Effective Transition To Kindergarten

Creating Effective Transitions

Select and identify TWO sentences (include in your paragraph as “quotation” sentences) presented in the article you find significant as an early educator and explain why you selected these sentences (7 descriptive/detailed sentences)

“Many interviewees highlighted the following key components that have helped facilitate successful transitions from Head Start to kindergarten”

This aspect of the article is significant as it clearly explains the steps necessary to create an alignment between preschool and kindergarten. First, the preschool should implement kindergarten classroom visits and integrate kindergarten policies into their classroom in an effort to prepare the children for what is expected of them. Next,

a family to school relationship remains crucial as parents should be actively involved in their child’s education and at times the transition to kindergarten can be as confusing for the parent as it is for the child. Head Start along with public schools have the ability to guide parents into continuing their involvement with the children’s educations, For example, Head Start has the ability to initiate school visits and parent meetings, in addition to, prioritize kindergarten registration.
“Implement school visits and introduce kindergarten expectations and policies in Head Start programs”
I found this particular sentence significant as it is essential to prepare children for an easy transition to kindergarten. The passage goes on to explain how at least one visit a year helps the children feel secure in their new environment. Furthermore, the children benefit when the preschool implements kindergarten policies into their classrooms. There were several things I had not though about when preparing children for kindergarten. For example, how do children, who are used to family style meals, transition to cafeteria meals? Consequently, it is easy to appreciate why preschool and kindergarten teachers need to be able to communicate with one another to ensure a smooth transition for the students.
“Build program communication and student records transfers”

I had not previously thought about sharing records and files from preschool to kindergarten, but now that I have read about it I agree that it is an excellent idea.

Therefore, I choose this sentence as significant as it taught me something I had not thought about before. In particular I appreciated the quote from the Head Start interviewee of implementing “continuity of care” with the district as a way to promote educational alignment. This practice benefits the child as their future teachers are made aware of any health problems or disorders the child might have, therefore, allowing them the opportunity to adequately prepare the classroom for their arrival. Finally, the text highlights the importance of arranging meetings between all levels of education to ensure everyone remains focused on the same objectives and

goals.

Provide a descriptive personal or professional experience that is similar or related to the quotations you selected from the article.

Explain how the quotation and experience help you better understand current early childhood issues. (7 descriptive/detailed sentences)

The younger children I care for recently visited the kindergarten class at their school and were very excited to tell me about it. I recall thinking that was an excellent way to prepare them for what was ahead. They thoroughly enjoyed discussing the classroom, the older children and even what the teacher looked like. This visit sparked an interest in kindergarten that I had not yet seen in the children so I can understand the importance of visiting kindergarten classrooms for children in preschool. Furthermore, I have witnessed how difficult it is for children to transition from family style meals to cafeteria eating with the 1st graders I care for. While they were younger they ate at their lunch family style with me at a table, then in preschool they ate together with their classroom and their teachers. Now that they are in 1st grade they are expected to eat in the cafeteria, however, they are not finishing their meals because they are not used to eating quickly and without a grown up overseeing how much food the ingest. This is a problem because they are going the entire day with little to no food and then come home incredibly hungry and grouchy from having to few calories. I believe if we had practiced some

of the changes they would experience in 1st grade they would have been better prepared. Therefore, I better understand the importance of exposing children to the policies of kindergarten in preschool to better prepare them for the transition.
Explain how or if you can address these issues or challenges in your current place of employment or community. Describe the steps you would take to make these changes happen. (7 descriptive/detailed sentences)
As a preschool teacher I am in the position implement a lot of the practices necessary to prepare preschoolers for their shift to kindergarten. For instance, taking the children to a kindergarten classroom and allowing them to experience what it’s like firsthand will give them an idea of what is to be expected of them. Furthermore, preparing the parents for what is to be expected, such as arranging meetings between the educators, or discussing how the classroom is set up, remains equally important. Keeping an open dialog between the preschool and the public school also stands as a valid option to ensure a smooth transition for the children and their families. Finally, promoting joint training for all the individuals involved with the students, from the preschool teachers, to the administration in the public school, ensures open communication and alignment. These are only a few steps I can take as an educator to promote a smooth transition for my students. Ultimately, it remains crucial to look at each case individually in order to determine what steps work best for the family in question.