By Toh Amy
Preparing our children for a new school year is a crucial step in helping them become preschool-ready, ensuring they can comfortably adjust to the preschool environment and its routines. As children gradually transition into school, they acquire new skills such as participating in group activities, communicating their needs, and developing self-help abilities like feeding themselves and keeping their own belongings. There is so much for them to learn and grow in this exciting new environment!
My second child, Abby, was born in November 2019, right before Covid. As the circuit breaker and social distancing measures were implemented to prevent the spread of the virus, my daughter spent most of her time at home with us and interactions with people or even relatives were limited. I noticed that my daughter seemed anxious in social situations. When she saw neighbours or even familiar relatives, she would often cry. This made me realize how important it was to ease her into the school environment gradually, one step at a time.
On the other hand, my firstborn, Josh, was enrolled in Infant Care when he was 6 months old. He progressed in the same school and familiar environment until he was K2. The experience we had for him was different for Abby. Every child is different, and I realised that I had to manage my expectations and cater to Abby’s needs differently.
In this article, I’d like to share some general tips from my own experience preparing my children for preschool.
Before school starts:
- Build immunity
Preschoolers have immune systems that are still developing, making them more susceptible to infections. To help your child stay healthy and prepared for school, focus on boosting their immune system. A balanced diet rich in vitamins, fruits, and vegetables is a great way to support their health. Participating in regular physical activity and good sleep habits also helps!
- Introduce books about schools
There are many wonderful books available that introduce the concept of school to young children. These books often feature characters who go through similar experiences, making it easier for children to relate. Additionally, you can create a fun pretend-play game at home, acting out different school routines such as story time, singing songs, and taking naps.
- Talk to your child about school
Start discussing school with your child in a positive way. Let them try on their school uniform and get familiar with the idea of getting ready each morning. If possible, take a walk or drive past the school so your child can see where they’ll be going. This helps them connect with the space and view it as a fun and welcoming place.
When school starts:
- Establish a morning routine
Consistency is key, so develop a morning routine that includes checking in, saying goodbye, or giving a hug at the preschool entrance. One of our personal family routines is we will take time to pray with Abby before sending her to school.
You can reassure your child by saying, “I will come back, and we will go home together.” Avoid slipping out unnoticed, as this can create confusion or trust issues. Saying goodbye helps your child feel secure.
- Allow time for adjustment
Remember that it will take time for your child to settle into the new environment. Don’t rush the process—let them adjust at their own pace.
During the pandemic, Abby spent most of her time at home, which led to a new challenge: she became unable to nap anywhere outside of her own cot. She refused to nap anywhere else, even within the house, and would only sleep in her own bed. At home, in her familiar environment, she would usually self-soothe and fall asleep with ease. However, I became anxious about how she would adjust to a full day of school and whether she would become overtired by the end of the day.
To address this concern, I communicated with her teachers, and together we developed a transition plan. We decided to start with half days at school and gradually extended her hours, allowing her to stay until after nap time to ease the adjustment.
Through this process, I had many worries, but I learned that letting go and trusting the process was key.
- Communicate with teachers
In the initial few months, I observed that Abby preferred to play on her own, often sitting in the corner of the classroom by herself. I became concerned about her social involvement with other children.
Regular communication with her teachers helped ease my anxiety as a parent. I remember one update where the teachers shared that Abby had found a new best friend in class, and the two of them spent a lot of time together. Through the Little Lives app, I received photos of Abby enjoying activities with her new friend, along with group class photos. These updates became a great conversation starter for me to speak to Abby about her day as we browsed through the photos together
If your child is struggling to express their needs, take the initiative to communicate with their teachers. Being proactive and advocating for your child ensures that the teachers understand your child’s unique needs and can provide the appropriate support.
Embracing a new chapter
Lastly, preparing your child for school is not just about getting them ready for the classroom; it’s about helping them build the confidence, skills, and resilience they need to thrive in a new environment. The transition to school can be both exciting and challenging, but with the right support and gradual introduction, you can help your child feel secure, capable, and eager to embrace this new chapter.
From establishing routines and boosting immunity to fostering communication and managing emotions, every step you take together lays the foundation for a positive school experience.
Remember, every child adjusts at their own pace, and the love and patience you offer now will set the stage for a joyful journey through school.
As the saying goes, “Each day of our lives, we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.” The journey to school life is a significant one for both parents and children. Although it can feel like a big step, rest assured that when you look back, you’ll be glad you took this baby step into a new chapter of your child’s life together.
To find out more about our preschools, visit https://littleseeds.edu.sg/.
Toh Amy is Manager (Centre Environment) at Anglican Preschool Services and a mother of two.
