The first day of preschool is a big milestone—not just for toddlers, but for parents too. It’s a moment of excitement, curiosity, and sometimes a touch of anxiety. At Red Cherries Montessori, we understand how important this transition is. That’s why we work closely with parents to make sure their little ones step into preschool feeling secure, confident, and ready to explore.
Unlike traditional approaches, the Montessori method gently nurtures each child’s natural curiosity and independence. With that in mind, here are some trusted tips from our Montessori educators to help prepare your toddler for a happy and successful preschool experience.
In this article
1. Foster Independence at Home
One of the core principles of Montessori education is encouraging independence. And this can start right at home—weeks or even months before school begins.
Give your toddler opportunities to make choices and complete simple tasks on their own. Whether it’s picking out clothes, putting on shoes, or helping with snack time, these small moments build confidence. Children who feel capable at home often adjust more easily to the classroom routine.
Tip: Involve them in tidying up toys, pouring water, or wiping the table. These “practical life” skills are part of our Montessori curriculum and give toddlers a head start.
2. Establish a Predictable Routine
Children thrive on consistency. A predictable daily routine helps them understand what to expect, which can reduce anxiety and foster emotional security.
Start by aligning your home routine with the structure of a typical preschool day. Wake up, mealtimes, playtime, and quiet time can all follow a schedule. This helps toddlers transition more smoothly to a structured learning environment.
Tip: Begin introducing the idea of separation by arranging short playdates or spending time apart from your child for brief periods. It helps them build trust that you’ll always return.
3. Talk Positively About School
How you talk about preschool sets the emotional tone for your child. Avoid using school as a threat (“You won’t behave like this in school!”) and instead, present it as a fun and exciting new adventure.
Explain what they’ll do at school—make new friends, play with toys, sing songs, and learn new things. Books about starting school can also be a helpful tool to normalize the experience.
Tip: Visit the school together before the first day. Let your child explore the classroom, meet the teachers, and become familiar with the space.
4. Encourage Social Interaction
If your toddler hasn’t had much exposure to other children, now is a great time to start. Preschool involves a lot of social interaction—sharing, taking turns, listening, and playing cooperatively.
Simple activities like visiting a playground or attending a parent-child class can help your child get used to group settings. This also helps them learn to express their feelings and manage small conflicts, which are important for a peaceful classroom experience.
Tip: Role-play scenarios like saying hello, asking to play, or what to do if they feel shy. Practice builds confidence!
5. Support Language and Listening Skills
Montessori classrooms place great emphasis on respectful communication. Helping your child develop their language and listening skills at home can ease their transition.
Have conversations where your toddler gets a chance to speak and be heard. Read books together daily, sing songs, and practice naming objects around the house. This builds vocabulary, attention span, and listening skills—all essential for early learning.
Tip: Use positive and clear language. Instead of saying “Don’t run,” say “Let’s walk slowly.” Montessori classrooms use similar redirection methods.
6. Normalize Separation
Separation anxiety is natural, especially for toddlers attending school for the first time. However, preparing in advance can make a big difference.
Practice short separations with a caregiver or family member. Always say goodbye clearly and confidently—avoid sneaking away. When you return, celebrate the success to build trust and emotional resilience.
Tip: Create a special goodbye ritual—a hug, a wave, or a special phrase that’s just for you and your child.
Final Thoughts
Every child’s preschool journey is unique. At Red Cherries Montessori, we honor each child’s pace while providing a warm, nurturing space for them to grow, explore, and learn. Preparing for preschool doesn’t have to be overwhelming—with a little patience, encouragement, and a few of these Montessori-inspired tips, your toddler will be more than ready to thrive.
Interested in learning more about our toddler program?
We’d love to welcome you for a tour and show you how our Montessori approach supports your child every step of the way.