How to prepare my daughter for preschool?

Question

how can i prepare my soon to be 3 year old daughter for preschool, it starts in june?

we are working on potty training. What else do they need to know for preschool?

Answer 1

tell her to make as many friends as possible, b/c i didn't do that and i now have only like 5 good friends (and i'm in High School!!!). most ppl know who i'm, but they r not my friends

Answer 2

Lets see,  knowledge of Letters, Numbers, Shapes, Colors,  Sight Words  is just the tip of the ice.

The list goes on to build on her interpersonal like  learning to wash her hands, saying please, thank you, good morning, learning to share and interact with others . . . . . . . . . .I can go on and on.

For educational purpose:  Prep school has a kool curriculum

then there is Hook on Phonics.

Answer 3

how to take turns, how to share, just a couple of suggestions!

Answer 4

Really there are no prerequisites for preschool.  Some school do require three year olds to be potty trained if they do not have an IEP.  Other than that there are really no requirements.  It is always good to work on things at home, that way your child realizes the importance of what they are learning.  Here are some things I work on in my classroom for the children that are 3:

The letters in their name (starting with ONLY capitals and moving to other letters as they learn the ones in their name)

Recognizing and naming numbers 1-5

Counting to 5

Counting up to 5 items

Colors (start with primary colors and branch out)

Shapes (circle, square, triangle, rectangle)

Body Parts

Those are some basic skills we work on.  The most important aspect of preschool is learning to work together and socialization with peers.  This is where they expand their language skills and learn social skills and how rules apply and the importance of rules.  Being that your daughter is just going to turn 3, she is a young three and starting in a new school environment.  The teacher will probably allow her some adjustment time to the new routine before starting on these academic skills.

Don't stress yourself out about what she needs to learn, I commend you on being an involved parent...that is always nice to see.  I would recommend asking the teacher once she begins school what you can work on at home with her.  Just remember, children at this age learn a lot through play so make it fun by doing projects or taking a trip to the zoo and talking about animals.

Answer 5

You should ask the preschool teachers, they will tell you if there's anything specific she needs to know.  

In general though, it would be good if she knows things like colours, and is happy to sit and listen to stories and talk about them.  If she can recognise her name in print, that could be useful, too.  

Also, you should arrange some kind of 'code word' with her, in case you ever have to send anyone else to collect her from preschool.  Make it a kind of game, and promise that either you will be there (or dad or grandma or another known and trusted adult), or someone who will know what the special code word is.  

I guess it's also useful if she's used to playing with at least one or two other children, so that she understands about taking turns and sharing toys.  But on the whole, just use your common sense.

Answer 6

potty training is a MUST. Make sure she knows that you will NEVER forget her there. a little bit of letters, knowing how to spell and write her name (not perfectly), colors, shapes, numbers and counting 1-10, the general rules (no hitting,  no name-calling, clean up after yourself, etc). Act excited!! She will catch onto it! Make sure you get her a new outfit that she helps to pick out, and a backpack and possibly some school supplies. Let her help you make or pick out a small gift for the teacher. It all makes her look forward to preschool. On the first day, tell her that when you come to pick her up, you will have a special treat for her (a present, going out to lunch, etc)

Answer 7

I run a Playgroup and I have listed what advice we give to parents before the start with us.  I hope it is useful and wish your daughter all the best for her new preschool.

Before Joining the Playgroup

It is a big step to leave the home environment and join the community at playgroup and some children find it easier than others.

Preparing for playgroup is extremely important if your child is to be happy.

Below are some points you might find useful in helping your child to make the transition from home to playgroup as painless as possible.

Always emphasise the enjoyment to be had in playgroup and the interesting things that can be done there.

Try to show no anxiety yourself about the new venture.

To give your child the start he/she needs:

a) can your child attend to their toilet needs and wash hands

b) can your child put on and take off coat/jumper

c) help your child to recognise name and symbol when they start playgroup

d) take him/her to library and spend time selecting books

e) talk and listen to him/her

f) answer questions fully

g) teach your child basic nursery rhymes and children's songs

h) arouse curiosity by pointing out and exploring the interesting things around him/her

i) allow your child to help with simple household chores eg. setting the table, sorting cutlery, laundry, shopping etc

j) let your child play with interesting education toys eg. building blocks, construction toys, simple jigsaws etc

k) play with him/her throwing and catching a ball

l) let your child have use of safety scissors

m) encourage your child to tidy away toys

The first days of playgroup

as already mentioned, the change from home to playgroup is a very big one, the staff understand thus you will find them helpful and sympathetic.

I. Don't be worried if your child cries -this happens in a few cases but rarely lasts long after parents leave.

2. Allow your child to bring a favourite toy if you think this may help.

3. Always make sure the staff know of any problems your child has -eg speech, eyesight, hearing or other medical factors.

4. Always show an interest in your child's work and progress -this is a great encouragement to him/her.

5. REMEMBER, we are here to help. If you are worried about anything.

Attendance

Regular attendance is essential for children to make progress in playgroup.

We look forward to welcoming you and your child and hope that you will take the time to read the parents information booklet as this will provide you with vital information about what we at the Playgroup are striving to achieve for your child.

Settling in...

Families will be welcome and supported in each group for as long as it takes to settle their child. Flexible admission procedures, are in place to meet the needs of individual families and children. Reassurance is given to parents whose children seem to be taking a long time to settle It takes longer for some children than for others and parents should not feel worried by this Before the child's first term, the child and parent may spend time in the group to allow the child to become familiar with the staff and the playroom. Parents are encouraged to remain with their child for as long as necessary during the settling-in period. We encourage parents, where appropriate, to separate from their children for brief periods at first, gradually building up to longer absences. Parental Involvement

Answer 8

Just try to give her an idea of how her day will go.(greeting teacher,snacktime,and very important,how to be able to tell her teacher she needs to use the potty)

Make sure she understands,when you leave you will ALWAYS come back and pick her up.

One more thing.Remember that it's a FUN place to be.At this age it's all about socializing,sharing,etc.Make sure she understands that it's something to look forward to.

Answer 9

nothing

she is just in preschool all they do in there is color anyways

she will learn everything she needs to know when she starts preschool

just relax

Answer 10

Get EXCITED! Your excitement will rub off on her! Bring it up daily. Buy her her very own back pack. It'll make her feel special and all grown up. Ask the pre school if you can go in a month before for very brief visits WITH your child. I own and operate a daycare centre and kids feed off parents feelings so if you are feeling at all apprehensive about letting go...be sure she dosen't pick up on it. Good luck and happy holidays!!

Answer 11

I would start by sharing your optimism about your child going to school.  Young children look to their parents on what to expect and even what to feel.  So your state of mind goes a long way!  You may also take your child to the school a few times prior to actual enrollment so your child may feel comfortable what to expect when the time comes when you have to leave her alone in the classroom.  Transitions are a big deal for young children.  Children respond better when they know in advance what to expect.

You have begun to teach your child how to improve the cognitive, physical, social/emotional, and language skills she needs.  She will now have the opportunity to expand on those skills in preschool so that she may be better prepared for the world.

To add another note, finding out if they are NAEYC accredited helps the preschool's credibility as to the quality you want your daughter to receive.

I hope this helps!