Back to School: Helping Your 3–5 Year Old Navigate Transitions

A new school year brings excitement, but for many preschoolers, it also brings big transitions. New teachers, new classrooms, new routines, different expectations, and longer periods away from caregivers can feel like a lot for a 3–5 year old.

The good news? Transitions are a skill that can be practiced.

Why Transitions Can Be Hard

At this age, children are still developing the ability to regulate emotions, shift attention, wait, and understand what is coming next. Moving from something they enjoy, like playing, to something less preferred, like getting dressed or leaving the house, requires flexibility and self-regulation. Predictable routines can make these changes easier. Early childhood experts recommend using consistent routines, visual supports, songs, and clear cues to help children understand what happens next.

5 Ways to Make Transitions Easier

1. Practice the routine before school starts. Don't wait until the first morning. Practice waking up, getting dressed, eating breakfast, putting on shoes, packing a backpack, and leaving the house. Practicing when there is no rush gives your child a chance to learn the routine without the pressure of being late.

2. Use “first, then” language. Instead of repeatedly saying, “Come on, we have to go!” try:“First shoes, then car.” “First clean up, then snack.” This gives your child a clear sequence and reduces the amount of information they need to process at once.

3. Give a warning before the transition. Try a consistent cue such as, “Five more minutes of play, then clean up.” Follow it with another cue: “One more minute, then clean up.” Timers, songs, and predictable phrases can also signal that a change is coming.

4. Make it visual. A simple picture schedule can show: wake up → get dressed → breakfast → shoes → school. Preschoolers often benefit from seeing what is happening rather than relying only on verbal directions. Visual schedules can also help children understand what comes next and when a routine will be finished.

5. Keep goodbyes short and predictable. Create the same goodbye routine each day: hug, say “I love you,” give a high five, and leave. A predictable goodbye can help your child know exactly what to expect.

And Remember: Play Is Practice!

Pretend play is one of the easiest ways to help your child practice new routines without making it feel like work. Play “school,” take turns being the teacher and student, practice packing a backpack, or act out arriving at school and saying goodbye. These playful experiences give children opportunities to practice communication, flexibility, following directions, and navigating transitions in a fun, low-pressure way.

That same philosophy is at the heart of what we do at Move Play Say. We believe children learn best when they are actively engaged, moving their bodies, exploring their environment, and connecting with the people around them. That is why we are excited to introduce our new Move Play Say Classes this school year!

Our classes provide small-group opportunities for children to build communication, sensory, feeding, and play skills through hands-on, developmentally appropriate activities.

Bite Play Say is our feeding-focused group for children ages 3–5, offering low-pressure opportunities for food exploration, sensory experiences, and positive mealtime learning.

Sensory Play Say uses themed sensory play, movement, and hands-on activities to support speech and language enrichment, functional communication, and skills that can be carried over into everyday routines at home. Offered for ages 2-3 and and 4-5 years.

Class Inquiry Here

Whether your child is practicing a new school routine, exploring a new food, or finding new ways to communicate, our goal is the same: create meaningful opportunities to learn through play. We can't wait to Move, Play & Say with you this school year!

Stacia and Team