Getting ready for preschool is less about knowing the alphabet and more about everyday skills: following a short routine, taking turns, asking an adult for help, and trying things on their own. You can practise all of them at home.
Following a short routine
Preschool days have a shape. Practise a simple one at home: wash hands, eat, clean up, story. Use the same words each time.
Taking turns
Board games, rolling a ball back and forth and sharing crayons all teach waiting and turn-taking.
Asking for help
Teach the words: "Can you help me?" A child who can ask for help settles faster in a new room.
Doing things alone
- ✓Putting on shoes and a jacket.
- ✓Opening a lunch container.
- ✓Putting things back in a cubby or bag.
Practise the goodbye
Short separations before preschool help: an hour with a relative, a playdate at a friend's house. Each time, say when you will be back, and come back when you said.
Talk about school positively
Read picture books about starting school and visit the building together. Children pick up on how we talk about new things.
Learning through play
Art, music, dance and pretend play build the attention and confidence school needs. At Nana's, learning comes through art, music, dance and theater, with fitness, using the High Reach learning curriculum and a focus on school readiness — see the toddler and preschool program.
toddler and preschool program →Frequently asked questions
Does my child need to know letters before preschool?
No. Everyday skills like following a routine and asking for help matter more at the start.