What to Pack in Backpack for Preschooler

Hello -
Check with the school if there are specifics they require. If not, a few suggestions...
1) Complete change of clothes (Incl. Shoes)
2) A picture of you/family (Let the Teacher know its in there. It can help if he gets a little sad.)
**Avoid taking a favorite/can't live without item-Even the best schools can misplace or put away in the wrong backpack.**
3) A sweater (As the weather changes the classrooms sometimes get chilly)
4) If he's a napper, Blanket/sheet
5) Food? Or do they supply snacks & meal? Beverages? Do they have a refrigerator? If not, ice packs in a lunch box.
LABEL EVERYTHING!
Hope this helps! :o)

For a 4 year old at all day preschool, you should pack some basic items. The preschool will likely have a list, if you contact them. Basics are - a folder that he can put papers in to bring home, a water bottle, a favorite toy (as long as the teacher feels it's not a distraction), a small pack of tissues, etc. Nothing that will make it too heavy. Hope that helps. Blessings...

I would keep it as simple as possible. With both my sons I have sent just a full change of clothes. In the warmer weather I put in a baseball cap and in the cold weather a winter hat and gloves, also change of footwear. Find out what the pre-school provides in the way of food and if he needs to take a snack. They may actually have a list with suggested supplies which are needed.
In my experience (my sons went to different preschools) they provided everything except a change of clothes.
I always put the change of clothes inside a ziploc bag (with their name on it) so that any soiled clothes can be sent home in that same bag.
I also label the clothes, just put his name on the label.
Things get easily misplaced with so many kids in one area so send as litle as possible and especially try to avoid sending him with any of his toys.
I really admire what you are doing for your grandson, good luck. :)

Hi L.,

Those are all great response that you received I skimmed through the majority of them the only thing I did not notice was a disposable carmera. Let the teacher/staff know its there-that way when something amazing happens at school they will be able to take a picture for you. Other than the change of clothes everything else (in my opinion) is gravy...most school will provide a plethora of info before school start. Enjoy.

R.

A complete change of clothes including socks and shoes, underwear. If your 4 year old says, but Grandma/Grandpa I do not have accidents anymore I am a big boy. Then remind him that someone might spill something on him which is why he needs a complete change of clothes. A sweater/sweatshirt incase he gets cold.

Other than that they will send a list of anything else, though the above is probably on the list. Really my daughter last year only used the back pack for projects, and the spare clothes.

I wouldn't send a backpack with a preschooler unless your school suggests it. In that case, they will give you a list of what he needs for the day.

Our preschool gave out identical bags to each child with their name in big white letters. Anything that needed to go home or be taken to school went in the bag. We were on a rotation schedule for snacks.

I would wait and see what the school suggests.

i would pack a change of clothes that you can leave in the backpack, other than that you shouldn't need anything, the preschool will do crafts and what not and put that in the backpack to come home.

Great responses!! Adding on to what another poster said about his "can't live without" item like a blanket or animal, I agree. Don't risk it. My daughter took her beloved baby and blanket to preschool everyday and while most days it was ok there were more than a few times she forgot it and panic insued. Your best bet is right now start mentioning that his favorite loveys will stay at home (or in his car seat if he's REALLY attached) while he is at school, but ask who he would like to take instead. Someone who can stay at school in his cubby. Good luck! My little guy is starting preschool this year as well :)

L.,

You've already gotten some great replies. One thing our teacher reminded us to do in the warm months was to apply sunscreen to the kids before they went to school since they usually go outside for recess. The teachers won't have time to apply it to each child.

Good luck and hang in there!

C.

Hi L. - Your grandson will have so much fun at school, but be prepared for a transition! Get the list from the school - if they don't have one, get in touch with the director and/or his teacher to ask what they really need there. For our 4 year old, the following goes to school with him - his "nap" bag, which includes a sheet, a small pillow and a blankie just for school naps on his cot(in case there is A/C or school is cold) -this is sent home every week with him to get washed - the bag should be big enough for the child to easily be able to take things out and put them away in it. We don't send toys - school discourages and they can easily get lost. As far as lunch, our school will not serve candy, but you can put a "treat" in there if they eat their "growing" food - chocolate pudding is a hit, those small 100 calorie packs of cookies are good too. You can make sandwiches (make sure PB isn't banned because of nut allergies in the class - sunflower nut butter is a good sub), you can get a thermos and send mac/cheese, ravioli, etc. we get a cheap plastic sandwich box from target to go with the lunchbox (we get the softsided ones with characters, need blue ice to keep things cold, a juice box, etc.) He needs extra clothes, undies, socks, shoes, etc. LABEL EVERYTHING - put in a gallon size ziploc. Our school encourages easy on/off clothes - like drawstring pants, so the child can go potty easily and learn to be independent. A picture of you, other close family members, pet, etc. to put up in his cubby is also a great idea in case he gets a little bit sad - this is a very exciting time - he will make new friends and have lots to talk about with you at the end of his day (and will bring home more artwork than you can even imagine!) - good luck and be confident that you are doing the right thing!!

Hello L. - on the first day of school take a complete change of clothes in a bag with your little one's name on in case of accidents. That bag will likely stay at school the whole year - pack old underwear, sock, top and pants. On a daily basis, you'll probably need to pack a lunch in a lunch bag and two snacks with drinks. I normally pack the snacks and drinks in the pocket at the front of the back pack so my little one doesn't get confused with lunch. You may also be given a folder at school which will come back each day with notes and projects he has done. You empty it out each night, return it with any notes or message you need to put in for the teacher, or any work your child needs to show he has done (but that is more likely as he gets older, not in preschool). Hope that is of some help - Alison

forgot to mention - baseball hat in summer, then in winter, boots, snowpants, gloves and hat (if he's not already wearing them) or if he is, gym shoes.

I'd give him pbj and apple juice and some chips he likes if he doesn't like pbj maybe bologna cheese and lettuce, ham and cheese, and whatever he normally eats. spice it up do what he likes a lot of. Why is he in preschool all day if your home? They normally go for like 2 1/2 hrs. three times a weeks to preschool and than there home. Good luck!

Ask the preschool. He may not need anything. I send a backpack to pick up the projects and notes for the day. Most preschools will have a cubby-- where you can leave a change of clothes. My school provides lunch and snacks...and school supplies.

The school should be able to tell you!

Good luck.

It varies from pre-school to pre-school, but usually they recommend a complete change of clothes labeled with the child's name on it, a second pair of shoes, a small travel pillow and small blanket for nap time; a lunch (again label the lunch box). If you call the pre-school and ask someone, they'll be able to tell you exactly what they recommend you send with him. Good luck!