There is a hustle and bustle going on in the halls of Gurnee Park District’s Growing Tree Preschool wings these days! Our staff are eagerly prepping their classrooms and daily schedules as they prepare to meet their new students!
Classes begin the week of August 26th and we are all excited here at Gurnee Park District to welcome a new school year and new friends! With that said, here are a few reminders as well as some tips and tricks to deal with those first day emotions that may arise.
Children attending Growing Tree Preschool should bring or wear:
A backpack with a full change of clothing and a jacket or sweatshirt
A reusable water bottle half filled with water (don’t forget to label!)
Lunch and snacks (for full-day preschool students only)
Comfortable clothing that is easy to manage in the bathroom and that can withstand the occasional artistic messiness
Gym shoes rather than sandals, flip flops or Crocs, which are dangerous on playground equipment and woodchip surfaces
The first days of preschool are an exciting time for parents and children, but they can also bring about some mixed emotions. Some tips and tricks to help your child ease into the start of the school year are:
Read books together about going to school and the emotions that may come with it (view reading suggestions below)
Establish a healthy bedtime routine so your child is well-rested each school day
Provide a healthy breakfast before the school day begins (Pro-tip: let your child pick out a special breakfast option at the store prior to the first day of school!)
Separation anxiety? Learn how to combat those first day and/or first week jitters here!
Empty your child’s backpack and home/school folder together
Ask your child how they made the art project
Compliment your child’s effort to write their name and practice at home
Have your child sing a new song that they learned at school
Tell your child how proud you are of them and what they have accomplished
As parents, we also go through a mixture of emotions. We are excited that our children are learning new things and meeting new friends, but there is also a yearning for them to stay little and by our sides. Some reminders to help ease yourself through this transition are:
Know that your child’s ability to be independent in a classroom setting enhances the parent/child bond.
You will enjoy hearing about the exciting new things your child will learn and fun new experiences.
Preschool is an opportunity for parents to meet other parents and form lasting friendships.
Finally, set up a coffee date, run an errand, enjoy a quiet walk in thepark, or take a workout class. Use this time to focus on YOU, because when you are at ease, so are they.
Have a former preschool student? What tips and tricks would YOU suggest to make the first day a success?
900 N Hunt Club Rd
