Transition to School
The transition from early childcare education to primary school is a significant step in the life of a young child. The new physical environment, daily structure, teacher/student relationships, rules and peer interactions that children will encounter at school all present potential areas of adjustment from the life they have become accustomed to at a childcare centre. Some children cope well with these transitions, whilst others will experience varying levels of anxiety depending on a range of factors including maturity, social skills and independence.
Parnell Early Childhood Centre has established a Transition to School programme for children aged four and over because we believe they (and their parents/caregivers) benefit
from knowledge, understanding and competence in making a confident and ultimately more successful transition to school. Our programme combines a ‘life at school’ orientation with an introduction to the methods of teaching and learning, including a focus on early reading, writing, science, the arts, maths and technology.
Language and Literacy
Children will be immersed in a language-rich environment in order to develop oral language and phonological awareness (the ability to distinguish the sounds within words). They will begin to make sense of print which involves an awareness and understanding of its concepts.
Mathematical Understanding and Numeracy
Children will have experiences that make mathematical learning both meaningful and purposeful. Children will develop the ability to think creatively, strategically and logically.
Arts, Sciences and Technology
Children will participate in generating and exploring ideas in creative ways, individually and in groups. Art will include dance, music and painting enabling them to discover different ways to communicate. They will learn strategies for active investigation, thinking and reasoning which will foster curiosity and scientific understanding. They will use a variety of technologies for different purposes as they explore their world.
Work and study skills
Children will be able to make informed decisions, develop increasing self– reliance and able to work collaboratively with other children.
Communication
Developing techniques of communications skills, both verbal and nonverbal will assist children to work effectively and constructively.
Social sense
Children’s ability to develop relationships, have some understanding about equity, be able to see differing points of view and be familiar with working cooperatively will increase their confidence.
You can help your child's transition to school
- Before you start school visits, talk with your child about what going to school will mean.
- Tell them about the wonderful new things they will do and learn.
- Listen to their fears and talk with them about how you can address their concerns. Explain how things like toileting, break time and quiet time will work for your child.
- If you show your child that you believe they can manage well at school then this will help them believe in themselves.
- Try not to let them know about any worries you may have as they may pick up on this and also begin to worry.
- Explain basic school rules, such as putting your hand up to ask a question or asking to go to the toilet.
- Look at practical aspects. Make sure they have all the required items, such as a good schoolbag and sunhat.
- Think of anything that could be tricky, such as being able to open that shiny new lunchbox – and practise this at home!
- To help your child feel confident, make a checklist (using words or pictures) of things they need to take to school in their bag and things they need to remember to bring home every day.