Many young children quickly settle into a school routine and look forward to enjoying fun learning activities with their teachers and peers throughout the day. However, starting preschool can also be a difficult time for parents and children alike. Here are some ways you can minimize stress and make this transition a positive one for your child.
Discuss It With Them
Every child is unique. Some are excited to start school, especially if they already have siblings or friends attending. Others may be nervous or fearful about the new environment and routine. Kids might also feel intense separation anxiety.
You never want to discount their feelings, but you can try to help your child feel comfortable with the prospect of starting a Montessori preschool program by talking about it. Are they worried about making new friends? Does the thought of being away from you in a new environment frighten them?
Maybe there’s a mixture of positive and negative feelings. Validate that whatever they’re feeling is natural and help them understand what they can expect. Young children can find it challenging to regulate their emotions, and the uncertainty of this transition might be upsetting.
The best thing you can do is set a good example by staying calm, setting expectations, and developing strategies to address their worries. This can help your child feel relaxed and confident — and perhaps even look forward to preschool.
Encourage Independence
Self-directed and self-paced learning are important parts of the Montessori philosophy, and you can prepare kids by encouraging independent play and decisions at home. Start by letting them make choices about what they wear, what they want to eat, or which activities they prefer.
Offer two or three choices maximum so they don’t get confused or frustrated. The goal is to help them feel comfortable with making choices and confident in their ability to do so. You can also give them simple tasks, like making their bed or picking up toys. This will get them used to doing things on their own.
Prepare for a Classroom Routine
Although self-directed learning is encouraged, children in Montessori preschool classes still have a structured day. Before school starts, set a home routine that includes time spent on learning activities like reading and projects, regular meal times, and naps. Set aside blocks of time for different activities and allow them to set the pace.
You could even try to emulate a Montessori learning space in the home. Create a prepared environment that puts everything at your child’s level, allowing easy access to work surfaces and materials.
Additionally, make sure the area is organized and well-lit, with plenty of opportunities for discovery and hands-on learning. Kids will feel right at home when they step into a Montessori classroom.
You might also want to visit the campus and see a classroom with your child in advance — and possibly even meet your child’s teacher. This can help to set expectations, reduce concerns, and create positive associations with attending school.
Make Preparation a Priority
You want your children to feel confident and safe when starting preschool, and you have the power to reduce stressors and help them prepare for this major transition. With open discussion, a focus on independence, and an environment and routine similar to the Montessori environment, kids are more likely to enjoy a positive experience.
If you’re interested in enrolling your child in preschool at a Montessori School of Flagstaff campus, contact us today to schedule a tour and learn more.
