Top 10 tips to prepare your toddler for preschool

Why preschool is important for your toddler?

If you think about it, most of life’s big issues begin to challenge us during our preschool days; from how to make new friends and building new skills, to understanding how to get our needs met and articulate and communicate our concerns, the list is endless.

Starting preschool is a big milestone for both toddlers and you as parents or caregivers. It can be an exciting time for toddlers to begin structured learning and socialising with other children their age, but it can also be a bit unnerving because of the fear of the unknown.

How to prepare your toddler for preschool?

• Talk to your toddler enthusiastically about preschool
  One of the best ways to prepare your toddler for school is by talking to them about it. Explain what a preschool is, why it is important, and what to expect. Let them know that they will be learning new skills, making friends, and having a lot of fun. You can even speak to them about fond memories from your preschool days to encourage them.

• Visit the preschool along with your child
  It is always advisable to take your child with you while you visit the preschool. This will give them a chance to see the classroom, meet their prospective teachers, and get familiar with the facility and the environment.

• Start potty training
  If your little one is not already potty trained, it is a good idea to start this before they start preschool. Though schools are always prepared to handle any unforeseen situations, toilet-training your toddler will help avoid accidents and make their transition to preschool hassle-free.

• Establish a fun bedtime routine
  A bedtime routine can be your time together. Catch up, talk, and listen to them. This practice is sure to help them get better sleep, feel safe, and wake up feeling refreshed. According to studies, this ritual will also improve both their learning and behaviour.

• Encourage independence and self-care
  The more independent your little one is, the easier their transition to preschool is going to be. Encourage them to do things on their own, starting with daily chores such as dressing up, eating their meals (start with finger foods for ease), wearing their socks and shoes right, and using the potty.

• Read to your toddler
  Reading to your child is a great way to prepare them for preschool. It will help them develop their language skills and vocabulary, nurture their love for reading, and learn about the world around them through stories. This can be part of the bedtime routine.

• Play educational games
  Playing games is always a fun way to help children learn. There are many different types of educational games available, both indoor and outdoor, so you can find ones that are appropriate for your toddler’s age and interests.

• Teach your child basic social skills
  Preschool is a great time for toddlers to learn basic social skills, such as sharing, active listening and being kind to others. You can teach them these at home by playing games and practicing them together.

• Be positive and supportive
  Let your toddler know that you are excited for them to start preschool. Be supportive and let them know that you are there for them if they need help or have questions.

• Help your child learn to say a warm goodbye
  Good communication between parents and children is crucial. Being greeted with warmness can help self-esteem from an early age. It is also vital to the growth, development, and learning of the child. This approach strengthens the child’s experience of feeling valuable and being seen.

  Starting preschool is a huge step but by following these tips, you can help your toddler prepare for preschool and make the transition as smooth as possible for both of you.

Why choose Dibber International Preschools?

Dibber provides Early Childhood Development with the aim of making every child feel valuable and helping them become the best versions of themselves. We manage over 600 centres across 10 countries—that’s over 40,000 children who learn new skills, build competencies, create fond memories and new friendships, and experience the Dibber way of learning every single day.

With experienced and warm-hearted educators, proven pedagogy principles and a safe, spacious, and well-designed setting, our international preschools are bound to make learning enjoyable, inclusive, and fun for each child that walks into our campus.

Curious to know more about what Dibber education entails and how we develop lifelong learners with a heart for the world? Click here: dibber.co.za.