Whether your little one attends class on-campus or is homeschooled, the pre-K era is a big step that’s going to require preparation, family adjustment, and definitely some on-the-fly learning. Regardless of your process, it’s a challenge to adapt to this new normal, but there are some key details that everyone can lock in place to be ready when the big day arrives.
Not sure what they are? No problem—Little Partners is here to help! We’ve compiled a preschool readiness checklist following Montessori traditions that will make sure everyone gets the most out of this new learning opportunity. Read on for the best prep items and tasks that will empower everyone in your family to be successful in this exciting new chapter.
Basic School Supply Shopping
‘Tis the season for notebooks, pencils, and other back-to-school shopping staples—and with a budding preschooler in tow, it’s a fun errand to tackle together. They can help pick out the perfect supplies and personalize the occasion, and you get to watch them spread their wings in the process. Here’s what every pre-K student should have on hand for day one.
- Backpack: Choosing a backpack to call their own is one of the most exhilarating parts of starting school. In this backpack, they’ll be able to store all of the classroom supplies they’ll need to succeed.
- Art Supplies: Preschool involves plenty of creative outlets, which is ideal for artistic kids as long as they have the necessary supplies to participate. Schools provide a lot, but there will be a list with things like crayons, paper, safety scissors, a smock, and an at-home easel so they can practice at home you’ll need to get.
- New Clothes: School uniform or not, your preschooler will likely require a few fresh outfits for class days. Ensure you’ve got comfortable clothes that can keep up with them—they’ll probably be getting covered in more than their fair share of paint and playground dirt! Plus, shopping secondhand for quality clothes minimizes environmental impact.
- Wipes, Tissues, a Lunchbox, and a Water Bottle: These are basics that many preschools require, and you’ll definitely want to make sure you’ve got them in the backpack.
Social and Emotional Skill-Building
One of the most valuable parts of going to school is learning how to interact with others and regulate their emotions. These are crucial skills that Little Partners is proud to facilitate in our products, but what does this mean for your preschool readiness checklist? Why, practicing at home, of course! Here’s how to give your child a jumpstart on making new friends and meeting new people.
- Playdates with Peers: Schedule playdates so that your child can socialize with friends and prepare themselves for preschool. Playing with other kids—especially future classmates—gives them a glimpse of what preschool will be like, as well as something to look forward to when they go. And for an extra boost, toys that encourage everyone to develop cognitive skills while playing are helpful.
- “Talk Shop” Together: Just talking about school before they actually go does wonders for kids, especially if they’re nervous or wary of change. And who isn’t? Change can be scary, and letting them know what to expect goes a long way to ease anxiety.
- Practice the Routine: To that same end, try showing them their new routine leading up to the big first day. Go through the motions of getting ready in the morning (make the bed, pick out clothes, eat breakfast), pack up their stuff, and drive to school for a nice introductory visit rather than leaving them to adjust the day of.
Logistical Planning
Finally, it’s beneficial to have all your ducks in a row prior to your kiddo’s preschool debut. They may be the one attending school, but parents have plenty to do themselves. The logistics of having a preschooler require parents to embrace new routines too—like your child being out of the house, possibly for the first time (grab the tissues!).
- Workspace and Storage: On-campus or at home, they’ll need a dedicated space for school-related activities and storage. Kids love our Learn ‘N Store Cubby since it gives them the chance to organize their school life in style, including their backpacks, supplies, shoes, etc.
- School Calendar and Online Portals: Parents will have to pay close attention to their child’s school calendar, as well as digital communication via email, text, and online portals. This is where info on important holidays, early dismissals, and parent-related visits can be found. Enlist your preschooler to help you add these dates to your home calendar by utilizing any of our Learning Towers to boost them up to counter height.
Little Partners: The Best Back-to-School Buddy
We’ve made it our business to help parents and children prepare for the future with toys that encourage creativity, develop important skills, and promote a sustainable and eco-friendly future. We take a holistic approach to everything we do, and that includes helping our families set themselves up for success at those major milestones like the first day of school.
We’re a kid-friendly and eco-friendly source for Montessori-inspired products that’ll support your child’s mental and physical growth for years to come. We always pursue the highest levels of certification for environmental friendliness and safety, so you never have to worry about the products that are helping your child grow and learn. After all, there are lots of exciting memories waiting to be made as the back-to-school season kicks off, and your little one will be eager to take on the world with this preschool readiness checklist. So be sure not to blink: before you know it, they’ll be on their way to kindergarten!
But for now, cherish this time at the preschool level by preparing your child for all of the fun that lies ahead of them, with Little Partners by your side.