What do we mean by the term “kindergarten transition”?
The word transition refers to the process of change. When we speak of kindergarten transitions we are referring to one of the most significant changes a child will experience in their life. This is a time that can be very stressful for a young child. They are leaving either the home environment or the familiar environment of their pre-K classroom to enter a new place.
Your child will be expected to learn a new set of rules, adjust to a new peer group, interact with a new teacher, perhaps ride a bus for the first time, eat in a cafeteria, and the list goes on!
Transition is a period of adjustment.
All adjustments are stressful. When parents, teachers, and administrators work together, the process of transitioning to kindergarten is smoother and your child will experience less stress. Research has shown that a child’s adjustment to school has a significant impact on his later academic achievement.
How will my child benefit from effective transitions? How will I know if the transition is effective?
Your child experiences:
- Increased self-confidence.
- Improved relations with other children and adults.
- Increased motivation and openness to new experiences.
How will I, as a family member, benefit from effective transition planning?
You experience:
- Increased confidence that your children will achieve in the new setting.
- A sense of pride and commitment in your ongoing involvement.
- Improved self-confidence in your own ability to communicate with and influence the educational system.
