6 Tips To Prepare Your Child For Preschool
Living in the moment is very important, and you don’t need to dampen the lazy, hazy ways of summer with a stringent schedule of school preparation. But by implementing some very simple strategies this summer, the transition to the Montessori preschool classroom will be much easier.
- Visit The School: It is likely that at this time, your child’s new preschool has wrapped things up for the school year. If you are lucky, you were able to visit the school and meet the teacher before preschool let out for the summer. If not, take the opportunity over the summer months to drive, walk, or bike ride to the school, wander the perimeter, play at the playground, even peek in the windows. Create a sense of excitement for when your child will be able to enter the building and begin their preschool adventure.
Some Montessori preschools offer summer day camps. Enrolling your child in an exciting summer camp will help them feel familiar with the preschool, the staff, and maybe even some of the other children who will be their classmates in the fall. - Play Make-Believe School: Role-playing is a great way to spark creativity, imagination, and help your child develop the skills and habits they will need to be successful this school year. Make a craft, have story time, count and sort marbles by colour. Pretend school can help your child understand what to expect in a real-life classroom setting.
- Read Books About Preschool: Books are an excellent way for children to understand what going to school will look like. Stories can illustrate the fears and excitement the characters may have about going to school for the first time. This is a great way to spark discussions about your child’s own feelings about starting school and can help them discover strategies to resolve their own concerns and worries. Ask your librarian for recommendations of books about preschool.
- Spend Some Time Apart: If your child is used to spending every day with you, summer is a great time to practice spending time with other people. Start with short solo visits with grandparents or a family friend. Try an afternoon playdate. Assure your child that you will be back, and let them build confidence when you are not around.
- Practice Independence: Practice self-sufficiency with your preschooler over the summer. Encourage them to put on their shoes and jacket themselves. Let them pack their own snacks and water bottle for a day trip. Teach them to keep their toys tidy and organized. These small measures of independence will help your child develop skills that will help them succeed in the preschool classroom.
- Develop A Routine: Schedule and routine may go right out the window during the summer months. And so they should sometimes. Days of letting the sun lead the way and staying up late to watch a fireworks display are just some of the things that make summer magical. But as preschool approaches, your child will benefit from a more structured morning and evening routine. At least a couple of weeks before preschool starts, transition to a more scheduled bedtime and early morning routine so that your child is well-rested and ready to get out the door on time.
Be Prepared For Preschool The Montessori Way
The first day of preschool is exciting, but for some children, it can also seem scary and intimidating. These easy tips will help you prepare your child as they step into the classroom for the first time and begin their journey to lifelong learning. In true Montessori fashion, take cues from your child and let them set the pace as you enjoy a carefree summer with an eye to the classroom adventure ahead.
To learn more tips and tricks to help your child get ready for preschool this fall, read 23 Ways To Prepare Your Child For Preschool. And to determine if your child is ready to begin their educational journey read Is My Child Ready For Preschool?.
If you are interested in exploring the benefits of a Grey Matter Montessori education for your preschool-aged child, contact us to book a time for a school tour at our NW Calgary location. We are accessible just off of Symons Valley Parkway in the NW community of Evanston. Call us for more info on our Calgary Montessori preschool programming at 587-707-4739.
FAQ
Q: Does Grey Matter offer any summer programming for preschoolers?
A: For the summer of 2022 Grey Matter Montessori is focussing on Brain Building and enjoying the outdoors. We are offering two camps for students aged 3-6.
Explorar Mexico!
This summer camp is full Spanish immersion and will give students the opportunity to paint, cook, and explore the outdoors while learning the culture, language, and history of Spanish-speaking countries.
Math And Chess Camp
This summer camp encourages your child to learn to love math and to explore the magic of the game of chess. With hands-on opportunities to learn and a giant-size chessboard, this camp is challenging and fun.
Learn more about Grey Matter Montessori summer camps here.
Q: Is there a checklist of things my child must know before attending preschool?
A: At Grey Matter Montessori in Calgary, we value the differences that make each child unique. If your child is aged 3-6 they may be ready to begin to explore learning and we are ready to facilitate it. Learn more about exploring your child’s readiness for preschool here.
Q: When do you accept registration?
A: Grey Matter Montessori has ongoing registration and even offers advanced registrations (up to two years). Contact our office for more information on the upcoming school year and register as early as possible to ensure availability for your desired days and times.
