As a former preschool teacher I have worked with many children and have noticed some helpful things that make that first year of preschool easier for some and harder on others. They might not be what you would have thought either.

Start with the Basics

Potty training is a huge one to help your child be successful in preschool. If your child is not confident in their ability to go to the bathroom just yet on their own, this may be something you can work on with them over the summer. I always feel so bad for the child who is working on making friends in a new environment, but then has to go through the embarrassing moment of needing to change their clothes and have the teacher clean up an area in the classroom. They just need a little confidence to be able to know they can take care of this need on their own.

Understand Directions

This is a skill we expect to work on with children in preschool. But helping your child at home can set them up for success in preschool if they are already able to follow 2 and 3 step directions on their own. They are given a lot of tasks to complete in a day of school and it is important that they know just how to listen and retain the steps to be completed. This one can be practiced at home very easily. We often make it into a game at school. The game is simple and we will work individually by asking them to do simple silly tasks such as stand up, put the pencil on the chair, and clap 2 times. They will find it to be a funny thing to do, but we are work on that skill of listening and retaining directions.

Food Skills

One that is often harder for us mamas to spend time on is allowing them to practice opening their lunch items and being able to eat it on their own. Often we find it just quicker and easier to do it for them, but we are taking away that opportunity for them to learning the important skill that will give them success in preschool. Allow them to struggle with the material for a few minutes while you offer encouragement. If they are unable to do it on their own, help them by doing it with them so they are given the chance to learn how to either open the item or scoop it on their own.

Communication Skills

I know that some children at this age may be experiencing some speech difficulties, however, if your child is able to speak well practice that skill. Encourage them to express their needs and thoughts. In preschool when their is several students to work with it is important they can express if they need to get a drink or use the restroom. This may also be a skill that may be helpful to practice with people who are not in the family or friends who they don’t see as often. I often see they are able to communicate well with their parents, but when they are in a classroom with new people they become shy and unable to express their needs to the adults in the room.

Self-Help Skills

One of the most important skills you can practice with your child prior to them starting preschool is some basic self-help skills. These could be as simple as putting on their shoes (offer them easy shoes to wear), taking care of their bathroom needs on their own, hanging up their own jacket, or using utensils and a cup. All of these skills take time for them to learn, but practicing them at home will set them up for success that first year of preschool as they are learning so much and exploring the world around them. As a teacher, when I would see that a child was able to get himself ready to go outside I knew they were going to have a great year of learning rather than trying to survive the experience.

Don’t Worry if Your Child Struggles

If your child is not able to successfully complete these 5 skills before the school year starts, don’t worry! The teacher will be there to support them and encourage all of their learning. This list is to simply help you think of some basic ways you can practice with your child to help them start on the right foot. Each child is unique and learns at their own pace, they will learn these skills when they are ready. I hope you and your little have a wonderful first year of preschool if that is the schooling option you have chosen for your family.