3 year old is going to start preschool for the first time?

Question

Hi everyone,

My 3 year old is going to start preschool next month. It's going to be his first time being away from us. The only people who have ever even babysat for him have been family members.

He's been potty trained (few accidents here and there) for about 1 month now because the school requires that all children be potty trained.

He's excited about the thought of going to school but I don't know if he really understands what it is. He knows that Caillou (pbs show) goes to preschool and says he wants to go to school like Caillou.

So...any advice on what I can do to make it easier for him? Any tips on how to prepare a 3 year old for preschool? What kind of school supplies, if any, will he need?

Thanks so much for sharing your advice.

Regards,

mari

Answer 1

Good idea Xinro.  A visit to the school ahead of time to meet the teacher will probably spark his interest and excitement.  Then he will be looking forward to the day when he can stay.

Supplies?  All he needs is a smile and in interest in his new activity!  You can get crayons, paper, scissors, and glue or glue stick for him to use at home if you want to.  This will help support skills he will be learning at school.

Also, ask a few questions, with a smile on your face, to get him started thinking and he may come up with a few on his own.  Ask I wonder what stories the teacher will read, I love stories you know!  Do you think they will have paint?  Maybe you could paint a picture for me to put on the refrigerator!

When that first day comes, give him a big hug and kiss, tell him you will pick him up at (time), and you will want to hear all about his day!  Then walk away and let the teacher do her job.  If he cries a little, he will be ok.  The teacher deals with this all the time, and he really will be fine.

Answer 2

See if the preschool will allow you to bring him in on a tour, so he can see where he'll be staying and what will happen.  I know a lot of preschools will allow the child to stay for part of a day to learn about the routine and what happens there, and start to meet the other children.  Ask him about his questions on it, and answer them to the best of your abilities.  I don't know about school supplies, but you can ask the school again.  Most send supplies lists around august if any are needed.  Again, if you have any questions, most places are willing to help you out and answer anything for both you and your three year olds sake.