Glen Education Edithvale

School transition

By Amy Miller, Early Childhood Educator 

At Glen Education Edithvale Kindergarten, children are supported in their transition to school throughout our day-to-day program. 

We have provided a sign in book for children to practice writing, spelling and recognising their own names, as part of the routine of the kindergarten day, and therefore in an informal and relaxed way. The sign in book helps build upon children’s agency as it gives them a sense of independence and the opportunity to take their learning into their own hands, and as it is an experience that is offered every day, it challenges children to build upon the skills they have already learned. 

Our kindergarten groups have also been on many walks to visit our local primary school, which allows children to become familiar with a school environment. We are very fortunate to be able to make use of their playground and have a session in a prep classroom where children could engage in a fun play-based setting. 

During our group times, we initiate regular discussions with the children surrounding transition to primary school, and what they understand.   We encourage children to talk about what they may have noticed was different in primary school compared to kindergarten but also what they found was similar. During these discussions we explore our feelings on how children might have felt visiting the primary school or attending a transition day as it can often not only be exciting but also daunting for many children.