Child Development: Transitioning from Pre-K to Kindergarten

Child Development: Transitioning from Pre-K to Kindergarten

Objectives:Understanding the childs feelingsDiscuss developmental and growth patternsProvide activities for teacher to do in their classroomsRelate to the TN-ELDS

Ice breakerFavorite memory of Kindergarten

What did you love and dislike about kindergarten?Share with a partnerShare your own experiences about going off to school with the children. This helps them get prepared and not feel overwhelmed.

The summer just before children enter kindergarten is NOT soon enough!! Ideally most transitional activities should begin when children are three, repeated at four- adding level of comprehension for increase in age.

Understand the childs feelings:This is a big transitionThe child may be: sad, scared, happy, excited, nervous

Take a balloon and blow it up. Now think of a challenge a preschooler may experience when entering kindergarten.

Transition to KindergartenThe move from pre-k to kindergarten is one of the most critical moves that a child will make.

Early childhood experts agree that the quality of this transition can impact a childs successful adjustment to school.

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DEVELOPMENTAL PROFILES AND GROWTH PATTERNS OF KINDERGARTERSSuggestion - use these next slides 18- 23 (growth patterns and daily routines) if doing a parent training or needing more in-depth for overall training7Developmental Profiles and Growth PatternsGains 4-5 lbs per year Grows an average 2-3 inches May begin to lose baby teethBody is adult-like in proportionRequires 1800 calories per day

8DAILY ROUTINES :EatingEats well, but not at every mealLikes familiar foodsOften adopts food dislikes of family members and teachersMakes breakfast (pours cereal,etc.) and lunch (puts peanut butter/jelly on bread)

9DAILY ROUTINES Toileting, Bathing and DressingTakes full responsibility for own toiletingmay put off going to bathroomBathes fairly independentlyDresses self completelylearning to tie shoesCareless with clothes; leaves them strewn aboutneeds many reminders to pick upUses tissue for blowing nose but may be careless or forget to throw away tissue10DAILY ROUTINES : SleepingManages all routines associated with getting ready for bed independentlyAverages 10-11 hours of sleep per night the five year old may still napDreams and nightmares are commonDelays going to sleep if the day has been exciting or anticipation of the next day

11DAILY ROUTINES Play and Social Activities Carries out family chores and routinesKnows the right way to do things and has the right answers..may be somewhat opinionatedRemains attached to home and family..does not want to stray too farPlays well with other children, but three may be a crowdShows affection and affection toward younger siblings12ActivityPlease brainstorm and discuss activities that should occur in your classroom, so a preschooler will be prepared for kindergarten.

Tips for Teachers: Teach children to enjoy reading timeBeforehand, talk to him about sitting quietly, listening during the story and raising his/her hand to answer the teacher's questions afterward. Praise him/her for meeting your expectations.Re-read simple stories oftenRead books about the changes and new experiences involved in going to kindergartenTeach your child to use the restroom independently. While most children entering pre-kindergarten and kindergarten are toilet-trained, many require help with buttons and zippers, forget to flush and must be reminded to wash their hands.

Teach the child their full name and how to write and spell it.

Recognize the letters in the alphabet

Recognize simple wordsStart practicing lunchroom procedures with the children. Ask yourself: Can the children open a milk carton and poke a straw into a juice box? Is she/he comfortable speaking to a stranger to indicate what he wants on his lunch tray? Does he know how to sit at a table to eat and clean up his place when finished? What is appropriate lunch talk.Occasionally set up meals/snacks cafeteria style. Begin by having children carry one item

Provide lunch trays and empty milk cartons in the dramatic play areaProvide trays in the fine motor area with different materials..puzzles,etcAs the year progresses, give children additional responsibilities for classroom careGradually increase the amount of time that children work and/or play with peers

18Arrange for a school bus to come and visit Have the children dictate letters to the kindergartners at schools in their attendance areasTalk to the children about what is alike/different about kindergarten and their current programIf visits to schools are not possible create a video/virtual tour of an elementary school(be sure that no schoolchildren are in it unless permission has been given)

A complete list is available in the article - Kindergarten Transitions: How Pre-K Teachers Can Help19Create an All About School scrapbook with pictures of schools and various personnel. Add to the book through the year.Invite older siblings to share their entering school experiences.Make children feel safe and know that they will be safe in kindergarten!20Relating it to the TN-ELDSWalkabout: take notes of ideas/activitiesIn groups: pick one of the idea/activity and correlate it with the revised TN-ELDS bookKeep in mind:Parents also need support during this time. They need the opportunity to explore their own feelings and to prepare their children for the upcoming changes.Journal writing and drawing can help families express feelings about going to kindergarten.Keep it positive!!

Resources:Education Matters: Five tips to get your children ready for kindergarten by Jill Foxhttp://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/2013/jul/20/ys_education_matters_072113_215043/?features&educationLynn Amwake, Program Specialist, SERVE, North Carolina Partnership for ChildrenResource: Kindergarten Transitions: How Pre-K Teachers Can Help,

Allen, K. E. & Marotz, L (2003). Developmental Profiles: Pre-birth through Twelve 4thEdition Delmar: Clifton Park, NY