What Should My Child Know Before Preschool?

Preschool is a time where children begin to develop the necessary skills to attend kindergarten.

This experience can be fun and exciting—maybe, even a little nerve-racking!

For this reason, it is important that your child is prepared for this change.

In this article, you will learn exactly what your preschooler needs to know before his or her first day!

What Your Preschooler Needs to Know Before Their First Day

Potty Training

First on our list of what your preschooler needs to know before heading off to school is potty training.

Whether or not potty training is a requirement depends on the preschool.

Generally, if the preschool class is for children under three or if the children have special needs, potty training isn’t a requirement. However, if your child is enrolled in a preschool program intended for children over the age of three, potty training may be a requirement. 

In the end, you will have to check with your local preschool facility to find out for sure what the requirements are. However, it never hurts to err on the safe side and potty train your child anyway!

Knowledge Requirements

In preschool, students will learn letters, shapes, and colors to prepare for kindergarten. Therefore, there aren’t many knowledge-based entry requirements. However, many preschools will require students to know how to perform certain tasks.

For example, some preschools will require children to know how to use safety scissors. In addition, they may need to be able to dress and undress in case of an accident. Overall, these are common childhood development milestones that many children meet before preschool.

Independence

In addition to the typical preschool requirements, your child will need to have some level of maturity to enter preschool successfully. 

For instance, your child will be expected to have some measure of independence. For example, they should be able to play on their own or complete projects in group settings.

In the end, some amount of self-sufficiency is a must for any preschooler. Otherwise, other children in the class won’t get the attention they need. 

Communication

In most preschools, children are not required to speak fluently. However, the child must be able to get a point across to an unfamiliar adult. Moreover, the child must have the ability to understand what they are being told. 

In the end, basic communication skills are vital for preschoolers. If a child doesn’t understand a teacher’s instructions, for example, s/he could pose a safety hazard to themselves or other students. Likewise, if a student cannot adequately communicate to the teacher that they need to use the restroom, s/he could have an accident. 

Listening Skills

Listening skills are closely related to communication skills. However, listening involves more than the ability to understand. Children must have the ability to focus for at least ten minutes at a time.

Practicing at home and elsewhere can be a useful method to prepare them for the schoolroom. For example, you could play pretend school with him/her, gradually increasing the time s/he is required to sit still and listen.

This involves sitting quietly, listening intently, and participating when appropriate.

Emotional Readiness

Determining your child’s emotional readiness for preschool isn’t always easy.

For example, some children are simply shy and would greatly benefit from the social experience of preschool. In comparison, some children may have too much anxiety to last a full day with other children.

Here are some questions to help you determine the emotional readiness of your child:

• Can my child say goodbye to me without too much anxiety?
• Can they eventually acclimate to the new environment?
• If my child becomes overwhelmed/upset/emotional, would they pose a threat to the safety of other students? 
• Can my child last the full day at school without breaking down?

Consider these questions closely to determine if your child is emotionally equipped to begin preschool. If your child isn’t ready, try working with them on a one-on-one basis before sending them to school.

On the other hand, perhaps you still aren’t sure if your child is ready for preschool yet. For example, maybe your child is very shy and has a hard time parting from you. In this case, don’t worry! 

Generally, children will acclimate to new surroundings once parents leave. In the end, shy children tend to benefit greatly from the social atmosphere of a quality preschool. 

In conclusion, while it’s important to evaluate the emotional readiness of your child before sending them to preschool, keep in mind that shyness isn’t the same as social anxiety. Most shy children make lots of friends in preschool and have a great time! 

Enroll Your Child in Preschool Today!

Consider this list of what your preschooler needs to know before sending them off to the next stage of your life!

After you’ve assessed your child’s preschool readiness, you will have to choose a quality preschool to send them to. 

Consider Smaller Scholars Montessori Academy!

This accredited Montessori primary school works closely with young children to encourage independence, creativity, and a love for learning.

Smaller Scholars also offers a toddler program, and an elementary school program.

Their unique mixed-age classroom groups give a unique opportunity to interact and learn from other students.

The curriculum is based on Montessori principles that value childhood development. Lessons include fundamental teachings about self-awareness and social awareness. Students are encouraged to participate through hands-on games and activities that foster a love of learning. 

In addition, students are encouraged to participate in numerous extracurricular activities, and outdoor education opportunities.

All in all, Small Scholar Montessori Academy works diligently with your child to foster a well-rounded student with a love of learning through interactive activities.

Contact Smaller Scholars today for more information about how you can enroll your small scholar!