Transition to KINDERGARTEN

1. Transition to KINDERGARTEN Adapted from a presentation by Patricia Clarke Early Learning Program Coordinator

2. SCHOOL ENTRY Children may enrol in Kindergarten at the beginning of the school year if they turn 5 on or before 31 July All children should be enrolled and attending by the time they turn 6

3. CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS Contact DET (10-24 months before school entry) Specific Transition process Itinerant Support Teachers Early Intervention

4. HOW YOUNG CHILDREN LEARN Children learn from everything they do: Seeing, touching, hearing, smelling, tasting and moving Exploring and experimenting with a variety of materials Talking, listening and watching Trial and error Cause and effect Making connections Being with others and doing things with them � adults and children Imitating � actions and language of others Imagining and pretending

5. THE IMPORTANCE OF PLAY Play is a natural medium for learning Play assists EVERY aspect of development and learning Teachers use play to observe, plan, teach and assess

6. READINESS FOR SCHOOL Broad differences among school beginners - cultural, experiences, abilities Is my child ready? - physically - emotionally - socially - intellectually

7. HOW CAN I PREPARE MY CHILD FOR SCHOOL? Physically variety of indoor and outdoor games design and construction activities -scissors, glue draw and scribble -crayons, paintbrush, pencils learn to put on and take off jumper, shoes and socks practise opening lunch box, drink container and food packets establish routines � meal times, story time, bed times

8. HOW CAN I PREPARE MY CHILD FOR SCHOOL? Emotionally Build self esteem - encourage - be positive - focus on their assets and strengths - accept them as they are - give them responsibilities (feed a pet, start a vegetable garden) Provide a sense of security - give simple, clear instructions - have a few simple, age appropriate, rules - time without you - be punctual

9. HOW CAN I PREPARE MY CHILD FOR SCHOOL? Socially- Ensure opportunity to play with other children same age and older Teach to -use the toilet independently -recognise and looking after own belongings -recognise own name Practise -talking to other adults and communicating needs -following simple directions -sharing and taking turns

10. HOW CAN I PREPARE MY CHILD FOR SCHOOL? Intellectually Share and enjoy books Sing rhymes Play word games -I Spy , Simon Says Puzzles Talk about -shapes, colours, positions, quantities, groups, events, question

11. BENEFITS OF PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT Research shows- Sharing information � needs of the child more likely to be met Improved literacy skills � talking, listening, reading, writing, spelling Teachers � higher expectations Children - stronger self-esteem, positive attitude to learning, fewer discipline problems

12. WAYS PARENTS CAN HELP AT HOME Literacy assistance � reading to, with and about Homework Newsletter Communication with children and teachers AT SCHOOL Visit your child�s classroom � show interest Share expertise or skills Assist in classroom Excursions Support Parents and Citizens

13. What Now? Enrol your child Attend orientation and transition meetings and activities Get to know West Wallsend Public School Staff Ask questions Find out how you can be involved Be positive about school when talking to your child