Tips to Keep Your Preschooler Ready for Next School Year throughout Summer Break
Healthy Living
Check-up time!: Over the summer, double check that your child is up to date on their yearly physical assessment and vaccinations with their pediatrician. 4-year-olds receive very important vaccines at their yearly check-up that we will require documentation of in September.
Submit their Health Paperwork!: Click below to access the health paperwork we require before school starts in September.
Health Assessment Immunization Record Allergy Plan Asthma Plan
Encourage Outdoor play and Exercise: Summer is all about playing outdoors, getting fresh air and exercise! Try to encourage outdoor play with family and friends as much as possible this summer (Don’t forget the sunscreen!)
Maintain a Routine: Preschoolers thrive off of routine. Trying to maintain a flexible routine especially for meal times, nap/quiet time and bedtime will help your child more easily transition to school days in September.
Healthy Eating!: Although summer definitely calls for some fun ice cream outings downtown, make sure to incorporate whole foods with the vitamins and nutrients needed to help your child grow and thrive. Click here and here for some fun and healthy summer snack ideas!
Make Learning Fun!
Dedicated Reading Time: Aim to spend at least 20 minutes reading with your child daily. Reading during daily quiet/nap time and before bed are wonderful times to work reading into your child’s daily routine. Providing books in other locations such as the car and bath will encourage even more reading time throughout the day! (click here, here and here for some adorable, highly rated, bath books!)
Alphabet and Number Refresh!: Practice your child’s letter and number skills frequently with fun activities like puzzles, bingo and card games! Sensory bins: Sensory bins are an excellent way to keep little hands busy in the backyard this summer!
Sensory bins: Help children explore with their senses, develop motor skills and encourage independent play. Pinterest has tons of DIY sensory bin ideas. Click here and here for a couple of my favorites!
Artsy Play!: Allow fun opportunities for your child to tap into their artistic side. Outdoor painting and sidewalk chalk are great ways to keep the mess outside!
Pretend Play: Children learn through playing! Pretend play allows them to develop social skills, learn boundaries, build relationships and explore the world around them! You can encourage pretend play by having frequent play dates with children in your child’s peer age group, playing dress up and “house” with your child.
Have an Awesome Summer!
Written by: Chase Best, RN, BSN **Disclaimer: “the information provided in this handout is not a substitute for medical advice/care from your pediatrician. There may be variations of advice your doctor may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances”***
