Glen Education McKinnon

Preparing for a positive school transition - How we are supporting our children and families

By Glen McKinnon Educational Team 

Starting school is a big step for children and assisting them to transition to school successfully is important for their journey in continuing to be successful learners (ACECQA, 2017). 

At Glen McKinnon Kindergarten, supporting children to transition to school is not a separate part of the program. As we approach the end of the year, we wanted to share how we've been preparing the children for a positive transition to school.

Intentional Preparation Strategies

Throughout the year, we have been encouraging children to share their thoughts and ideas, which builds their confidence and self-esteem. We focus on nurturing independence, emotional regulation, and social skills by setting up engaging learning spaces and incorporating small challenges. We also use carefully chosen picture books to create intentional learning moments about going to school. 

Milestones and Development

We have been carefully tracking milestones and developments. For example, we have set-up rocks with their names so they can learn to recognise their name. We show their name card at every group time so children can recognise their name and letters and to prepare for the session. The lockers have numbers so children learn numbers. We have set up permanent numeracy and literacy spaces. 

Communication with Families

Keeping families informed about their child's development is our priority. We share information through discussions, portfolios, and informal catch-ups. This ongoing communication ensures that families are aware of how we are preparing their children for the transition to school.

Changes in Term 4

In Term 4, we have introduced specific experiences to help children explore increased independence. Children are encouraged to bring one lunch box and to participate in our school play setup. These activities mimic school routines and help children become familiar with what to expect. After school transitions, we encourage children to share their experiences during group times and how they feel about it.

Communication with schools

Besides writing transition statements for the children who are attending to school in the following year, teachers also spent time with teachers from the local primary school to talk about the children's growth and development and the strategies that have been in place. We have also welcomed local prep teachers to come with their students to talk about school life.

Meeting Individual Needs in a Multi-Age Program

We offer to all children, aged 3 to 5, in our multi-age program opportunities to express their feelings about school. Every child is encouraged to engage in school play learning spaces with their peers, promoting social interaction and collaborative learning.

For you to do at home

Here are a few tips to help children feel prepared for school. 

• Practise how to make friends by introducing oneself to others and reinforce the importance of using social skills such as turn taking, sharing and being kind to make friends.
• Take their children to drop off or pick up of older siblings at school so that the children are more familiar with the school environment. 
• Visit the school playground during the holidays.
• Encourage your child to pack and unpack kinder/school backpack, ensuring that it is easily recognised as their own by attaching something they will recognise. Be mindful of the number of items in their bag and review what is really essential. 
• Practice opening any packaging that will be used for food at school (nude food - package free - are always best!).
• Using public toilets. Explain that there are different toilets for boys and girls at school.
• Wear their school uniform and practice taking on and off their school shoes (shoes with Velcro rather than laces).

As always, our focus is on supporting each child's unique journey, making sure they feel confident and excited about the next step in their educational journey. We appreciate the continued support and collaboration from our families as we work together to ensure a smooth and positive transition to school for our children.