Page 15 - LESSION 19.pmd

Smooth Transition

observe whether children demonstrate readiness, are approaching readiness or
show emerging readiness, and accordingly plan activities to support them. As
stated earlier in this lesson,children with developing and emerging readiness skills Notes
require more instructional support to be successful.
Such an exercise would help the teacher to adjust the programmes as well as her
teaching strategies according to needs of the children. The teacher should note
that this is not a one-time activity but a continuous process. It could be made an
integral part of the daily activities by the teacher. The teacher should plan
developmentally appropriate activities and provide opportunities and materials
for the children and allow them to explore, discover and play, and provide
appropriate challenges. This process would help to ready children for the pre-
primary or primary stage.

19.3.2 Ready Parents/Families and Communities: Their roles

The role of adults is immense in giving children a conducive and stimulating
environment. Mothers and adults who are around young children are their first
teachers. Their role is crucial in making children ready for school as they can
provide them with steady and supportive relationships, and a safe and joyful
environment to help generate curiosity and excitement about learning.

Just like families, communities play a crucial role in readying the children.Local
community groups, business and corporate houses and governments should work
collectively to develop early childhood care and education facilities. They can
contribute in a number of ways such as opening quality daycare and early childhood
education centers, providing space and equipment for the centers, orienting and
educating parents on the need for ECE and providing educational and technical
support to the workers of the preschool centres or anganwadis.

Parents of young children need to be aware of the importance of ECE and early
brain development. They should provide a loving and nurturing environment at
home. They may buy age-appropriate toys and play material for young children.
Parents should try to ensure a smooth transition from home to ECE centre where
children will, for the first time, be separated from home to move into a new
environment. Parents should also make sure that children are toilet-trained and
are able to express their needs to the caregivers at the ECE Centre. The role of
parents and communities is crucial.They should learn about the various activities
they can undertake at home to ready the children and ensure a smooth transition
from home to the centre. Schools may organise parents’ education and awareness
programme to help them know the support they can provide to young children to
promote a smooth transition from home to school.

EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION 177