Woohoo, it’s finally time for your toddler to start school and a great time for your little one to start making friends and learning new social skills.
Your child going to school can be a scary time for parents. If you don’t already have a child in daycare, then it may feel odd to be dropping your little one off in the care of someone else.
Some kids are excited about going to school, while others are not quite ready. Your toddler may also be feeling a little scared. It’s their first taste of independence.
In today’s post, I will give you some great tips for getting your toddler ready for their first year of school.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Research the schools in your area
- Make sure your toddler is potty trained
- Work on learning activities
- Start setting a good bedtime routine
- Have a list of questions you want to ask
Research the schools in your area
For most parents, this can be a big deal. You want to ensure your child receives the best education and is in a safe environment. Picking a good school can set the tone for your child’s future.
Not all schools are alike. You have charter, public, magnet, and private schools. It can get a little confusing on which one is the best.
Charter schools
Public schools
Private schools
Magnet schools
Do your research and pick the best type of school for your child and their abilities. Each example given is the basic Wikipedia definition of each type of school.
I am not an expert in this field, but I have researched the topic. I will have a toddler starting school soon, so I wanted to share some tips to get your toddler ready for their first year of school.
Let’s jump right into it. A CHARTER school is an independently operated school run by a private board, not a state board. Public schools have to follow the rules governed by the school district. Charter schools have more freedom to structure their classrooms and teach based on the child’s needs.
More things you may want to help get your toddler ready for their first year of school// some links below are affiliate links. I receive a commission, but using them doesn’t cost you anything.
200 Essential Site Words
A PRIVATE school is a school governed by a private organization or individuals and not by the government. In most cases, private schools will have tuition that the parent will pay. The students can access different learning curriculums not offered at the public school level.
A MAGNET school is a school centered around unique areas of study. The studies can include performing arts, math, or even science. A magnet school may be a good choice if your child possesses exceptional talent in a particular area.
Make sure your child is potty trained
I know you may be thinking, why does this even matter? Teachers may ask if your child can use the restroom on their own. I don’t know if this is a deal-breaker, but I’m sure it will make the process easier. I have a blog post on how to potty train your toddler.
Another thing you may want to work with your child on is making sure they feel comfortable telling the teacher that they have to use the restroom. My daughter is potty trained, but there are times that I have to remind her to use the bathroom. When kids are having fun, using the potty is the last thing on their minds.
Work on learning activities
You can work with your child before they step foot in a school. I think those magnetic alphabets you stick on the fridge are perfect. Your kids can learn and have fun at the same time.
Reading with your child each day is also an excellent way to help your child jump the learning curve.
There are so many options out there, and I will link a few toys that can help make learning fun.
You can find many activity books to help your child learn to trace letters
and work on their motor skills. Flashcards can be very helpful with memory skills.
Start setting a good bedtime routine
If you haven’t adopted a bedtime routine, it’s a good time to start now. I like having my kiddos in bed no later than 8:30. Every night won’t be perfect, keep sticking to it, and you will be fine. I have a few blog posts that I will list below to help your kids have a better-structured day.
How to get your kids on a daily routine that actually works
If you are wondering when would be a good time to start incorporating a bedtime schedule. I will start today. Creating a good routine a week before your child’s first day of school may not be a good idea. Especially if this is the first time they are going to school.
Have a list of questions you want to ask
Make sure you have a list of questions ready. The school’s values should match your home values. You need to know the curriculum and if the kids will take field trips away from the school. It is an excellent practice to ask how the school handles disciplinary action.
Do your research. The school you decide on should be structured around your family’s needs. It will also be helpful to talk to other parents to see if they have any recommendations on some schools that may work for your child.
I hope my blog post will help you get your toddler ready for their first year of school. I would love for you to comment and let me know which school you plan to take your kids to.
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