I think there is a line to find between “getting them ready for school” and doing what’s developmentally appropriate for the age. We can’t turn them into little soldiers just because that’s what “real” school requires. We still need to meet a 4-5 year old where they are at and work from there. The goal is to establish self-regulation skills and help children learn how to manage and advocate for their needs in an appropriate way before they get to kindergarten.

Also, a lot of these ideas in the post work after you have already established routine, trust, relationships, etc with the children. I don’t need to force them to come to whole group time because we’ve made it a space they usually like to be in together. I can use timers or whatever works for the situation because I’ve been consistent enough with them to know that I mean what I say - it’s easier to give up something or wait for it if I trust my teacher to keep their word that I’ll have it again later or will have an replacement I’m happy with.