Last week, we asked the question: Is my toddler ready for preschool? We looked at three real-life areas that help toddlers feel confident and prepared for the transition.

If you read that post and thought, Yes, my child is ready, then today is for you!

We’re sharing 5 simple, play-based ways to help your child get ready for the school year. We’ve put together practical ideas that build confidence, communication, and connection in the everyday moments you’re already living.

Here’s what you’ll find in this post:

How to start school conversations early (and keep them low-pressure)
Easy ways to practice expressing needs and emotions
Why pretend play is your secret school-readiness tool
The benefit of starting routines early
How to build academic skills naturally through play and real life

Let’s get started.

1. Talk About What’s Coming

Children are introduced to a ton of new words and social routines in those first few weeks of school. Things like “line up,” “circle time,” and “raise your hand.” You can help make those moments feel less intimidating by introducing the language now and talking about what it all means.

You’ll have a teacher who helps you learn new things.
Your classroom has a cubby where your backpack goes!
Circle time is when everyone sits together and listens to a story.

Just aim to share small bits over time.

PRO TIP: Start a “school talk” rhythm during breakfast or bedtime. It fosters familiarity and creates an environment for sharing and addressing your child’s questions.

2. Practice Communicating Your Needs

One of the biggest challenges for toddlers in a new setting is asking for help.

You can practice key phrases like:
Help, please.
I don’t like that.
I need a break.
Can I have a turn?

The goal is to help them find their voice and be confident in using it.

PRO TIP: Model these words and phrases in everyday situations. If a toy breaks, you could say, “Uh-oh, I need help with this!” If someone gets too close, “No, thank you. I need space.”

3. Role Play Their New Routine

Set up a pretend school with dolls, stuffed animals, or action figures.

Take Spiderman to school, because obviously he needs to know how to sit in circle time too, and walk through a typical day. Role-play drop-off, snack time, nap time, and even a superhero-approved potty break.

Pretend play is one of the best ways to help your child process new routines, try out language, and practice navigating big feelings in a low-pressure, totally safe way.

Here are some events of the day to consider:

Morning drop-off
Snack time
Story time
Nap
Pick-up

Talk about the order of things and let them explore it through play.

Bonus! This naturally introduces early concepts, such as sequencing (first, next, last) and prediction (What do you think will happen after lunch?).

PRO TIP: Pair this with a read-aloud about starting school.

Here’s a list of 10 books on this topic. We linked each book, but also check your local library or search online for an author read-aloud video!

Bye Bye Time

Froggy Goes to School

Go to School (The Berenstain Bears)

The Night Before Kindergarten

Spot Loves School

Llama Llama Misses Mama

The Kissing Hand

Pete the Kitty’s First Day of Preschool

Rosie Goes to Preschool

Olu’s Teacher: A Story About Starting Preschool

Are we missing one of your family’s favorites?! Let us know in the comments!

4. Start Soft

We love this one! Sometimes, the best way to prepare is to practice.

Try easing into your new morning routine 1–2 weeks before the real thing. Wake up, get dressed, eat breakfast, pack a backpack, even if you’re just going to the park.

This starts to build muscle memory and gives everyone time to adjust without the pressure of jumping in headfirst.

PRO TIP: Make a visual schedule with pictures of real objects (toothbrush, cereal bowl, backpack) to help toddlers anticipate what’s next.

5. Build Early Academic Skills Through Real Life

This part often gets overlooked, but I’m telling you, it matters. Academic readiness isn’t about drilling numbers or tracing letters. It’s about connection and curiosity in everyday life.

Here are a few ways to build school-readiness without turning playtime into a put-together lesson:

Language + Literacy

Point out letters and sounds on books or packages.
Retell a favorite story using the pictures.
Talk about rhyming words while reading or driving.
Use questions like “Who?” “What happened?” and “Where did it go?” during story time.

Early Math

Count steps as you go upstairs.
Compare sizes: Your shoe is smaller than mine.
Sort grocery items by category (fruit, dairy, snacks).
Use “more” and “less” during snack time.

Science + Wonder

Talk about the weather and which clothes fit the day.
Make predictions while baking (What will happen when we stir it?)
Sort animal toys by where they live (farm, forest, ocean).
Explore the five senses during a nature walk.

None of this requires a classroom or a workbook. All you need is just a bit of intention layered into your day.

Whatever school looks like in your family, whether it’s homeschool, private school, public school, or something in between, we’re cheering you on.

We’re hoping this year brings growth you can see, progress worth celebrating, and sweet memories you’ll carry with you.

It’s an honor to come alongside you as speech therapists you can trust. We’re here to keep the heart of what matters at the center, and to offer practical ways to help you help your child along the way.

We say it because we mean it.
We’re here for you. We’re here for your littles.

One family at a time. One play at a time.

Thanks for being here. We’re wishing you and your family the very best school year ahead.

With gratitude,
Your friends at ETP

Brooke and Christin