Moving on to School

Transition A beginning and an end Change Evolution Move Transition implies both a beginning and an end, so that as well as pleasure and excitement related to a new beginning children and parents inevitably experience some sadness at the loss of what is gone. Negotiating such a transition involves acknowledging and managing both these emotions and this is the same for every developmental achievement made throughout our lives.

Starting Nursery First experience of life outside their family Encounter other children Share nursery staff with peers For many children starting nursery is their first experience of life outside their immediate circle of family and friends. They encounter other children with different experiences and expectations. And perhaps most importantly they have to learn to share nursery staff with other children.

Good early years provision supports these transitions by extending what has been learnt at home rather than providing a watered down version of what is on offer in primary school As a setting we can assist this transition from home to nursery by providing a stimulating and homely learning environment in which children can extend and build on what they have already learnt whilst in the care of their parents and family .As a setting we feel it is important that the environment we provide is an extension of the home rather than a watered down version of primary school. From the previous presentation you can see how as a setting we do this and how the children learn without even realising it!!

Dealing with change Towards the end of their time at nursery most children reach a stage when they suddenly seem bigger and ready for school. They are now the eldest in the class and have come a long way since starting. Some look forward to school and manage their anxiety about moving by belittling it and behaving in a challenging way. Others are more able to articulate their worries as well as their excitement. And there are many who, through a combination of support from home and nursery genuinely seem ready to move on.

Common behavioral changes Revert back to toddler like behaviour Become demanding Have temper tantrums Become clingy Have toileting accidents/bed wetting Become subdued Irregular sleep patterns ‘baby’ talk It is important for staff and parents to recognise that for most children, the move involves an element of loss- loss of nursery staff friends toys even. as well as excitement relating to a new chapter in their lives about to begin. So how might they behave……..

How to help Allow your child to still be a little boy or girl Talk to them about school – give them the chance to express concerns/sadness/worries about leaving nursery as well as moving on to school Keep having fun together and play Talk to nursery staff about changes in behaviour/any concerns they have expressed

Getting ready Practice getting dressed and undressed independently Support turn taking Encourage co operation Encourage independence Let them lead play Let them learn the hard way!!

Play Go outside Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!

School readiness from schools Be able to Listen and sustain attention to a story. Be confident and curious Be able to dress themselves, toilet themselves and stand up for own rights.

What if my child is ‘ready’ for learning? Number recognition Lower case letters Letter sounds