Play Your Way to Back-to-School Success

Justine May
Aug 18
2 min read

The days before the first day of school are often filled with excitement (for parents)… and a few nerves. New classrooms, new teachers, and new routines can feel like a big leap for little ones.

But there’s a simple way to help your child feel more prepared: role-play games.

Children make sense of new experiences through play. By acting out what the first day might look like, you give them a safe space to practice, ask questions, and feel more confident.

🌱 Practice Morning Routines

Turn getting ready into a game:

Set out clothes and let your child “race the clock” to get dressed.
Pretend to pack a school bag with essentials (water bottle, snack, book).
Play “line up at the door” to mimic the moment they leave for school.

This makes the morning less stressful — for both of you.

🌱 Play “Going to School”

Set up a mini classroom at home:

You (or a sibling) can play the teacher, while your child plays the student.
Practice saying “hello” to classmates and raising a hand to speak.
Go through a simple “circle time” with songs or storybooks.

Rehearsing these steps helps your child know what to expect.

🌱 Role-Play Social Moments

Meeting new friends is one of the biggest parts of the first few days. Try:

Acting out how to introduce themselves (“Hi, my name is ___”).
Practicing turn-taking with toys.
Role-playing what to say if they need help or feel shy.

These rehearsals build courage for the real school moments.

🌱 Rehearse Lunchtime

If your child will eat at school, practice opening lunchboxes, unwrapping snacks, or throwing wrappers in the bin. Turn it into a pretend game: sit together, “eat” food, and practice putting your things away.

🌱 Celebrate with Confidence

After role-play, remind your child: “You’re ready for school. You already know what to do!” That little boost of confidence can make the walk into school much smoother.

The first day will still bring surprises — but with playful practice at home, your child will walk into school feeling ready, capable, and excited for the adventure ahead.

Have an excellent start to the school year!