Preparing For Pre-K
With the school year rapidly approaching, we’re preparing for all things pre-k over here. There are a few things that we’re doing to make the transition a little bit easier. While I’m sure there will be some tears at first, I’m excited for my daughter to learn and grow in her education and interaction with other kids her age.
I’ve also been questioning if I’ve prepared her well enough.
I’ve been blessed to stay at home with my daughter. While we’ve done a ton of play dates and library story times, she hasn’t spent a ton of time away from me. I’m sure we missed some social opportunities and extracurriculars during the pandemic too. Honestly, we haven’t done a whole lot of numbers and alphabet practice, just reading books and lots of playtime. Isn’t pre-k all about teaching independence and preparing for kindergarten anyway? I sure hope so.
Explain what’s happening
When I asked my daughter if she was excited to start school, her response was “Mom, I don’t really like talking to people that I don’t know very well.” I explained to my sweet girl that the whole class will be together everyday and soon she would recognize and remember her friends and teachers name. She doesn’t usually nap at home since she’s nearing her 5th birthday in October, but I explained she would have to lay there quietly for nap time. We also got a new stuffed animal for nap time. If they can bring snacks, take them snack shopping for their favorite snacks.
Talk about things to look forward to
Now this might not work as well for boys but my daughter was excited to try on her uniform. She’s also looking forward to free dress days. My girl loves any excuse to dress up. She’s also looking forward to recess on the playground and all of the fun toys in the classroom. Having two older sisters who eat lunch at school has her excited to try school lunch. Plus, I don’t know if you’ve heard, but this school year 2023-2024 all Lafayette parish public schools have free breakfast and lunch for all students regardless of income. Mamas rejoice! Thats one less lunch to pack, or three in my case.
Create a special tradition to celebrate milestones
When we found out my daughter received a spot for French immersion pre-k, we toured the school. Then I took her to Bonne Vie Macarons after to celebrate with the French style dessert, macarons. I love any reason to celebrate with a sweet treat. I especially loved celebrating such a big milestone with my girl. You can celebrate at home too. Just pick something thats special and fun that your kid likes and that you can do together.
Find other parents going through the same thing
Now this is not only for your kid, but for you too mama. When my older daughter started kindergarten, we walked to class together on the first day. While waiting in line to go into school, I heard the little girl standing behind us say the name of her teacher. Who also happened to be my daughter’s teacher. So I turned around and introduced my daughter to the other little girl and said they would be in the same class. Well not only did my daughter and this little girl become best friends, but I also became friends with her mom. We often met up for play dates after school and texted each other about home work assignments. So reach out to other parents at that meet and greet or set up a play date outside of school to get to know a classmate’s parent. You never know what friendship is just waiting around the corner for you or your little one.
