How to Help Your Child Get Ready for Preschool This Summer
(A gentle, playful approach for parents — no pressure, just support!)
Summer is the perfect time to help your little one get ready for preschool — such a big step for kids and their grown-ups! As exciting as it is, it can also come with a lot of questions:
“Should they already know how to write their name?”
“What if they’ve never been away from me?”
“Are they ready?”
Here’s the good news: Preschool is a place where we meet kids exactly where they are. I never expect children to come in having mastered everything. I teach all of it — gently, playfully, and with lots of support.
That said, your child might feel more confident if they’ve had a chance to try some things ahead of time — like putting on their coat, spending a little time away from you, or simply knowing what to expect in a classroom.
If you’re wondering what to focus on this summer, here are a few areas to gently explore. Think of these as helpful experiences, not requirements. If your child’s “first time” doing any of this happens at preschool, that’s totally okay — we’ve got them!
1. Build Independence with Everyday Tasks
Preschoolers are becoming more and more capable — and they love to do things themselves! Giving them small responsibilities helps build confidence and can make preschool routines smoother (and mornings a little less hectic!).
Here are some helpful skills to practice:
Taking care of potty needs independently
(This one’s a biggie! I’ll likely write a whole post just on this soon.)Managing their own clothing
Help them practice with clothing needs at preschool by playing: School - Clothes Edition! (Directions for this game are in the works!)Cleaning up after themselves
At school, we clean up together after centers and snack — and we keep it quick and fun! Practicing this at home helps make it second nature.
🧠 Why it matters: These small routines build both confidence and competence — and you’ll see a LOT of growth in this area during the school year!
2. Practice Social Skills Through Play
Social-emotional development is just as important as ABCs and 123s — and summer is full of chances to grow these skills in natural, playful ways.
Try:
Playdates or park visits where your child can get used to playing with other children — just like they’ll do during learning centers and recess.
Attending story times, camps, or church classes to get comfortable in group settings and practice listening to another adult (just like during Opening Circle and Lesson Time).
Role-playing with dolls or stuffed animals to act out common school scenarios like taking turns or asking for help.
📚 Bonus tip: Read books about starting preschool and talk about feelings. This helps your child build emotional vocabulary and process new experiences.
3. Help Them Feel Safe Being Away from You
Separation anxiety is very normal at this age — and it can be tough for both kids and parents. (Another topic I’m planning a full post on soon!) I’ve supported many children through some tough days, and if your kiddo needs it, I’ll be right there to help!
You can start preparing now with:
Short times away with a trusted grown-up like a grandparent, babysitter, or friend. Start small (just 30 minutes!) and gradually increase to preschool-length (2½ hours).
Open conversations. Watch the Daniel Tiger episode “Grown-Ups Come Back,” read stories about separation, and talk openly about their feelings. Are they nervous? Excited? Unsure if anyone will play with them? All of that is okay — naming feelings helps kids cope.
Attending our Back to School Night. This event is all about the kids — they’ll get to explore the classroom and meet me in a relaxed, welcoming way.
Creating a goodbye plan. Will you do a hug, high five, secret handshake? Say goodbye at the stairs or once they’ve started their Welcome Activity? Having a plan helps ease the transition.
🎨 (I’m also dreaming up a preschool prep worksheet with art therapy prompts — and maybe even a welcome video to help kids know what to expect. Stay tuned!)
4. Support Early Learning Through Playful Curiosity
Your child will be learning so much in preschool — academically, yes, but also socially, physically, and emotionally. When it comes to academic school readiness, playful curiosity is the best teacher.
Some easy ways to support learning:
Read aloud daily — even a few minutes goes a long way.
Sing songs, rhyme, and talk about letters, sounds, and new words.
Count, notice shapes and patterns, and explore numbers during everyday activities.
Play with playdough, beads, or chalk to strengthen fine motor skills for writing and cutting.
Let your child lead the play — curiosity drives real learning!
🎨 No need to be Pinterest-perfect. I believe it's far more important to enjoy the learning process than to make it “look” a certain way.
Final Thoughts
Preschool prep doesn’t have to be stressful! Your child learns best when they feel safe, loved, and free to explore. This summer, focus on:
✨ Encouraging independence
and
✨ Creating small moments of practice
You’re already doing a wonderful job. Your child doesn’t need to be “ready” in a checklist kind of way — they just need your support and encouragement as they step into this exciting new adventure.
And don’t worry — I’ll be right there to guide and support them every step of the way. 💛