Attending preschool or kindergarten is a huge step forward for children and parents. Parents can ease the transition by helping their child become more prepared for the new experience a few weeks before school begins. Just a few weeks of focus can help your child. Remember they will feel many things, with excitement at one extreme and possibly fear at the other. You can address both with practice at home – and it can also be fun.

Even before you have visited the school for the first time, reading and playtime can help give a child some idea of what it will be like. Playing and acting out school activities can be helpful. You might start by sitting in a circle with other family members or stuffed animals to represent sitting in a circle together. Make sure your child has a small table and chair to practice sitting in while drawing and doing art activities. You could create a peg at their height where their backpack or coat will belong at home.

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

Chester Raccoon does not want to go to Forest School, but his mother shares a family secret to reassure him. This heartwarming book has become a children’ s classic and mother’ s secret has become a loving ritual for many families.

Familiarity

• Read books about school( see suggestions)

• Play school together, including recess and snack, meal and rest times

• Practice raising your hand to be recognized

Visit the school before the first day

• Meet the teacher and mention her name at home until your child learns it

• Try out the school bathroom and handwashing sink

• Locate your child’ s cubby space

Social skills

• Practice taking turns and sharing

• Practice putting things away

• Role-play asking others’ names and introducing themselves

Daniel Tiger Goes to School

Beloved character Daniel Tiger of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood tells about his first day of school.

20 • AUGUST 2025 • www. OfficialKidsMag. com