Helping Preschooler Adjust To New School?

Question

What are some little things I can do help my 3 year adjust to a new school... We just switch her from a daycare setting to a Preschool setting... She now has new friends and new teachers.

Answer 1

Ask the preschool teacher to show you where the lesson plans are posted so that you can ask your daughter what she did for the day. This helps with her memory skills and build some excitement for her new school. Most preschoolers can only recall the last thing they did, so it's important to look at the lesson plans to refresh her memory.

If she is giving you a hard time when you drop her off, try to point out some of her favorite things in the classroom. As a matter of fact, the preschool should have given you a questionnaire to find out what type of things your daughter likes/dislikes to help them 'ease' her into the program. Also, if she is pulling at your shirt refusing to let you leave, work out a signal for the teacher to help you exit the room. Give your child a hug and a kiss, reassure her you will be back soon, (nod to the teacher to tell her you're ready) and walk away without looking back. If you want to stand around the corner to listen a little that's fine, but don't go back in. Each day will get a little bit easier until she learns that you actually do come back later like you promise.

Answer 2

Don't make good-byes last too long, but always say good-bye and reassure her you will be back.  If there are tears I'm sure they are gone not long after you are.  Give it a good month before you expect it to be easier.

Answer 3

Encourage her that her new playschool is a place to be comfortable, and she is likely to just ease right into things. Kids have that instinct, i'd say.

Answer 4

Your child will pick up on any anxiety you may have even if its slight. Just be very positive about the new teacher, friends, the fun things your child will be doing and all the new things she will be learning.

Your teachers will work hard to make sure she feels comfortable and secure. It may take a while, but just keep positive and don't cave in if she says she doesn't want to go to school. So many parents let their children decide this issue and this is NOT something to argue about. It sets a bad precident.

Answer 5

I would talk to the new teacher, make sure that he/she watches your daughter. Encourage her to play with people and make new friends. Ask the center to work with her.