Tips and tricks for making the transition from early years to elementary school

 
The transition from early years to elementary school can be an emotional one for caregivers and children alike. Luckily, there are resources available to help ease the transition and tips and tricks to help your family get ready for this change.
 
We connected with Donna Fleming, an EarlyON Facilitator at Middlesex County Libraries, about the options that are available to families during this transition time. Donna runs the Ready, Set, Learn School Readiness Program in Middlesex County, which helps children get ready to attend school by introducing new skills for both caregivers and children.
 
“While there is of course an importance placed on academic preparation for the transition to elementary school, it is also important to build children’s social skills in advance of heading into a classroom setting,” said Donna.
 
Sharpening children’s independence, self-care awareness and self-regulation will help to ensure they are comfortable when entering a new environment and structure that comes along with starting school. Programs like Ready, Set, Learn and other playgroups and EarlyOn programs help to build children's social skills amongst other children. These experiences also ensure they are able to recognize and be comfortable with following instructions from adults other than just their everyday caregivers.
 
Children are entering elementary school from all different home environments. Some children may be used to loud, robust environments where others may come from homes where it is more quiet. Playgroups, organized sports and other environments where children can meet and interact with other children can help them become exposed to the structure and realities of  elementary school. These extracurriculars are also great opportunities for caregivers to meet other families and make connections with those that might be entering the same schools/classes. This can help to ease the anxieties of both caregivers and children if they have a friend going through the same experience.
 
At home, there are many small changes that caregivers can implement to help get their children ready for elementary school, both from an academic and social perspective:
 

• Transferring small responsibilities to children (filling their own water bottles, hanging up their coats, emptying their backpack, putting on their shoes);
• Practicing opening and emptying their lunchbox (opening and closing containers, opening Ziploc bags, getting familiar with packed lunches and what may be in them);
• Expressing their own needs (teaching them to ask for things when they need them, e.g., when they need to use to washroom, teaching them to express that need rather than waiting to be asked by an adult)
• Ensuring that they are trained in independent toileting;
• Getting comfortable with recognizing their name (having it written by their bedside, their space at the kitchen table, etc.);
• Take your child to public places such as the grocery store, mall or library to help them understand appropriate behavior when in a large social setting;
• Have your child practice dressing themselves with a variety of clothing. Help them learn how to put their own shoes and coat on;
• Building fine motor skills (peeling stickers, learning how to use scissors, stacking blocks); and,
• Building respect and attention to other adults (listening to instructions from adults other than their caregivers).

 
Making small changes at home and participating in playgroups and other social activities with your children can help them adjust to the changes that will come with starting elementary school. The transition does not have to be scary, and understanding what to expect and how to prepare can help.

To learn more about EarlyON programs and opportunities near you, please visit https://familyinfo.ca/en/Services/List/10600

To learn more about preparing for school, visit School Age (4-12) - Family Info - familyinfo.ca