First day of school! Aah We might not remember it but our parents for sure remember it vividly.
They have fond memories of how we clung to their saree or pajamas and refused to step inside the classroom and they too were heartbroken to part with the apple of their eyes albeit just for a few hours.
Times have changed but even today, we as parents feel the same anxiousness when it’s our turn to experience our kids’ first day of school. We understand the anxiety and so have worked up a useful First Day of Preschool Checklist just for you!. This blog should help you cover almost everything that you need to be ready with and also offer you some useful first day of school tips. Here we go:
1. Being mentally prepared is half the battle won
It’s a whole new chapter, whole new world, totally new set-up for your kid. So, say before a month start gentle discussions with your child about what to anticipate during the school day, that there will be teachers and didis who will be there to help her throughout. Give her a positive but realistic picture about how school will be like – like an enclosed play area with lots of fun learning. Also, talk about and explain how to respect your classmates, establish friends, be on time, respect your teachers, etc.
2. Prepare for separation anxiety
It’s real. Separation anxiety can be crushing and painful for almost every child. They have ever been without you. This might be their first time and they feel the safest with you. So, discuss this possibility with your child, offering reassurance and support. It’s also helpful to establish a goodbye ritual that you both can follow each day. We recommend the book Owl Babies by Martin Waddell.
3. Visit the preschool with your child
Familiarize your child with their new school environment by visiting the campus together. Let them explore the classrooms, playground, and other areas to help alleviate any fears they might have.
4. Establish a bedtime routine
This is a very important thing but often ignored by parents. A consistent bedtime routine which includes the night time and morning rituals followed at same time to sleep and same time to wake up is essential for preschoolers. This really helps the child to firstly be fresh during the school hours and secondly be energetic. Start implementing a set bedtime and wake-up time several weeks before school begins to make the transition easier.
5. Practice self-help skills
Most schools teach this but it will be useful if you start teaching your child how to do some basic things independently like dressing, using the washroom, washing hands etc. These skills will be invaluable when they start preschool.
6. Organize their backpack
Prepare a backpack with essential items like a change of clothes, a water bottle, and any necessary medication. Your child should be familiar with the contents of their bag and more importantly know how to use them. Start this even a few days before and keep iterating it. Do keep spare clothes in the bag too.
7. Read books about starting preschool
Reading books about going to preschool can help your child understand the concept and prepare them emotionally for this new experience. Some popular titles include “Llama Llama Misses Mama” by Anna Dewdney and “The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn.
8. Label their belongings: To avoid mix-ups and lost items, label your child’s belongings like their backpack, lunchbox, water bottle, and clothing. This will also make it easier for teachers to identify your child’s items.
9. Make a transportation plan
Make sure your child has a current bus pass on hand on the first day of school if they need assistance going to and from school every day. It’s okay if you intend to drop them off at school each day. But they can make more pals if you let them ride the school bus. Choose the option that your little one is most at ease with. Be fully aware of the bus routes, timings and in-charge personnel.
10. Read the school rules and the parent manuals
All schools have their own set of rules and regulations. Typically, a guideline booklet is handed over before the joining date. Reading this will keep you aware of what to be prepared with. This is a fantastic technique to guarantee that you are informed on the most recent developments. It
will cover how to support your child in all facets of school, such as academics, behaviour, discipline, and more. Knowing these things in advance will assist you as a parent in advising your child on appropriate and inappropriate behaviour.
11. Attend orientation or open house: Many preschools offer orientation or open house events for parents and students. Like at EuroKids Preschool the orientation is conducted for every new batch wherein the parent can attend it and take the opportunity to meet their child’s teachers, learn about the curriculum, familiarize themselves with school policies and also know about any other extra-curricular activities that the school offers.
12. Build social skills: Arrange playdates or enroll your child in group activities to help them develop their social skills. Encourage them to share, take turns, and communicate effectively with their peers. Not just theirs, try to meet and know a few of the parents in your kid’s batch.
And yes, despite all this preparation, things can still not go entirely as you had wanted it. It’s OK if everything is not planned and executed on your kid’s first day of school. Their school life has just begun and you can implement these from the second or third day onwards too. But we can assure you that proper preparation will make the transition smoother for both you and your child. By following the first day of preschool checklist and first day of school tips mentioned above, you can set the stage for a successful and enjoyable school experience.
Preschools like EuroKids, follow the Mindful Curriculum called EUNOIA – we understand that the first day of your kids’ school is a big deal for you. So, we take all due care about taking you through how you can prepare yourself for it. Enroll your child now with EuroKids and experience a positive and nurturing preschool admission process. Finally, your kid’s first day at school is going to come only one, so enjoy it, and save it in your memory forever.