Page 5 - LESSION 19.pmd

Smooth Transition

Peer Connections

Preschool teachers are often concerned that children beginning the year are not
exhibiting the ability to get along with their peers. Just as adults are more Notes
comfortable with people they know, so are children. By arranging situations
where preschoolers can interact with other children can help to form connections
that will carry through to the beginning of the school year.

Community Connections

Connections between the community and the school are an important part of the
transition. Continuity is enhanced when there are community linkages between
schools and other agencies.

19.1.3 Transition from Home to Primary School
Ongoing collaboration and coordination of transition activities ensure that all
children experience the best possible transition as they move from preschool or
home into the school setting.
Some ideas or ways to do this include:

• Children interact directly with the future centre teacher through occasional
visits to the centre.

• Children can visit their future school when there are special events being
held.
• Parents can practice the types of activities normally done in the centre.These
can include walking in a line, singing a kindergarten song, or playing
kindergarten games. Additionally, parents can make scrapbooks with
pictures of the teachers, support staff, building etc to help children become
familiar with the school before they enter it.

The most effective way to prepare children to enter primary school, or any level
of formal schooling, is to provide a dependable, strong support system. An ideal
support system includes supportive communities, strong families, quality early
care and education, prepared schools, and ready children.

Supportive communities play a crucial part in supporting families; working
together to support children’s school and long term success by providing families
affordable access to information and services.

Strong families understand they are the most important people in the child’s
life. A strong family takes responsibility through direct, frequent and positive
involvement and interest in the children. The adults in the family recognize their
role as the child’s first teacher.

EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION 167