Some preschoolers would stay in bed until noon if they were allowed. These children may be cranky and overtired all day if they're not allowed to relax and rest a bit longer at the beginning of the day. At home, let them curl up on the couch with a blanket and play a computer game for a few minutes. In a classroom, set up a quiet corner for children who get to school before the entire class is gathered. Arrange blankets, pillows and stuffed animals in this area. Play relaxing music quietly but talk to children occasionally to keep them from falling back asleep.
Music and movement can be beneficial to any preschooler. These activities can help wake up a sleepy child and soothe a child who's bouncing off the walls. If children are full of energy, play some instrumental lullabies or nature sounds and lead children in a series of stretches. When you're trying to wake up sleepy preschoolers, play dance music and encourage children to hop and twirl around. If you have a group of children with varying energy levels, play music with a strong beat and encourage children to clap or stomp their feet in time with the music.
Any access to books can help preschoolers build their literacy skills, and reading books quietly helps children ease into the activity of the day. Let each child choose a few books to look at, or organize a group story time. Encourage children to get comfortable while you read a book. When you're done reading, ask children to share their thoughts about the story. If you're busy getting the rest of the day's activities organized, play an audio book for children to listen to.
Most preschoolers are thrilled to help do adult tasks, since these jobs make them feel like "big kids." Use their help to help get organized at the start of the day. Not only will preschoolers enjoy these tasks, but they'll learn responsibility. At home, ask children to walk through the house and find objects that aren't put away in the proper place. In a preschool classroom, ask students who arrive early to help organize the book shelf and change the date on the class calendar.