Sending your child to preschool for the first time can be a bittersweet experience. While you're happy that your child is going to start school, you may be worried or unsure if they're ready. That's why it's important to take some steps to prepare your child for their preschool classroom. Here are some things you can do.

Give Multi-Step Directions

While you might be used to doing things with your child, it's important to remember that in school, they will be expected to be able to follow a set of directions. For instance, they may be asked to get their coat and line up at the door. While you may not want to mimic the directions a teacher would give, you can give your own multi-step directions to make sure that your child is independent enough to do what is asked. For example, you might ask them to take off their shoes, put them away and get into bed.

You can also take your child to story time at the library or use childhood games like Simon Says to become used to listening well and paying attention.

Encourage Excitement

It's important to remember that your child looks up to you at this age. It is critical that you act positively about school and happy about the upcoming event, so that your child can get excited about what is about to happen. If you are sad, nervous and focus on how much you'll miss them, your child may act in a similar fashion, crying or clinging to you as you leave. Be a good role model so that your child can get a good feeling about preschool. 

Start School Schedule Early

Don't wait until the morning of your child's first day to wake them early and get them ready to go to preschool. If you do this, you will be thrown for a loop if there is a morning meltdown or some other problem; that can make your child's school start a bit bumpy.

A few weeks before school starts, start getting your child used to getting up early in the morning, having breakfast and leaving the house. This will help your child know what to expect on the first day, and you'll get an idea of what kind of morning antics will await you when school finally begins.

Now that you know some ways to make sure your child is ready for their first preschool class, make sure you give yourself enough time to try everything in the article. Your child will soon be prepared to start their school experience. For more helpful ideas, contact a school like Foundations Child Development Center Inc.