Kindergarten
Transition
Transitioning Back to On-Site Learning
We are so happy to be able to welcome the Kindergarten children back to learning on campus in Term 4. It will be an exciting time for them to reconnect with their friends, teachers, and environments. Although this will be a joyful change, it is important that we don’t underestimate the significance of this transition for the children. They have adapted rapidly and positively to engaging remotely with the security and support of you, their families.
However, no matter how we try to construct a safe ‘bubble’ for our children in times of uncertainty, they are highly attuned to tensions, stresses, and changes to their everyday routines. Coming back to campus will be yet another alteration to their day-to-day existence, at a time when they have become settled and comfortable with a new way of living and engaging. As teachers, we will prioritise creating a warm and welcoming environment where the children will be gently supported to begin exploring and interacting at their own pace. We will actively encourage the children to be open about their emotions and to ask questions about unfamiliar procedures that are now in place.
Some suggested ways that you, as a family, can support your child’s smooth transition back to learning on-site:
- Talk through the new routine of the day frequently, particularly focusing on drop-off. You may like to incorporate the visuals included on the banner above.
- Use Storypark as a way for children to view the on-site environment and reflect on the kinds of experiences they have had in the classroom/outdoors. Encourage them to engage in positive reflection and to make plans about what they might choose to play upon their return.
- Foster and sustain social connections using digital platforms children are already familiar with, such as Zoom. Set-up a Zoom playdate and let the children just be in one another’s presence. Don’t worry if it seems as though they are not interacting ‘enough’, parallel play in the presence of a peer is still socially powerful.
- Support children to plan for play with a variety of peers. We need to be mindful that the children’s interests, social environments, and sense of connection have evolved over time. It will be more positive for your child if they feel they have many options for social play rather than focusing on one or two “best friends” who may not feel ready to engage in the way your child expects.
- Support your child to be gradually more independent with tasks they are capable of. They are returning to an environment where their needs for adult attention and assistance are shared with other children. It will support their self-regulation and self confidence if they feel able to do small tasks without assistance such as putting on shoes and socks. If you feel your child has become used to getting an instant adult response when making requests, it may be worthwhile talking with them about how at Kindergarten the teachers help everybody and there may be times when they need to wait.
- Create a family culture of openness and sharing. You may even like to set aside “sharing time” or “worry time” where family members can share their thoughts and concerns about the upcoming changes. Be sure to validate every concern a child has, no matter how trivial or inconsequential it may seem from our adult perspectives! Suggest strategies that your child can use to address their worries, and ask them if they would like you to share their concerns with their teachers. Outside of these times, continue to engage in positive talk about the transition, letting your child know that you are feeling happy, secure, and comfortable about their return to campus. We are truly looking forward to seeing you in Term 4.
We really appreciate and value the open communication we have with all the Kindergarten families. When we all work together as a team for your child, we can achieve the best learning, development, and wellbeing outcomes for them. As always, please contact us if you have any queries, concerns, or comments.
We are truly looking forward to seeing you in Term 4!
Lara Ronalds, Poppy Woodhouse &
Courtney Booth
Kindergarten Teachers
lara.ronalds@preshil.vic.edu.au