Page 4 - LESSION 19.pmd

Smooth Transition

• assisting children to understand transitions, routines and practices of the new
settings they are moving to and feel comfortable with this process
Notes • helping children negotiate changes in status or identity, especially during the

school transition phase; and
• working collaboratively to make certain that a successful transition occurs.

INTEXT QUESTIONS 19.1

State whether the statements given below are true or false.

1. Good transition practices focus on the entirety of children.

2. Children's characteristics include temperament, IQ, personality, social skills
and cognitive ability.

3. The transition to school is likely to be less challenging for children from
financially disadvantaged families.

4. Parents are well prepared to assist with transition and readiness.

19.1.2 Transition from Home to Preschool

One way to ease the transition for young children from home to preschool is to
familiarize them with both the centre and with the types of activities that are
conducted within the school. Transition programmes are variously identified

as strategies and procedures for ensuring the smooth placement and adjustment
of children to school and involving activities initiated by schools or preschools

to bridge the gap between home and school experience. Smooth transition is
dependent on the following connections:

Family-School Connections

The relationship between a family and the staff is invaluable in supporting positive
school outcomes. Providing activities that nurture these relationships is an

important part of a transition plan. Both the family and the school benefit from
exchanging information on a regular basis.

Child-School Connections

One way to ease the transition for young children is to familiarize them with
both the centre and with the types of activities that are conducted within.

166 EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION