Create a morning chart. Use markers and a large piece of white poster board that is at least 11 by 14 inches to make a timetable. List the days of the week and the time periods in 15- or 30-minute increments, from waking up until leaving for school. Apply themed stickers for each morning task. For example, place a sun sticker on wake-up time, a cereal sticker for breakfast and a T-shirt sticker for time to get dressed. Go over the chart with your child. Have her practice saying the order of the schedule.
Start the routine the night before. Ask your preschooler to help you pack his lunch if needed, and place necessary items in a backpack. Leave the filled backpack in a special place near the door. Invite your child to help you choose a specific bag spot, and maintain the same space throughout the school year.
Follow your morning schedule consistently. Establish a daily wake-up time for both you and your child. Wake up your preschooler at this same time each school day.
Help your child to get dressed, wash her face or bathe.
Eat breakfast. Make this a special family time to allow a small break in your morning routine. Relax and enjoy a bowl of cereal or fresh fruit with your preschooler. Talk about what might happen during the rest of the day.
Grab your child's backpack from its special spot, bring a jacket if needed and head out the door.
Create a morning schedule. Make a pictorial representation using markers and 11-by-14 poster board. Discuss the schedule with the children at the beginning of the school year and stick to it each day.
Have a before-school activity ready for children who might arrive early. Set out a variety of different toys such as a dollhouse, blocks or crayons and paper.
Establish a morning activity start time. Gather the children together for a morning meeting or circle time. Use the same area of the room for this special time each day. This should be a relaxing space, with a carpet or carpet squares for the children to sit on.
Discuss the remainder of the day during the morning meeting or circle time. This may include talking about the current theme or content, reminding the children about what times they will go outside or have activity center time, or allowing time for questions about the day's events.