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Transition to School

 

Two weeks ago our youngest daughter started school and I thought it might be useful to reflect on some of the ways that we helped to ease her into this significant change in her life. I think that the most practical thing that we did was to help her

to feel a sense of belonging to the school community. We enhanced the usual school visits by going to the school playground in the weekends, peering through windows and identifying relevant features (drinking fountains, toilets, hall, office, sibling’s classrooms etc). It is also worthwhile to check out the school fair as this gives you the opportunity to ‘read’ the walls of classrooms.

School transition

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‘Say goodbye with a smile’ has become our new mantra…and so far we have succeeded! It has been vital to set up a positive, predictable and unhurried routine that the new entrant teacher supports. Have a really good think about what will work well for you. For us it is important to arrive at the same time every morning. We read a story together or peruse some work from the previous day. When the 8:30 bell rings I say goodbye, and stick to it. The teacher takes her hand and together they choose a sticker for the ‘goodbye with a smile chart’ and wave out the window. Tremendous…

I really appreciate being able to go to work on a positive note, knowing that she is being nurtured and accommodated.Transition from preschool to School Long may it last!
Let your child’s teacher know that their extra work is valued. A good new entrant teacher often gives up their morning tea break and even some of their lunchtime to ensure that their new students are coping. At the end of the first week we gave a little posy of flowers from the garden with a card full of genuine words of thanks. Happy school days!

Sally:)

About Sally
Sally

I am a busy mother of three children and have taught in the Early Childhood Sector for over twenty years. Currently I am Head Teacher of an Infant and Toddler Area in a privately owned early childhood centre. I am delighted to have the opportunity to be a part of the My Child team by sharing ideas, challenges and inspirations with you on a regular basis. I am particularly passionate about the rights of children, sustainability, nature and creating natural, beautiful, homely and nurturing environments for children.

3 Responses to “Transition to School”

  1. Trish Rawere
    August 29, 2011 at 9:11 am

    My daughter has just been through the process of transitioning her own daughter to school.
    After the recent “shaky” times we have had in ChCh we weren’t looking forward to having an anxious just 5 year old making the change from her beloved kindy to the “big” school. As a family all living together we anticipated that this could possibly unsettle her even more so we made sure that we had a few tricks up our sleeve.
    Some things that helped my bub were books about going to school, Saturday visits for turns on the playground, buying a special new bag and lunch box was a real hit and showing the whanau her in her new uniform made her feel proud.

    Reply

  2. Sarah Nutt
    September 3, 2011 at 5:16 am

    Thanks Sally really enjoyed reading your blog, you have left some great advice for me to think about and others. Keep up the good work

    Thanks

    Sarah

    Reply

  3. Jemma Lewis
    September 4, 2011 at 6:33 pm

    Thank’s for the new Post Sally, I am a New entrant teacher myself and my class is back tomorrow. So sweet giving the teacher a thank you note.
    It’s very true we do spend a lot of time settling the new children and missing those breaks and it’s nice to be appreciated.
    Your Children are lucky to have such a supportive mum, say goodbye with a smile and stick to it, I like it !!!

    Reply
 

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