Glen Education Mordialloc

Embedding school transition concepts into our daily program

By Ying Gao, Early Childhood Educator

Starting school is a milestone for children and their families. Kindergarten has an important role to play throughout the year to make the transition as smooth as possible. At Glen Education Mordialloc Kindergarten, children are supported to develop their skills and capabilities through play-based learning activities that are embedded in their daily environments.

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) states that “routines are a key component of the program”. 

At Glen Education Mordialloc Kindergarten (Glen MK), we utilise routines to build up children’s independence skills, such as dressing and undressing themselves, packing and unpacking their lunch boxes, applying sunscreen, and looking after their belongings. Meanwhile, children are supported to develop their problem-solving skills and communication skills throughout group times or in real-life situations. 

We provide a dressing-up corner, exposing children to a school environment, where children practice dressing themselves in school uniforms and get familiar with the school setting. Using books related to school and getting children to anticipate school time. 

Visual cues card has been used at the start of the kindergarten to foster children’s attention span during the intentional teaching period. 

According to National Quality Standard (NQS) Quality Area 6 states that the service builds relationships with their local communities to enhance the collaborative partnership. 

Glen Mordialloc Kindergarten has formed a strong relationship with families and the local schools throughout past years of working and dedication. Children have had the opportunity to visit local schools each term. During school visits, children were thoughtfully arranged to meet their buddies. Children explored certain school curricula such as science, technology, and PE under the guidance of their school buddies and teachers.  Glen Mordialloc invited school children to visit our kindergarten. 

The collaborative work from families, the communities and the service have supported our children to become “confident and involved learners” (EYLF outcome 4) and embrace their future school life in a positive attitude.