One way to do this is to set aside blocks of time during the day for learning activities. This can be active, such as taking a walk and learning about trees and plants in your neighborhood with a plant identifier app. Or it can be more relaxed, such as reading together aloud or learning new words in a foreign language.

Whatever you choose to do, stick to the schedule and make sure your child knows to be ready for action at that specific time. You can even have your child do the activity preparation, such as getting bottles of water for the walk or laying out the books for the reading time.

Share Your School Experiences with Your Child

For some children going to school for the first time, they may not know what to expect. And even those who are going back to school are in for some new experiences they may not know about. To help prepare - and excite them - for these new experiences, tell them about yours. You can share stories about the teachers you had, the friends you made, and the things you learned. This will help children gain a realistic expectation from a trustworthy source - their parent!

You can also read books about going to school. The National Association for the Education of Young Children recommends these titles:

• The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
• David Goes to School by David Shannon
• Will I Have a Friend? by Miriam Cohen
• First Day of School by Anne Rockwell
• When I Miss You by Cornelia Maude Spelman
• Take a Kiss to School by Angela McAllister
• It's Time for Preschool by Esme Raj Codell
• A Pocketful of Kisses by Audrey Penn

Do Activities That Teach Independence

Independence is a key trait that children learn in their early years of education and preparing them early will help immensely. To get an idea of some independent skills preschool and kindergarten-age children should know, Coffee Cup and Crayons lists these three:

1. Putting Away Your Belongings and Turning in Work to the Teacher
2. Putting On and Off and Zippering and Buttoning Your Coat
3. Opening All of the Items in Your Lunchbox

These simple but important skills build independence and, in effect, self-esteem. They're also important for understanding schedules, responsibility, and organizing. They're also important for fine motor skill development. And while they might not sound exciting, Coffee Cup and Crayons came up with an "obstacle course" that makes doing these actions feel like a fun game.

Practice Good Hand-Washing Rituals

Although your child's teachers will likely be emphasizing good hand-washing routines throughout the day, practicing at home can only help. To do this, reinforce the time, method, and consistency of good hand-washing techniques.

• Time: The CDC and Johns Hopkins University say everyone should wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Your child can count to 20 or sing the ABCs while washing to ensure they wash for the necessary amount of time.
• Method: Just as important is how they wash their hands. Show your child the right way by ensuring they thoroughly wash their fingers and wrist areas, as well as under their nails.
• Consistency: This might be the most difficult part as young children can forget from the excitement throughout the day. But practicing at home can help them remember.

Remind your child to wash their hands after using the bathroom, before eating, and after coming inside after playing outdoors.