Five Tips to Prepare for the First Day of International Preschool in Tokyo

The first day of preschool is a huge milestone for both the child and the parents. The little angel will be leaving their nest and stepping into the world outside for the first time. They will also be going through some emotional changes when they start going to school for the first time.

Each child reacts to this sudden change differently. Therefore, every parent needs to prepare their kid for the first day of school. This is a task that cannot be done in one day but should be done gradually, step by step. If you know how to prepare yourself and your children for the first day of preschool in Tokyo, it can be less stressful and easier to adjust to.

When your child goes to an international school for the first time, there are many new things to learn.

5 tips that parents can follow to prepare their toddlers for international preschool Tokyo.

1. Set up a Routine before your child begins her education in a Japan School

You should set up a routine in advance that you will be following once school starts for your child.

• Morning Routine– A morning routine is very important for a hassle-free morning before your child begins her day at an International School in Tokyo. Wake them up at a set time. Give them and yourself enough time for their toilet routine, bath, breakfast and to get dressed. 
• Bedtime Routine– Once school starts, the child might go through emotional changes since they will be away from you for a few hours. Spend time at bedtime with them. Set a routine to read bedtime stories to them. Have a conversation with them. And make them go to sleep at the same time every day. This will give them a sense of security and also gives you a chance to connect with them.

Once the morning and bedtime routine is set in advance, it will not be a sudden change for your child once school starts.

2. Talk to Your Child, Read to Them

Talking to a child, communicating with them in their language always helps. Tell them happy stories about your first day of school.

Read them pictorial books with stories about going to school.

Ask them how they feel about going to school. Ask what it is that they are looking forward to once they go to school. Talk to them about making new friends in a Japan school.

Give wings to their imagination and even talk about what they want to be when they grow up. It’s ok even if your toddler’s ambition is to become a superhero, as long as they are excited at the prospect of school.

3. Go Shopping Together for School Stationery

Take your child shopping for their school stationery. Let them pick their school bag, lunch box and other stationery. This will get them excited to use what they picked. They will look forward to going to the international preschool in Tokyo with their newly bought goodies.

Giving your child the freedom to pick their school stationery will give them a sense of independence. It might seem like a small move but will be very helpful in preparing for the time they will be away from you at school. Letting them make these small decisions will play a significant role in giving them confidence.

4. Visit the School In Advance

Take your child to visit the international preschool in Tokyo they will be attending before their academic year starts. Walk around the school; take a look at the classrooms. Let them run around in the school playground. Let your child talk to the teachers and familiarize them with the surroundings.

Talk to them regularly about what they saw in school. Ask them which part of the school fascinated them the most. Knowing where they will be going to school in advance and visualizing it will give them confidence and a sense of security when school starts.

5. Take Care of Your Own Emotions

It’s not just your child who needs to get ready for a Japan school but yourself too. Your child can sense your emotions too. You might get anxious to let your child go alone into the world. Remind yourself that school is as safe as your own home for your child.

You might plan to let them take the school bus or drop them off at the school gate yourself. Your child might burst out crying at the prospect of leaving you or might just happily go without giving you a second glance on the D-day. Either way, your emotions will be affected at the time.

So, prepare yourself mentally for either of the situations and figure out in advance how to tackle the situation. You need to keep your emotions in check, too, because if you are anxious, your child resonates with your feelings too. Prepare yourself too for that first day of school and maintain a composed posture and positive body language.

In Conclusion

You picked the right Japan school for your child. So have faith in yourself, your child and the school. Preparing in advance for the first day of preschool will make the transition into the new journey a smooth ride for everyone. Getting used to new people, a new place and making many new friends at the same time can be stressful for some kids, so give your children some time and for them, it will be the best school experience in their entire life.