Photos courtesy of Maureen DeGrose
Preparing young children for school is not an easy task. Whether going into preschool or the first year of kindergarten, students should be prepared in a myriad of ways. We will look at social, emotional, academic, and spiritual development. Then, we will look at instruction and curriculum and the ways that parents can take part day to day.
Encourage parents to enroll their children in preschool or another program where they can interact with peers. Social experiences help children learn how to share, take turns, listen, and communicate their needs. Dr. Newman-Gonchar (2024) states that children who master social-emotional skills before school will maintain friendships and be able to self-regulate, learning to deal with stressful situations.
If a formal program is not available or affordable, look for everyday opportunities for social interaction. Visit local parks and playgrounds where children can meet and play with others. Attend family gatherings, birthday parties, church events, or community activities. Even walking around the neighborhood and greeting neighbors helps children practice communication skills and become comfortable interacting with others. Simple playdates with cousins or friends can also help children learn cooperation and problem-solving with peers.
Children benefit greatly from learning how to manage their emotions and develop self-confidence. Encourage them to try new things and remind them that mistakes are part of the learning process. When children understand that it is okay to make mistakes, they are more willing to participate, ask questions, and take risks in their learning.
Parents can also help children practice independence. Allow them to complete small tasks on their own, such as putting away toys, choosing their clothes, or helping with simple chores. Practicing short separations is also helpful. Leave them with a trusted adult for short periods of time so they learn that their parents leave and return. This helps build trust and reduces anxiety when children begin attending school.
One of the first skills that a kindergarten student will learn is following directions from the teacher. Jumpstart this important skill at home. Teachers teach by scaffolding, teaching in chunks, and building on those chunks or prior learning. Do the same at home. Rubio-Katz (2017) gives an example. If a child is asked to clean their room, show them a picture of their clean room and tell them what it should look like when they are done. Or do a think-aloud: “Look at these toys all over the living room. I am going to start cleaning them up by putting them in the toybox.” This is a skill that a parent can model for their children as well as practice daily.
Learning opportunities can be found throughout the day. Music is a wonderful tool for learning because children remember information more easily through songs and rhythm. Play music while practicing letters, numbers, colors, or shapes. Sing counting songs, alphabet songs, and nursery rhymes together.
Parents can also use everyday “learning moments.” For example, count the number of Cheerios on a placemat during breakfast, count coins in a parent’s purse or pocket, or sort objects by color and size. While driving or walking, read signs together and talk about what they mean. Many children begin recognizing familiar signs such as McDonald’s, Burger King, STOP signs, GO signals, or the bus stop sign. These early experiences build the foundation for reading and recognizing words in the environment.
Children also benefit from experiencing the world beyond their home and yard. Take them on small adventures to the grocery store, library, or post office. Read product labels, talk about items on shelves, and ask questions like “How many apples should we buy?” or “What color is this box?” These everyday conversations help build vocabulary, thinking skills, and curiosity about the world.
The mission of a Catholic school is not only to address academics but also to integrate our faith into all aspects of the curriculum and instruction. We want students to know God, serve Him, and, of course, to love God.
Faith can be nurtured through daily family practices. Families can pray together in the morning and again before bedtime. Helping children learn simple prayers builds a sense of comfort and connection with God. Many families also choose to pray the Rosary together or include intentions for family members and friends.
Attending Mass as a family regularly helps children become familiar with the rhythms and traditions of the Church. Children may sometimes be a little loud or restless, but their presence is a blessing, and they are learning through experience. Families can also talk about the gospel readings or discuss ways to practice kindness and service in daily life. Another meaningful activity is to look up the saint of the day and briefly learn about that saint’s life and example.
Create a holy place at home. When I was growing up, I always had an altar to Mary in my room with beautiful lilacs at her feet. A small altar, a crucifix in their room, and around the house will remind them of their faith. But most importantly, pray as a family.
When selecting a curriculum, it is important to choose one that is consistent across all grade levels and supports collaboration between teachers and families. A strong curriculum provides clear learning goals, engaging activities, and opportunities for children to build skills gradually over time.
Many curriculum programs include family connection materials, such as takehome activity sheets or family guides. These resources allow parents to reinforce learning at home through simple activities, conversations, and shared reading. When families and schools work together, children benefit from consistent expectations and support both at home and in the classroom.
Overall, a child who has developed skills in all domains will be highly successful come September 1. Encourage families when they come to register for your school to build confidence in their children before school begins. Whether it is learning to socialize and cope with other children, working with your child academically, or forming their faith, students will be ready to enjoy the experience of school.
Maureen DeGrose
is an assistant adjunct professor for the College of Education at Grand Canyon University. She has also been a preschool director and Catholic school principal during her 30-year career in the Diocese of Phoenix.
mdegrose@gmail.com