Preparing Your Toddler for Nursery School and Reception
It is about that time…time to buy some new pencils, get a haircut, and head back to school! This can be an overwhelming time of year for parents and kids alike but we have some tips for you, no matter which age group your child falls into.
Preparing Your Nursery Schooler to Go Back to School
Hip, hip, hooray your toddler is heading to nursery! (It is totally okay to take a moment to be shocked that your baby is old enough for nursery school!) Once you have come to terms with the fact that your not-so-little baby is heading off to school, consider some of these tips to help him with the transition…we will bring the tissues!
Get Them Involved
Get your little one involved in the back-to-school process. If you need to buy him a new backpack or lunchbox, let him come along and pick it out. Or you can choose two options that you approve of and have your child choose between those. That way you do not get stuck carrying around a backpack they do not like!
Practice Asking Questions
Your toddler probably loves to talk, chat and laugh but they may clam up when it comes to asking their teacher for something. Practice common questions with them like 'can I go to the bathroom?' or 'can I have a turn?' This way, they will be more prepared when it comes time to speak up.
Talk About What to Expect
Regardless of whether or not this is your toddler’s first year in school, it is important to talk about what to expect. Start doing this about a month before they go back. Let them know who their teacher is, what games they might play, and what naptime is going to be like.
Set Your Routine
A week before the school year starts, make sure your child is going to bed and waking up at the time they will be expected to for nursery. Parents can be a little more lax about bedtime during the summer but it is a good idea to get back into the routine of school before it actually starts.
Decide on Lunches
Figuring out what your child wants for lunch can really throw a wrench in your morning schedule—so if you decide ahead of time, it will make things go much smoother. Think about giving your child a few options for lunches. Let them choose their favourites and use those for the month. The next month, you can let them choose again…or you can stick with their favourites!
Talk About Making New Friends
Preschoolers tend to be more aware of social situations than toddlers in daycare—so they may be feeling a little worried about getting to school and meeting new kids. Talk to your nursery schooler about how to introduce themselves, how to ask someone to play, and how to include new friends in activities.
Preparing Your Kindergartner to Go to Elementary School
Your big kid is really ready to go elementary school for the year! Here are a few tips and tricks to get you both ready.
Create a Homework Corner
The 'homework corner' can be a specific chair at the kitchen table, a special stool, or a small desk in their room. Either way, make sure there is a designated homework spot. You can even put a basket next to it with all the supplies your kid might need like scissors, pencils, and erasers.
Figure Out After-School Plans
If there is a gap between when your kid gets out of school and when you leave work, chat with them about what they are going to be doing during that time. Maybe they are going to an after-school activity or a caregiver’s house. Make sure they are aware of what is coming and when they can expect to see you.
Choose Outfit the Night Before
It can be difficult for kids to decide what to wear in the morning…and sometimes it takes way too much time. Circumvent this problem by telling your child they have to decide what they are going to wear the night before. Let them practice the week before school starts.
How do you get back into the swing of things for the school year ahead? Let us know in the comments!
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