Look Who's Ready for Preschool!
For some of the children who are enrolled in our integrated preschool program, this may be their first group experience away from home. Some children may experience separation anxiety during the first few days of school. If your child is one of those children, please be assured that this is very normal. We do, however, want to do whatever we can to help all children feel safe and comfortable at preschool. To assist your child with this upcoming transition, we have compiled some suggestions, and hope that they will help to make his or her transition to preschool a smooth one.
Friends at School by Rochelle Bunnett
At School: A Lift-the-Flap Learning Book by Pittau and Gervais
This Is the Way by Anne Dalton
My First Day at Nursery School by Becky Edwards
Maisy Goes to Preschool: A Maisy First Experiences Book by Lucy Cousins
Starting preschool is a great adventure in your child’s life. Here at the Osgood Integrated Preschool, we are dedicated to making that adventure, exciting, positive and memorable.
See you soon!
- When driving by the school, point out that this is where your child will be going to school. Be enthusiastic, and talk about all of the fun things she will do at school. If possible, take a picture, so that she can show others what her new school looks like.
- Read books that talk about preschool and children going to school. They can give your child an idea of what to expect there, as well as, show him that other children share his feelings of uncertainty and wonder. Some favorites that we have shared are:
Friends at School by Rochelle Bunnett
At School: A Lift-the-Flap Learning Book by Pittau and Gervais
This Is the Way by Anne Dalton
My First Day at Nursery School by Becky Edwards
Maisy Goes to Preschool: A Maisy First Experiences Book by Lucy Cousins
- If your child has older siblings, have them help reassure your child about starting school, as well.
- Allow your child to help pick out a new outfit or backpack for the first day of school.
- Create routines at night and before school in the morning, such as laying out school clothes, bedtime stories and starting the day with a good breakfast. These will provide comfort and predictability during the first few days of school when everything is still so new.
- It might also help your child to bring along a special item that reminds her of home, such as a special toy or a picture of the family. The special item can stay in her backpack, but be available if she needs it.
- Finally, on the first day of preschool, allow yourself plenty of time for getting ready and getting to school. You want to be able to provide your child with a little extra attention if he needs it, and make the start to his school year as stress free as possible.
- Additionally, families can take a look at 9 Tips for the 1st Day of Preschool from Care.com
Starting preschool is a great adventure in your child’s life. Here at the Osgood Integrated Preschool, we are dedicated to making that adventure, exciting, positive and memorable.
See you soon!