Preschool is a very new and exciting time in a child’s life. At this stage, children are starting to explore so many things, as they begin to build a critical foundation for lifelong learning. Here are a few things to have your child practice at home, to ease their transition to school and help them be successful in a classroom environment.
- Pretend Play: Talk about and act out common routines in a typical preschool day. This would include putting your backpack in a cubby, saying goodbye to mommy or daddy, circle time, singing songs, reading stories, nap time and recess time. Make these activities fun and exciting for the kids.
- Read Books about Preschool: Prior to your child entering preschool, you can read several books about going into preschool. While reading these books, take the time to talk about the characters and how they are feeling. Some popular books you can choose from are: Spot Goes to School by Eric Hill, The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn, and Maisy Goes to School by Lucy Cousins.
- Social and Emotional Support: Read books that discuss feelings and social interactions. Ask your child meaningful questions about their actions, interests and feelings. Encourage them to use their words when speaking with peers and teachers.
- Work on Self Help Skills: Take time to work with your child on some common self help skills that take place in the preschool environment. These would include fastening their shoes, washing their hands, using the toilet, putting on shoes and socks, and using utensils at the table.
- Create a Consistent Bedtime Routine: Implement a daily night and morning routine that can be easily followed. This should include having a reasonable bedtime along with a consistent wake up time.
- Read To Your Child Each Day: Reading to your child every day is a great way to create a joy of reading and boost their vocabulary.
- Reassure Your Child: Make sure your child understands that preschool is a good place where they will have fun, learn and make new friends!
A Day in the Life of a Legacy Preschooler
Are you wondering what your child’s day will be like when they come to school for the first time? We’ve got you covered!
Daily Full-Day Program Sample:
7 – 8 a.m. – Arrival/Breakfast/Activity Areas
8 – 8:30 a.m. – Center-Based Play (Teacher and Child-Directed)
8:30 – 9 a.m. – Morning Circle Time
9 – 9:15 a.m. – Bathroom/Water Break
9:15 – 9:45 a.m. – Language Arts (Spalding)
9:45 -10 a.m. – Morning Snacks
10 – 10:15 a.m. – Bathroom/Water Break
10:15 – 10:30 a.m – Fine Arts
10:30 – 11 a.m. – Recess/Gross Motor Play/Physical Education
11 – 11:30 a.m. – Math Lesson (Saxon Math K)
11:30 – 12:30 p.m – Lunch (Family Style)
12:30 – 1:45 p.m. – Naps/Quiet Time/Bathroom Breaks/Fine Arts
1:45 – 2:15 p.m. – Science/Social Studies
2:15 – 2:45 p.m. – Physical Education/Social Emotional Learning
2:45 – 3 p.m – Bathroom/Water Break
3 – 3:10 p.m. – Goodbyes