Why we teach letters through play
Children learn letters faster when they can trace, sing and build them first.
Getting ready for the first day
Short goodbyes, a familiar object and a calm morning help most children settle.
The first week at preschool is a big change for a two- or three-year-old, and for their parents. A few small habits make it gentler.
Talk about school before it starts. Walk past the gate, show photos of the classroom and say the teachers’ names at home. Children cope better with something they can picture.
Keep mornings calm and predictable. Wake up a little earlier, have breakfast together and leave with time to spare. A rushed morning carries straight into the classroom.
Let them bring something from home: a small soft toy or a handkerchief that smells of home. It sits in their cubby and is there when they need it.
Say goodbye clearly, and keep it short. Slipping away while your child is distracted may feel easier, but it makes them anxious the next day. A hug, a cheerful “I will come after lunch”, and then leave. Most children stop crying within minutes, and teachers will message you if they do not.
Finally, be on time for pickup in the first weeks. Seeing you return when you said you would builds trust quickly.
