first day of school

[mama2rey]

My 2 and a half year old is going to be starting his first year in a primary class next week. Is there anything I should do to prepare him? We have been talking about how he is going to a new school, getting everything he needs ready etc.... He has been in daycare since January, so he is used to being in "school", however, I am worried about all these changes for him. Any advice?

[cakemama579]

I don't have any particular advice for you, but just wanted to say good luck! My 2.5 year old is starting in 2 weeks in primary, so we're in the same boat!

[CatsCradle]

My DD transitioned to Montessori primary when she was about two. From my perspective, the transition was difficult, even though she had previously been in a Montessori-based daycare. I've seen other children transition really well, but it took my DD about three weeks to "warm-up" to her new school, and she has never been a shy type. I don't think any kind of prep work would have changed this. They did, however, let me transition her gradually - which meant that she went for a limited number of hours the first week until we gradually left her for the whole time.

If it makes you feel any better, my DD is now entering her third year of Montessori. She is officially on summer break for the next three weeks, but this past weekend she told me: "I really miss my friends and teachers."

Good luck!