Goodbye Old, Hello New! Transitioning from Preschool to Kindergarten

Goodbye Old, Hello New! Adjusting to Change Developing Skills for Transitions

The goal of this training is to provide information to teachers that will assist them in enhancing parental involvement during the transition from preschool to kindergarten.

Transition Levels Pre-School – Kindergarten Elementary- Middle School Middle School – High School High School – Post Secondary

Why is it important for schools to help parents stay involved during this transition?

Student achievement increases with increased duration and intensity of parental involvement Students with involved parents have –Higher test scores and grades –Better attendance –More positive attitudes and behavior –Higher graduation rates

Parents’ academic level, socioeconomic level, and ethnic or racial origin are not determining factors for academic success Successful students have parents that: –Have a positive attitude about education –Believe their children can do well academically –Convey that belief to their children

Mandates for Parent Involvement No Child Left Behind IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973(revised) Title I Arkansas Standards ACSIP (Arkansas Consolidated School Improvement Plan), Act 603 of 2003

Pre-School – Kindergarten Transitions What do we do to help students and their parents transition to Kindergarten?

What Challenges Will Students Face with Transitions from Preschool to Kindergarten? Socially –Sharing –Fitting In –Peer pressure –Fears –Taking turns –Respecting differences

What Challenges Will Students Face? Academically –Positive learning attitude –Listening skills –Pay attention –Follow simple instructions –Recognize letters, numbers, colors, and shapes –Find solutions for basic problems

What Challenges Will Students Face? Emotionally –Express feelings Happy Sad Worried Anxious –Separation anxiety

What Challenges Will Students Face? Physically –Healthy –Run-jump-throw –Dress themselves –Tying shoes –Bathroom responsibilities

Kindergarten Transitions Components for Successful Transitions –Welcoming environment –Build community partnerships

Kindergarten Transitions Components for Successful Transitions –Enrollment information and dates –Curriculum information –Readiness skills needed –Establish open communication

How Can the School Help Students Transition to Kindergarten? Develop a partnership with parents Provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere Establish two-way communication Respect cultural differences

All kinds of parents become involved in their children’s education when the school: Welcomes their participation with a warm and inviting environment Honors their participation Connects with parents through a focus on their child and the educational development of that child

All kinds of parents become involved in their children’s education when the school: Honors the needs of the parents Gains the trust of parents and lets them know how they can be involved Parent involvement programs that are successful in engaging diverse families recognize, respect and address cultural and class differences.

Parents’ Suggestions for How the School Can Improve Parent Involvement: Welcoming environment Improve school staff’s attitudes by educating them on the advantages of teachers and parents working together Consider the educational level, language, culture, and home situation of parents Give teachers time to plan and organize parent activities

How Can the School Help Students Transition to Kindergarten? Socially –Welcoming and friendly environment –Nurturing atmosphere –Encouraging play –Building confidence

How Can the School Help Students Transition to Kindergarten? Academically –Learning experiences –Thinking/problem solving skills –Listening –Following rules –High expectations –Communicating

How Can the School Help Students Transition to Kindergarten? Emotionally –Provide a warm and caring atmosphere –Safe and secure environment

How Can the School Help Students Transition to Kindergarten? Physically –Provide ample play time –Movement –Gross motor skills –Fine motor skills

How Can Schools Help Students and Parents Transition to Kindergarten? What are some of the causes of stress for new students that you see in your school? What are some of the causes of stress for parents of students? What can the school do to address these issues? What can the school do to involve parents in identifying and addressing these issues?

How Can the Parent Help the Student Transition to Kindergarten? Socially –Encourage Listening Taking turns Cooperation Communication skills Sharing Following directions Problem solving

How Can the Parent Help the Student Transition to Kindergarten? Academically –Read to your child –Play learning games –Listen and retell stories –Encourage curiosity –Answer questions –Identify beginning sounds and rhyming words –Colors – shapes – counting – cutting - copy

How Can the Parent Help the Student Transition to Kindergarten? Emotionally –Express feelings –Empathy –Conflict resolution skills

How Can the Parent Help the Student Transition to Kindergarten? Physically –Gross motor skills Body parts (arms, legs, eyes, nose, etc.) Walking – running – skipping – hopping Throwing – kicking – catching Body movements to the left and right –Fine motor skills Manipulating small objects Cutting and copying

Kindergarten Transition Activities for Parents Tips to make the first day easier: –Prepare your child –Be excited about your child’s first day –Start school routine early –Prepare the night before –Prepare a healthy breakfast for your child –Arrive at school on time –Leave your child cheerfully –Be a good role model

Kindergarten Activities and Responsibilities for the Schools Spring Kindergarten Registration Invite pre-schools and parents to visit Provide warm and welcoming atmosphere Review entrance requirements Enrollment procedures Immunization requirements Physical exams required

Kindergarten Activities and Responsibilities Information on: “No Child Left Behind” Title I Entitlements ESL Requirements Special needs Field trips Sample enrollment packet Kindergarten open house

Kindergarten Activities Responsibilities Kindergarten screening Report card Web page School calendar Report card date to the public Kindergarten supply list

Kindergarten Activities and Responsibilities Teachers name Principals name Location of school Location of classroom Hours of operation Transportation issues Student handbook for parents

Kindergarten Activities and Responsibilities Tour of the school Birth certificate requirement Birth certificate application Sample classroom schedule Refrigerator curriculum Kindergarten standards