After-Lunch Picture Plan
A simple visual sequence — eat lunch, nap, snack, mum comes back — drawn together so your toddler knows exactly when pickup happens at nursery.
Nursery Prep Activities for Toddlers
Activities that build the skills your child needs for nursery — separation confidence, self-care (shoes, coat, toileting), turn-taking, and routine-following. Start practising at home so the transition feels familiar, not frightening.
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38activities
Bye-Bye Activity Ritual
Teach your toddler to say a cheerful goodbye to whatever they were doing — a sweet closure routine that eases every transition.
Bye-Bye Window Wave
A structured goodbye ritual at the window that makes separations predictable and safe.
Circle Time Practice
Sit on a cushion, listen to a short story, and sing a song together — a gentle rehearsal for nursery circle time.
Dress the Dolly First
Practise putting on clothes by dressing a doll or teddy first — building motor skills and confidence.
Getting Dressed Timer
Practise getting dressed independently with a gentle sand timer — turning a daily battle into a fun challenge.
Getting My Own Water
Set up a low water station with a small jug and cup so your toddler can pour their own drink independently.
Going to Nursery Bookshelf
A small dedicated shelf of picture books about going to nursery — read them daily for two weeks before the start, so the unknown becomes familiar.
Goodbye Dolly Drop-Off
Role-play a full nursery drop-off with a doll — saying goodbye, leaving the doll at the 'nursery', going about the day, then coming back to collect.
Goodbye Song Routine
Sing a specific short song at every goodbye to create a predictable parting ritual.
Greeting Practice at the Door
Practise saying hello, waving, and making eye contact when someone arrives — building social confidence at home first.
Grown-Up Friend Half Hour
A short, low-stakes practice separation with a trusted friend or grandparent — 30 minutes, predictable return, building the muscle of being apart in a context of total safety.
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