pick him or her up, and when. (THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!!!)
10. Find out something about the schedule for the day so you can talk it over. (Refer to our monthly newsletters and calendars to help with your dialogue).
11. If you are sending lunch or a snack, involve your child in preparing it. Include a special note, picture, or poem as a surprise. (This only applies to children who are taking a foreign language with our Little Linguistics Academy. No other food is allowed in the classroom.)
12. Allow enough time! Make sure you and your child awaken early enough to have a relaxed morning, with time to dress and eat a good breakfast or lunch. (THIS IS SO IMPORTANT!!!)
13. Find out if your child’s school staggers opening days with only part of the class attending so that teachers have more time to spend with a smaller group. (Yes we do! Please read my September page on this web blog for more info).
14. Find out in advance if you may stay with your child for a little while before saying good-bye, if you think it will be needed. (Our policy is that during the first two weeks of transitioning into our preschool routine we have you give your hugs and kisses at the door outside. This offers a fair solution to all the children who might not have parents that are able to stay with them. If your child is showing signs of stress, we will ask that you walk in with them to the classroom door and give your good-byes there).
15. Don’t hang around peering through windows after you have said good-bye. Once your child sees that you are reluctant to leave, it is all over for the teacher.
16. Bring tissues! This may be harder for you than for your child.
For more preschool tips, check out A Parent’s Guide to Preschool, by Diane Trister Dodge and Joanna Phinney. This is a great resource for families with preschool-bound children or for educators looking to help children’s families understand their classrooms better.
Preschool in the City with Mrs. Gabelman 