Transitioning to Kindergarten

As with us all, children need to be able to embrace transitions and change. This can be challenging if not considered in advance, and experiencing a challenging transition may lead to the avoidance of new challenges. Transitioning is a struggle for many, and developing comfort with change at an early age will  help down the road when future changes present themselves.

 

With respect to children transitioning to their first year in a school setting, often Kindergarten, considerations should be made well before September. School based learning is much more structured, focused, and demanding on children then they have likely experienced elsewhere.

 

Preparing a child to embrace a new environment takes time, thought, and reassurance. Children need to feel safe and secure, and that they can develop a relationship with the trusted adults in their lives. They often enjoy the predictability of routine which allows them to relax, play, and learn. Under stress, children struggle to manage their feelings, abilities, or their environment, and escalation in behaviour can be noticed. Transitions like the start of school need to be viewed as a process and not as a single event. 

 

In reality, the process of making a successful transition begins at home and continues at both home and school throughout a child's first year in school.

 

Here are some ideas that can be done with your child to prepare them for the transition to school.

 

You can support your child in the development of these skills by spending some time on related activities before they start school. Reading is a great way of increasing your child's attention span. Take cues from your child as to how long they can pay attention. In the beginning, teachers may expect a child to attend a group activity for about 20 minutes and by the end of the first year this will increase to around 40 minutes.

 

Introduce your child to new experiences such as attending a children's play or visiting a museum. Provide guidelines so your child knows when it is appropriate to talk, go to the toilet, and when he/she has to wait for their turn is a key part of these experiences.

 

Give your child responsibilities at home such as setting the table, helping with the laundry, or unloading items from the dishwasher.

 

Practice writing by encouraging your child to write new words, copy letters and numbers, and draw pictures. Encourage counting and measuring activities, and show your child how these skills are used in the real world, for example weigh the fruit when you go grocery shopping.

 

By engaging in these types of activities and interactions, you will be aiding your child in the process of working with others, practicing patience, and following guidelines. In the end, this type of thoughtful preparation will help prepare them for the day to day routine at KBS, and fully participating in school life at KBS.

 

Until next time, stay well.

 

 

Head of School

Kempenfelt Bay School