If you are getting ready to send your child to school this coming fall, you're probably feeling excited, yet also nervous, which is completely normal! As a mom of two little ones and a PreK teacher for the last four years, I've learned that there are some skills that help young children start school with more confidence while also bringing parents peace as they begin this new adventure. When children are equipped with certain skills before they even start school, it also indirectly brings support to the PreK teacher and PreK aide who work with your child daily. Just a few of the skills that tremendously that help both your child's teacher and your child include:

 

 

Developmentally, there are a plethora of social skills your child is learning at this age. As they get ready to enter school, which is such a high social setting, they will be stretched and challenged in their awareness of themselves and others daily. While interacting with your child at home, start teaching them to give others "space" so they are not too close, and to "keep their hands to themself." These two skills alone will help your child become more aware of their proximity to others and ensure they do not invade others' personal space. This is a major skill that is continually developed as kids get older, but starting the year with already having this conversation with your child will help expose them to the concept.

 

 

PreK-aged kids love to feel empowered and independent...so why not equip them with those skills? Certain skills that you can work on with your child include using the bathroom on their own and taking care of those "personal bathroom needs" as well as opening their personal items like their backpack and lunchboxes. When kids are equipped with the skills to complete these tasks, not only does it bring them a sense of confidence, but it also helps them feel empowered to help other peers. When young children can offer each other help and show that type of kindness, it helps build a classroom community of learners who are willing to take chances, all while cheering for their peers to succeed.
 

 

When you have a class with 22 young children, it can feel overwhelming for two adults who are in charge of their learning and safety when they do not know how to communicate their needs. As a parent or family member, you can play such an integral role in helping your child learn to find their "big voice" to ask for help when they need support. For example, during snack time in a PreK classroom, especially at the beginning of the year, most students do not know how to open their snack bags, chips, cookies, etc., without help , which is developmentally appropriate. However, the skill that you can work on with your child is to teach them how to ask for help when they are not able to open their snack independently. This skill also translates to communicating other needs, such as needing to use the bathroom, safety concerns, and even when they feel sick. When your child has been intentionally taught how to communicate their needs, it helps them feel more confident, even in an unfamiliar classroom, such as the one they will be in this fall, so they do not feel as intimidated to ask for help.

 

And more than anything, encourage your child to share with you how they are feeling about starting school. Role play with them different scenarios they may encounter once they start school. Discuss with your child how it's completely okay to feel nervous and scared about starting something new, but how they can show how brave they are, even if their emotions feel overwhelming. As parents, teachers, and guardians-- our job is to model that exact thing.