Dr. Maria Montessori developed the Montessori Method of education. It was her goal to center the educational approach of teaching the young based on scientific observation of a child from birth to adulthood. This approach has now had more than 100 years of success. Dr. Montessori’s approach was to view your child as an eager learner and one who is constantly seeking knowledge. Educating a child with this idea makes it possible for your child to initiate their own learning process in a supportive environment. This supportive structure will also help your preschooler prepare when it is time to enter kindergarten.

The Montessori Method for Your Preschooler to Prepare for Kindergarten

Starting a new school or a new educational program isn’t just stressful for your child, it can also be stressful for you as a parent. Wondering how your child is going to adjust can cause many hours of worry for parents. There are steps to help your child and in the process help yourself, prepare to move from preschool to kindergarten.

Avoid Over Preparing

Don’t start preparing your child months ahead of time. Some children get anxious when something is talked about too long. Over talking makes them feel the event is going to be huge and they begin to feel overwhelmed. Begin about two or three weeks prior to the first day and use an upbeat, positive voice. Use specifics about the school such as how your child will eat lunch, playground equipment they’ll play on, or any personal information about them entering the school.

Establish a Routine

Kindergarten is going to have routines your child will have to follow. If you set up routines at home and your child gets used to following them, it will make the transition to following them in school easier. It is shown that children learn better when they have a routine to follow as it reduces the stress of wondering what will happen next. They also give your child the opportunity to learn about order, concepts of time, and sequencing.

Morning and Bedtime Schedules

Having a schedule to follow will give your child a sense of belonging and provide you with opportunities to connect with your child. Following schedules such as eating breakfast, making their bed, and dressing independently are good ways to establish set schedules. At bedtime, you can set up schedules to include brushing teeth, putting on pajamas, and giving hugs and kisses.

The Montessori School of Flagstaff Westside Campus offers other helpful tips to transition your child from a preschooler to a kindergartner. They understand how this time can cause stress in both you and your child and are there to help your child make a smooth move to their next level of education. Meeting your child’s teacher, observing the classroom, and touring the school are all helpful ideas they can discuss. Call us today and help your child enter kindergarten confident and ready to learn.

This article originally appeared on Montessori School of Flagstaff Westside Campus’ blog.