Comments on: He’s Starting Preschool Soon: Tips I’m Loving (Plus a Few of Our Own)

By: Christina

Christina — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 02:22:27 +0000

Cordy started preschool last year, even though she didn’t turn 3 until late September. We won’t start her in kindergarten until she’s close to turning 6 to give her extra time to work on social skills.

I also recommend the quick drop off. It’s so much easier that way. But I think BB will have no problem at all with school – he’s already excited.

And remember that day 2 or 3 will be harder than day 1.

Christinas last blog post..Racing Through The Fog

By: Danielle

Danielle — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:21:05 +0000

Hey Jenna! I read your post and I just had to comment on the transitioning to preschool. I’m a preschool teacher (i think i’ve told you that) and now i’m in charge of the three year olds. Tips from a teacher? 1.) Seriously, make your goodbye a goodbye. The one that I find works best? Taking the child directly to a teacher, (who will hopefully take his hand) and then say your goodbye. Rituals are ALWAYS fun. The child looks forward to them, it makes a routine, it makes the transition easy after a few days, and aids the teacher in helping you leave, etc. My preschool is equipped with a window near the floor, located next to the door. The parents stand on the outside of the door, the children on the inside and their feet “wave” to each other. A lot of parents use this one, but any one that is made up, simple or complicated, is really really good. ) Then you must go–even if he cries. I promise, promise, promise, he will not be scarred and within 5 minutes he’ll probably be playing. If you cry in the hallway, that’s ok too. it’ll probably take longer for you to feel better than him

2. Sometimes the hard day for the kids is not day one…it’s day three, or four. So be prepared that you might have had 3 good drops offs and then wham….he’s crying when you leave. It’s not likely that it’s because he’s having a bad time…it’s just a lot to get used to…so just a heads up on that.

3. If your little guy is having a really hard time…or you think he might (if he’s not a big separator from mom kinda guy) you might want to think about laminating some family pictures and putting them in his bookbag. give the teacher a heads up and when he’s feeling sad she/he can pull them out. Even if you think he’ll be fine, if the teacher is ok with it, it’s something nice to have because he’ll feel like youre there. At my center, the teachers take the responsibilty of making them for the kids, so yours might do a similar typed thing!

You’ll do fine….and so will he Enjoy this very exciting time !!!

danielle

By: Brandy

Brandy — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:29:24 +0000

Well, I also have one of those Fall Birthday boys. He’s six right now and just started first grade. We did about a half of a year of preschool when he was 2-3 and then moved, so we dropped out. He went back for his 4-5 year and it was perfect for him. He too needed the socialization so that he would be ready for kindergarter last year. One thing that made kindy easier (he had more difficulty at kindy drop off than at preschool) was that i wrote him a note to put in his pocket. It said “i love you” only drawn out as a picture of an eye, a heart and a big U! He knew what it meant and it was good for him to have in his pocket to remember that we would be back to get him and he would pull it out occasionally. It instantly took morning drops from a disaster to manageable. BigBrother may be a little young to understand the note thing, but it’s an idea if he does have any anxiety. (my fall boy is VERY shy)

By: Andy

Andy — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:40:29 +0000

Great tips!! What a poignant day. I'm sure he will do fine and I hope you do to! Andys last blog post..August 19, 1970

By: chrissy

chrissy — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:34:05 +0000

From a former Kindergarten and preschool teacher…the quick drop is the best! Trying to rescue a crying child will only make it worse. This means tomorrow you will have the same situation. Even though it tugs on your heart strings to walk the other way…it is better in the long run. Great advice!!

By: FireMom

FireMom — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:31:22 +0000

Workout Mommy; Yeah. I fully expect me to be the one crying. I’m such a sobber.

By: workout mommy

workout mommy — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:46:20 +0000

my oldest also has a fall birthday and I started him with one morning a week last spring and he LOVED it. He will be going for 3 mornings a week this fall and is looking forward to going back to ‘Kool. It was much, much harder on me than him.

workout mommys last blog post..You are never too old

By: Katie

Katie — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:36:15 +0000

In that case, enjoy the backpack. :c) Katies last blog post..Recycled Schnauzer, anyone?

By: FireMom

FireMom — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:30:56 +0000

Katie; backpacks aren’t even mandatory at our preschool. Whatever they bring is fully optional.

By: Katie

Katie — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:21:37 +0000

Just a suggestion –
Make sure the toddler-sized backpack you picked is ok with the teachers at your school. Our preschool’s handbook says NOT to bring those small backpacks, because they simply aren’t large enough to hold many of the art projects, etc. they’ll be bringing home with them. They want the backpacks to be at least 14″ x 16″. Just something to check on!!

Katies last blog post..Recycled Schnauzer, anyone?