The transition from preschool to Primary 1 is a significant milestone in a child’s educational journey. This move affects each child differently. While some take to the transition smoothly, others may find it challenging to adjust to a different environment, unfamiliar faces, new routines and different social dynamics.
“Change can be stressful and uncomfortable,” says Ms Wong Wei Sum, Principal, Little Seeds Preschool (Church of the Ascension). “However, educators can reduce stress by better preparing children and their parents.”
Having open discussions without judgement, where children can voice their worries about moving to primary school, is one way of alleviating their stress.
LOOK BEYOND ACADEMIC SKILLS
While academic readiness is important, fostering children’s holistic development is key to a successful transition to primary school and sets the foundation for long-term success. Recognising this, Little Seeds has developed a ‘Values Matter’ programme that emphasises character-building, social and emotional competencies, and positive learning dispositions.
Under the ‘Values Matter’ programme, educators use songs, stories and activities to cultivate core values and dispositions in children. Pretend games help instil respect, with teachers creating role-play scenarios that simulate primary-school encounters. To foster perseverance and resilience, children learn to address challenging situations by using positive self-talk statements.
Primary school readiness encompasses academic knowledge as well as soft skills.
SET GOALS TOGETHER WITH PARENTS
Twice-yearly parent-teacher conferences allow both parties to collaboratively set goals for children and assess their progress.
Ms Wong shares a case study of a child struggling to make friends. Both the teacher and parents set goals to enhance the child’s social skills. Over time, their joint efforts enabled the child to develop self-awareness and confidence in approaching peers.
Close partnership between parents and preschool educators can help children develop the practical skills needed for a smooth transition to Primary 1.
ORGANISE A PREVIEW TOUR
Nothing beats seeing and experiencing the real thing. Leveraging its shared campus with St Andrew’s Junior School (SAJS), Little Seeds partners with the school to organise induction tours for K2 children and orientation sessions for parents.
Little Seeds alumni participate in these events, showing the children around the school and sharing their experiences. The preschoolers have the opportunity to make friends and meet potential ‘buddies’ — seniors at SAJS who will help them adjust.
Primary school pupils conduct a tour of the school for kindergarteners, aiding their adjustment to primary school life.
