Getting Ready for Pre-School: Essential Tips and Strategies for Parents

Understanding the importance of preschool preparation

Sending your little one off to preschool is a significant milestone for both parent and child. It marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with growth and independence. However, preparing your little one for this transition can be daunting. But, do not worry. With the right tips and strategies, you can ensure a smooth and successful start to their preschool journey.

Emotional Readiness: building confidence and independence

One of the key aspects of preparing your child for preschool is emotional readiness. Building their confidence and independence lays a strong foundation for their journey ahead. Makini School believes you can start by encouraging your child to engage in activities that promote independence. Example: your little one can start dressing themselves or tidying up their toys. When you praise their efforts and celebrate those small achievements, it will eventually boost their self-esteem. You can also reassure them that they are capable of handling new challenges.

Parents are also urged to encourage their child to express their feelings openly and teach them coping mechanisms for managing emotions such as frustration. This will help you bundle of joy to navigate the ups and downs of the preschool experience with resilience.

Social Skills for preschoolers

Social skills play a vital role in your child's preschool experience. Teaching them how to interact with others and share with their peers sets them up for positive relationships in the classroom. You can organise playdates or join parent-child groups to provide opportunities for socialisation. Nudge them to practice taking turns and sharing toys to instil essential social etiquettes. Additionally, encourage empathy and kindness by discussing emotions and how to express them appropriately.

One of the most effective ways to teach your child how to navigate social situations is through role-playing scenarios. Use dolls or stuffed animals to act out scenarios like sharing toys or taking turns on the playground. This hands-on approach allows them to practice social skills in a safe and supportive environment.

Choosing the right preschool in Kenya

Selecting the right preschool for your child is crucial for their overall development and well-being. Consider factors such as location, curriculum, teacher-to-student ratio and safety measures. Research different pre-schools in Kenya and schedule visits to get a feel for the environment. Speak with teachers and staff to ensure their values align with yours and that they prioritise your child's individual needs. Makini School, for instance, offer a comprehensive curriculum along with a nurturing environment conducive to learning and growth.

When visiting potential pre-schools, pay attention to the atmosphere and interactions between teachers and students. Look for a warm and welcoming environment where your child feels comfortable and supported. Don't hesitate to ask questions about the curriculum, daily routines, and policies to ensure the preschool is the right fit for your family.

Daily routine adjustments for preschool transition

Transitioning to a preschool routine can be slightly challenging for both parents and child. What parents can do is to ease this process by gradually adjusting your daily routine to mirror that of the pre-school schedule. Set consistent wake-up and bedtime routines to ensure your child gets enough rest. Practice activities such as story time or structured play to familiarise them with the structure of a typical pre-school day. This will help alleviate anxiety and make the transition smoother for everyone involved.

Create a visual schedule that outlines the daily routine and activities to help your child understand what to expect. Involve them in the planning process by allowing them to choose their clothes for the day or pack their backpack with essentials. This sense of ownership will empower them and ease their transition into the pre-school routine.

Communicating with your child about preschool

Open communication is essential in preparing your child for pre-school. Take the time to discuss what to expect and address any fears or concerns they may have. Listen attentively to their thoughts and feelings, and provide reassurance and support. Create a positive narrative surrounding preschool by highlighting the exciting opportunities for learning and making new friends.

Encourage them to ask questions and express themselves freely, fostering a sense of confidence and trust. Read books about starting pre-school together and talk about the characters' experiences. This can help normalise the transition and provide your child with a sense of reassurance that they are not alone in their feelings. Role-play going to preschool and practicing saying goodbye to help them feel more prepared for the first day.

Activities to enhance preschool readiness

Engaging in activities that promote pre-school readiness can significantly benefit your child's development. Encourage sensory play with activities such as finger painting or playing with playdough to enhance fine motor skills. Practice basic counting and letter recognition through games and puzzles to introduce early math and literacy concepts. Additionally, encourage outdoor play to promote physical development and exploration.

When you involve your child in everyday tasks such as grocery shopping or cooking, it can teach them practical life skills. This not only prepares them for pre-school but also fosters independence and self-confidence. Create opportunities for your child to problem-solve and make decisions independently. Essentially, you want to empower them to take ownership of their learning and development.

By following these essential tips and strategies, you can effectively prepare your child for preschool and set them up for a successful and fulfilling educational journey. Remember to prioritise emotional and social readiness when choosing the right preschool in Kenya for your little one. With your support and guidance, they will thrive and flourish in their new pre-school environment.

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Building Executive Function Skills in Primary School Children

February 10, 2026

Executive function skills are the mental processes that help children plan, focus, remember instructions and manage their behaviour. These skills act as the brain’s “control system,” guiding how children think, learn and interact with others. In primary school, strong executive function supports academic success as well as emotional maturity, independence and positive social behaviour. For parents and educators alike, understanding how these skills develop is critical to supporting child brain development in meaningful, practical ways. What Are Executive Function Skills? Executive function skills are commonly grouped into three core areas: 1. Working memory: This is the ability to hold and use information. For example, remembering multi-step instructions. 2. Cognitive flexibility. This is the ability to adapt, shift thinking and try new approaches. 3. Inhibitory control: This is the ability to pause, resist impulses and regulate behaviour. When a child remembers their homework, switches from maths to reading and waits their turn to speak, they are using executive functioning in kids in everyday situations. These skills develop gradually and are shaped by experience, guidance and environment. This is especially true during early and primary years. Read more on why early development is important. Why Executive Function Skills Matter in Primary School In school settings, executive skills directly affect learning as well as behaviour. · Working memory in children helps them to follow lessons · Self-regulation skills for students assists in managing emotions · Improving attention in school children is essential during tasks · Impulse control in classrooms helps to reduce disruptions Learners with strong executive functioning are better able to complete tasks, organise their work, manage frustration and collaborate with their peers. These skills also support independence and help children take responsibility for routines, deadlines and their personal behaviour. Key Challenges Children Might Face Some common signs of underdeveloped executive skills include: · Forgetting instructions or losing items · Struggling to switch between different tasks · Acting impulsively or interrupting the class · Difficulty managing emotions · Poor time awareness These challenges don’t mean that a child is lazy or incapable. They often reflect developing brain systems that simply need a little guidance and practice. How Parents Can Support Executive Function at Home Parents play a powerful role in shaping executive function. Simple daily strategies can be incorporated into their day to strengthen these skills naturally. Some helpful approaches include: 1. Create Structured Routines Consistent daily routines help children predict what comes next, strengthening organisation as well as emotional regulation. 2. Use Visual Schedules Charts or picture schedules support working memory in children by making expectations visible. 3. Play Memory and Focus Games Try matching card games, Simon Says, puzzles and sequencing games. These support attention, recall and flexible thinking. 4. Encourage Problem-Solving Let children help with cooking steps, packing school bags and planning simple outings. This builds independence and cognitive flexibility in primary education. When there is strong parental engagement, there is a direct impact on executive growth. Discover more on the impact of parental involvement . Classroom Strategies for Teachers Teachers are ideally positioned to reinforce executive skills on a daily basis. Some effective classroom strategies include: 1. Task chunking - Break assignments into smaller steps to reduce cognitive overload. 2. Use of timers and checklists – These are known to improve time awareness and self-regulation skills for students. 3. Positive Reinforcement - Praise effort, strategy and reflection, not just the outcomes. 4. Mindfulness and calm-down techniques - Simple breathing, quiet corners or reflection time can help strengthen emotional control and attention. These strategies are especially valuable in supporting impulse control in classrooms and improving overall learning flow. When to Seek Extra Help If challenges persist despite consistent support, children may benefit from professional assessment. Some signs for parents and educators to watch for include: · Chronic forgetfulness · Extreme impulsivity · Emotional dysregulation · Difficulty following basic routines Educational psychologists or SEN specialists can help identify neurodivergent patterns (such as ADHD) and guide tailored interventions. Early support ensures children build confidence rather than frustration. Encouraging Growth Through Play and Daily Practice Play is one of the most powerful tools for executive development. Activities that build executive function include: · Storytelling and role-play · Group games - Consider turn-taking or rule-based games · Pretend shops or restaurants · Reflection discussions about feelings or decisions These experiences strengthen executive functioning in kids in a natural and pressure-free way. Schools that prioritise early holistic learning , such as in strong preschool systems, give children a strong base for future academic success. Conclusion: Building Brains for Life Executive function skills are not fixed traits. They are trainable abilities that grow through consistent support, practice and patience. From working memory to impulse control, these skills shape how children learn, behave and relate to others. At Makini School we aim to create a supportive environment where our educators can nurture strong thinkers, confident learners and emotionally resilient students, building not just academic success, but lifelong capability. FAQs 1. What are the three main executive function skills in children? Working memory, cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control. 2. How can I tell if my child has weak executive functioning? Frequent forgetfulness, impulsivity, emotional difficulty and poor organisation are common signs. 3. What are fun activities to boost executive function in young children? Memory games, storytelling, puzzles, role-play and routine-based tasks. 4. How do executive function skills affect learning in school? They support focus, task completion, emotional control and classroom behaviour. 5. Can executive function skills be improved over time? Yes. With regular practice and supportive environments, executive skills develop steadily throughout childhood.