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Helping Your Preschooler Grow This September
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
September is a season of new beginnings. Whether your child is starting preschool, joining HIPPY Halton for the first time, or simply settling into new routines, every day is filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and discover.
This month's activities focus on developing language, curiosity, confidence, and social-emotional skills through playful, everyday learning.
At HIPPY Halton, we believe that parents are their child's first and most important teacher. The simple activities you do together, reading a story, asking questions, exploring nature, or talking about feelings, all help build the skills your child needs for school and beyond.
Week 1: Hello, School Days
Early Learning Skill: Building Confidence & Emotional Regulation
Starting something new can bring excitement, curiosity, and sometimes nervous feelings. Helping children recognize and talk about their emotions teaches them healthy ways to cope with change while building confidence and resilience.
Language & Reading
Read: First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
This is a wonderful story about feeling nervous before the first day of school, with a fun ending that reminds children (and adults!) that it's okay to have first-day butterflies.
Talk together about:
How was Sarah feeling before school?
Have you ever felt nervous about something new?
What helped Sarah feel better?
What helps you feel brave when you're trying something new?
This story helps children recognize emotions, build empathy, and understand that feeling nervous is a normal part of new experiences.
Science Activity
Backpack Sink or Float
Fill a container with water and test different school supplies like a crayon, eraser, pencil, or paper clip.
Ask:
Which items floated?
Which items sank?
Why do you think that happened?
This activity encourages prediction, observation, and early scientific thinking.
Social & Emotional Learning
Brave Hearts
Draw a small heart on your child's hand, just like Chester Raccoon.
Ask:"What's one thing you're brave enough to try this week?"
Why It Matters
Children who can recognize and express their emotions are better prepared to build friendships, solve problems, and adapt to new experiences at school.
Did You Know?
School buses are painted yellow because it's the easiest colour for our eyes to see, especially during the early morning and late afternoon.
Week 2: Apple Orchard Fun
Early Learning Skill: Observation & Descriptive Language
Young children learn by noticing differences, asking questions, and describing what they see, hear, smell, and taste. These experiences build vocabulary while encouraging curiosity about the world around them.
Language & Reading
Read: The Apple Pie Tree by Zoe Hall
Talk about:
How does an apple tree change throughout the seasons?
What do trees need to grow?
Have you ever picked an apple?
Science Activity
Apple Taste Test
Compare red, green, and yellow apples.
Ask:
Which one is sweetest?
Which one is crunchiest?
Which one is your favourite?
Comparing foods encourages children to use descriptive language and practice making observations.
Social & Emotional Learning
Sharing Snacks
Practice sharing apple slices with family members or friends.
Talk about how sharing makes others feel and why kindness is important.
Why It Matters
Describing everyday experiences builds strong language skills, while sharing and taking turns help children develop positive relationships with others.
Did You Know?
Week 3: Sunflowers & Sunshine
Early Learning Skill: Growth Mindset & Curiosity
Children learn that, just like plants, they grow a little every day. Celebrating effort instead of perfection encourages confidence and helps children become lifelong learners.
Language & Reading
Read: Sunflower House by Eve Bunting
Talk about:
What do plants need to grow?
Why do sunflowers grow so tall?
What would you build inside a sunflower house?
Science Activity
Seed Sort
Sort sunflower seeds by size, shape, or colour.
Talk about what plants need to grow, including sunlight, water, healthy soil, and time.
Sorting also strengthens early math skills.
Social & Emotional Learning
Standing Tall
Ask your child:"What's something you've learned to do that makes you proud?"
Celebrate every accomplishment, big or small.
Why It Matters
Recognizing personal growth helps children develop confidence, perseverance, and a positive attitude toward learning.
Did You Know?
Young sunflowers slowly turn to follow the sun across the sky. This is called heliotropism.
Week 4: Leaves Start to Change
Early Learning Skill: Adaptability & Observation
As seasons change, children learn that change is a natural part of life. Observing these changes helps them understand the world while building flexibility and resilience.
Language & Reading
Read: Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert
Talk about:
What colours do you see?
What shapes are the leaves?
Where do you think Leaf Man will travel?
Science Activity
Leaf Colour Hunt
Collect different leaves during a walk.
Sort them by:
Colour
Shape
Size
Ask your child what they notice about each leaf.
Social & Emotional Learning
Talking About Change
Ask:
What's something new you've learned?
What's something that's changing in your life?
How do you feel about those changes?
Why It Matters
Understanding that change is a normal part of life helps children become more adaptable, confident, and prepared for new experiences.
Did You Know?
Leaves change colour in the fall because the green chlorophyll fades, allowing the yellow, orange, and red colours underneath to appear.
Parent Corner
"I'm worried my English isn't strong enough to help my child learn."
If you've ever thought this, you're not alone.
The most important thing you can do is talk, read, sing, and play with your child in the language you know best. Rich conversations, stories, songs, and family traditions help children build strong language skills, confidence, and meaningful family connections.
Your love, encouragement, and everyday conversations make a lasting difference.
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