O.k Mom's And Dads. My 4 year old is starting pre-school?

Question

What Stuff do I need to buy? How do I prepared him for such an overwhelming experience? What exactly do they do there? Does he needs his own toys? Own Lunch? I'am going crazy. Please help>

Answer 1

Preschool is a glorified daycare. I never went and my kids won't either. People say "Oh they need the socialization" but really, they'll get the socialization next year in kindergarten. Preschool doesn't really help them out in the long run. I didn't go and I was always a straight A student and so were the other people I know who didn't go. Personally, I think your son could learn alot more from spending the day with you than being at "school" for 2 or 3 hours a day. Anyway, no, he doesn't need to take his own toys or lunch.

Answer 2

First off, relax! Your 4 year old is going to pick up on your anxiety and worry about it. You want it to be a fun experience for him so relax. Call the preschool and ask them if he needs to bring anything. I believe most preschools cover everything. He will get to interact with other children his own age. They will teach him many things too. But, if you are so overwhelmed, he will probably be too. So, just think of it as a chance for him to make friends and have fun. Also, ask the preschool if they would like some help - if you are so nervous about leaving him - and see if you can help one day a week or so. That will also give you an opportunity to see what goes on. Mainly, project positive, happy emotions about him going and tell him how much fun he will have and all the new friends he will make. And, then, trust the people that you are leaving him with. Maybe, you could go and meet them before the pre-school starts to abolish some of your anxiety. If they are running a preschool, they are caring and qualified people. Check it out for yourself and take him along to meet them. Good luck. It's a big step for him - and you!

Answer 3

First things first: Stay calm - if you get worked up or excited he will pick up on this and start getting worked up himself. Make it sound cool, but the natural thing for him to do.

Next: It won't be overwhelming unless you make it so. Have you left him with baby sitters on a regular basis? If this will be his first time away from you, best to start with some nights out while he's in the care of family members and baby sitters.

Then: visit the day care when it's in session - see what is happening so you can describe it to him. Take him with you if you like - he'll see all the cool stuff and he won't be able to wait to come back.

Also: he doesn't need his own toys - one of the most important things they learn in pre school is there are not toys enough for everyone, so they must share.

Before school: a good nights sleep so he won't be tired.

Lunches: should be simple and non toxic for those with allergies - no peanut butter or Reese's cups. Try to avoid any sugar laced stuff because the sugar can make him out of control in the afternoon. A nice sandwhich, fruit, and pretzels (with water, not juice) is the perfect lunch.

After school: each day should have a time after school when he can share what his day is like.

Answer 4

My 4 yr. old started pre-school last week and I went all out and got him a back pack and school supplies. My husband took him to school the 1st day and planned on staying there until he got comfortable. When they got to school, the teacher said no backpack nor school supplies, and parents were not allowed to stay (there was a window they could watch through though), because it makes it harder on teachers. Just let your pre-schooler know he will meet other kids and will have lots of fun. I told my son it was going to be like sunday school, he was pretty excited about that. Most pre-schools are only a few hours so no lunch will be needed, maybe snacks. They might do snack rotation, which is what they do in my son's class. Good Luck!

Answer 5

Bring him to his class a few days before he starts and introduce him to the teacher. Let him look around and become familiarized. He doesn't need to bring any toys, everything is all there for him. Some pre-schools have lunch provided but most expect you to bring him a lunch (with no nuts because of allergies.) You can bring an extra pair of indoor shoes for him. You should have a schedule or a list of things to know from the teacher in advance. You should call the school and ask them. You aren't going crazy. It is great to prepare him. Check below and good luck.

Answer 6

Settle down! You are probably the one that will be overwhelmed, not the child. The school should give you a list of supplies that your child will need. My son was in pre-k last year, and they really didn't need supplies. At his school they did alot with recognizing numbers and letters, singing songs, math games, and alot of fun stuff. They go to four plays threw out the year at his school. His favorite thing is when the hatched chicks and ducklings from an incubator. Also, most teachers and schools prefer children to leave their toys at home. There is no chance of it being, lost, broken, or fought over that way. There are plenty of things there that their toys don't need to be sent. As for lunch, that is usually up to the parent whether or not to pack one or the child eat at school. And if your child has a tendency to become home sick or miss you that much while they are at school it is not a bad idea to keep a comforting picture of his family in his backpack, lunch box, or where ever. My child's teacher put pictures of her students with their families all over an entire wall, for that reason. I hope that I have been able to help you, but you may want to contact your child's teacher to find out the details. There is usually an orientation before school starts.

Answer 7

Usually preschools provide a hot lunch with the tuition price. If you child has never been in a structured school setting, they may have trouble at first, but my experience was that my daughter loved to have so much interaction with other children her age, she was way to excited everyday to be missing me. You will not likely need any suplies, they actually do very little learning in preschool. I always supplemented my daughters education throughout preschool, and by the time she entered Kindergarden, she had already mastered the material. Buy some flash cards for home, they work great for this age.

Answer 8

i'm a instructor in a daycare center and characteristic had many new toddlers come to our center without ever being in childcare till now. those toddlers have a coarse time adjusting to the hot atmosphere for a minimum of two to 3 weeks some even perchance longer. What i'm able to inform you is once you drop off do no longer stay longer than you will possibly desire to it is going to easily disillusioned him extra. additionally reassuring the baby that mommy or daddy would be back to %. you up after college and which you adore him. he's basically appearing out to attempt the bounds of a sparkling atmosphere and it is likewise their way of attempting to regulate (which all 4 12 months olds love!lol). It basically might take a little time and encouragement the 1st couple weeks even months. in case you gave him a merchandise like blanky or filled animal from abode to maintain till he calms down will that help? Are the staff coming to him and conserving him or comforting him? If a baby feels risk-free with the instructor it truly is an less demanding transition interior the morning. according to threat ask the staff to hold him or attempt to distract him with coloring or examining a narrative a minimum of till you depart and he's calm. i might save comunication along with his instructor to work out how long it certainly is going on interior the morning. Then mutually you are able to arise with a plan which will make him sense extra effective and you besides! solid good fortune!

Answer 9

My youngest just started preschool today. My two older ones went too. I think its great. Most schools provide snacks. My daughter only goes for 3 hours, so they don't do a lunch there, but some preschools do lunch and they should provide it. (My older kids had lunch at their preschool). I would not suggest sending your son with his own toys because the other kids may take them.
Some kids aren't ready for preschool. You have to assure your son that you will be there after school. Also, staying for the first few minutes everyday with him might help make the day start off nice. And NEVER sneak out! I have seen so many parents do that! You always have to say "bye" to your child. Hug them and kiss them and let them know you love them.

Answer 10

I too have a child that is entering pre-school and don't stress yourself over it. You don't really have to buy anything but a backpack. The school provides the rest. All the kids do there is learn colors, numbers, their alphabet and take a nap. You can let your son or daughter take a toy to school when then have show and tell, but make sure you put your child's name on it. Oh, and by the way just tell your child that it'll be okay and that you love your child and will be back to pick them up when the school is done.

Answer 11

Take him with you, and let him help pick out a lunchbox. They also make little re-freezable ice packs that come in fun shapes (like soccer balls or footballs) to help keep the lunch cold.

At my son's pre-school, the kids need to bring a sheet for their nap-time mats and a pillow if they want it (he should also have a pillowcase to stuff them both into when naptime is over). A toothbrush and toothpaste are also required for after meals. A change of clothes (including an extra pair of shoes) might also be in order if the kids get out of control with painting, playing in the mud, etc.

Check with your son's teachers; likely as not, they'll probably have a prepared list of required and recommended supplies...