Getting ready for back to school

We want to share some ideas with you as you get ready to go back to school!

As summer winds down and you prepare to head back to school, we wanted to share some ideas with you that we think you will find helpful whether at home or in your classroom.

Calming nerves with a story

For some children, going to preschool for the first time also means separating from their loved ones for the first time. If your child/ren are nervous about the first day of school the story The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn is a great book to help calm their first day jitters. Separation can be hard for children, but this sweet story about a raccoon and his mother and their love for one another can help calm any fears and ease the transition.

Easing separation with a DIY photo book

If you want to make your own personal book to help with separation anxiety, we love this DIY photo book idea from No Time for Flashcards. Easing the separation takes time, but as your child feels safe in their new environment, becomes comfortable with their teacher or caregiver, builds new friendships, and knows that you will come back, it will get easier!

Displaying family photos

Another way to help children feel close to their loved ones while at school is by creating a family display board or placing family pictures in frames throughout the classroom. You might also create a collaborative family photo book. This helps build a connection between the home and school.

Building new friendships

We love finding ways to promote friendship in preschool and enjoyed these ideas shared here by Teaching Two and Three Year Olds including our very own friendship blocks! Friendship blocks are a great way to help children feel comfortable in their classroom community. They are a classroom favorite and are quite simple to make! Another fun way to promote friendships in preschool is with a Friendship Mural. Collaborative art projects get children sharing ideas, creating, working together, and having fun as they paint, color, and draw! Our children had a blast kicking off the school year with a friendship mural and we are sure that yours will, too.

Establishing routines

Children thrive on routine and predictability in order to feel safe and secure. However, time is a difficult concept to grasp in the early years. This is where a visual schedule can help! Consider making a visual clock or visual schedule to help your child know what their day is going to look like. Here are some printables from Pre-K pages that you might incorporate into a visual schedule.

Adding a personal touch

A sweet lunchbox note or a positive post-it is another fun way to brighten your child’s day and let them know they are loved! We love the idea of sharing words of affirmation in the form of a lunchbox note such as this idea from No Time for Flashcards.

Wishing you a great year!

Whether you are at home, or in a classroom setting this school year, we hope that these ideas will inspire you as you prepare for the fun and exciting times ahead of playing, learning, and connecting with one another!

Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

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