As we look toward August and the start of the new school year, many young children will be heading to preschool for the first time. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) asked early childhood educators and a kindergarten teacher for suggestions to help parents create a smooth transition for their children. Among their tips:
- Visit a library during storytime so the child gets used to hearing someone other than a family member read aloud in a group setting.
- Adjust “to bed” and wake-up times to fit the school schedule several weeks in advance so the child has time to adjust to the new routine.
- Let the child pick out a new backpack.
- Start to leave the child for short periods of time with friends or relatives and reinforce that you will return.
For more good suggestions and a list of books about going to school and saying goodbye, visit the NAEYC website.
