Ready, Set, Go: Transitioning to Primary School
It’s a well-known fact that transitioning from preschool to a primary school is one of the major milestones in the development of the child and family. It’s an exciting achievement, but nonetheless, overwhelming at best.
That’s where Kingsley comes in, offering all the opportunities to prepare children for this great leap forward. In this article, we will focus on how Kingsley International school’s foundation and curriculum helps preschool children transition into Primary school by considering the academic, social, and emotional development of children.
Laying Strong Foundations in Preschool
Establishing Strong Boundaries for Children
At Maple Leaf Kingsley International School, the foundation for success is laid right from the preschool stage. During these formative years, we emphasise the development of essential skills through the principles of Multiple Intelligences and Montessori methodologies. Our early childhood environment nurtures order, coordination, concentration, and independence – the cornerstones of effective learning.
Order is encouraged externally through meticulously prepared environments, classroom rules, and daily routines, helping our youngest children internalise a sense of order, which in turn helps them understand a sense of society and community.
Coordination is refined through countless opportunities within and beyond the classroom. Fine and gross motor skills are built, fostering coordination through engaging and motivational tasks.
Strong concentration skills are essential for effective learning and are developed through by our offerings such as hands-on learning material, encouraging practise throughout the day and many more.
Independence is cultivated by allowing children the freedom to choose, try, fail, and seek help when needed, promoting perseverance and success.
Establishing these foundational skills creates a structured environment where children can thrive.
Boundaries are crucial in this process as they ensure children know what’s appropriate for them. Understanding their roles and responsibilities makes it easier for children to play and learn, exploring their full potential while being under the watchful eyes of teaching professionals. These boundaries also contribute to child safety and a bully-free environment, which in turn, helps them feel secure and ready to explore the world!
Importance of Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Education is not just about ABCs; it’s about creating a culture of lifelong learning. Kingsley aims at providing an environment that sparks curiosity and makes the child feel like they’re being challenged to look for answers. Such an early motivation plays an important role in later learning throughout a student’s academic career.
What Makes for a Successful Transition from Preschool to Primary?
Different Perspectives of Parents and Their Long-term Goals
Parents may have different aspirations for their children when it comes to schooling. Some may encompass education standards and accomplishments, whereas others concentrate on children’s social and emotional growth. Kingsley believes in these various views, which is why our objective is to always put the child first, and nurture them in a holistic manner.
Standardised Outcomes Based on the Cambridge Curriculum
Kingsley prepares children for the transition by adhering to standardised outcomes based on the Cambridge Curriculum. This globally recognised framework ensures that children receive a well-rounded education, preparing them for academic challenges ahead.
Holistic Measurement of Student Development
Kingsley’s approach goes beyond academics. The holistic measurement of student development includes social skills, emotional wellbeing, and physical health, ensuring that children are not just good students with a sound moral compass but also well-rounded individuals who are happy and independent in their lives.
Maple Leaf Kingsley's Approach to Preparing Children for Primary School
Personalised Lesson Plans
With over a decade of establishment, Kingsley understands that all children are different. By developing personalised lesson plans, we overcome the challenge of having students struggle with learning. These plans are personalised via the Multiple Intelligences approach, to address each child’s learning abilities and deficiencies to meet their needs before their transition to primary school.
The Bond Between Teachers and Students
A strong bond between teachers and students is vital. At Kingsley, our teachers take the time to understand each child, building trust and a sense of belonging. The close bond also encourages community building between peers, which in turn, helps children feel secure and supported, during the transition.
Nurturing a Lifelong Love of Learning
At Kingsley, we are committed to igniting a lifelong passion for learning in every child. We foster a structured yet fun learning environment where students do not dread going to school and instead look forward to learning. Curiosity and the urge to learn are nurtured by the school so that the students are able to achieve their own potential in terms of the knowledge that they have to acquire and the people they have to become. Our approach not only prepares children for success in school but also instils in them the confidence and enthusiasm to pursue knowledge throughout their lives.
Key Elements of a Smooth Transition
Preparation and Familiarisation
As always, the old saying by Aristotle, “a job well begun is half done” is apt when it comes to preparing for change. Kingsley makes sure children are settled before they go off to the next stage of learning by making them aware of what’s out there. This could involve taking the child to their new class, introducing them to future teachers, and participating in activities that mimic the primary school environment.
Building a Routine
Schedules give structure. And structure gives… peace of mind! We assist the children in developing a school day timetable where they learn what to expect in a primary school setting. This includes structured learning time, playtime, and plentiful rest time to enable them to synchronise with a normal primary school routine. Our weekly schedule also includes enriching activities such as circle time and the 24 Festive Drum, fostering cultural awareness and group cohesion.
By establishing a clear and consistent schedule, Kingsley helps students thrive academically and emotionally, ensuring they feel secure and ready to learn. This approach aligns with our emphasis on courtesy, respect, and creating a bully-free environment, as mentioned earlier.
Social Skills Development
A strong sense of self and good manners is one of the most important aspects of learning in primary school. At Kingsley, we prioritise not only academic values but also moral values such as courtesy and respect. We invest in, impart, and instil these values through tasks that enhance group cohesion, information sharing, and compassion.
This helps the child develop coordination skills, sharing, and handling conflicts, which are useful in school and beyond. Additionally, Kingsley is very proud of its bully-free environment, fostering a safe and nurturing space for all students.
Academic Readiness involves more than just knowing how to read and write. Kingsley’s curriculum ensures that children have a strong foundation in basic literacy and numeracy skills. Additionally, children are taught critical thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing them for the academic challenges ahead.
Emotional Support
Primary school transition can be either an exciting endeavour or a scary experience. Either way, Kingsley has a strong focus on the emotional development of children and ensures they can effectively regulate their emotions.It includes counselling services and activities that foster the emotional wellbeing of children. Our dedicated teachers build strong bonds with each child, helping them develop trust and a sense of security.
This close relationship between teachers and students ensures that children feel supported and understood, which is crucial for their emotional growth and overall wellbeing.
Staying Connected
Maintaining connections with preschool friends and teachers can help ease the transition to primary school. At Kingsley, we prioritise community building, ensuring everyone has the time to build strong bonds. Older children are given the responsibility to care for the younger ones, fostering a supportive environment. Additionally, other staff members are always on hand to assist younger students, ensuring they feel safe and supported.
Staying connected also involves transparent communication with the child’s parents, so they don’t have to worry throughout the day. Kingsley helps children maintain relationships with their preschool teachers, providing continuous support and a sense of familiarity throughout their education.
This holistic approach ensures that every child feels connected and cared for, both at school and at home.
Continuity in Learning
Kingsley ensures a seamless transition from preschool to primary school by crafting a curriculum that builds on the foundations laid in the Early Years stage via early childhood education. Our thoughtfully designed programme guarantees that young learners experience a smooth and continuous educational journey, fostering confidence and enthusiasm as they advance.
Building Resilience
Resilience is the key to dealing with change and hence, the need to learn how to be resilient. Kingsley’s programmes involve key takeaways of early childhood education, whereby the child undertakes different activities that prepare them to cope with difficulties, failures and perseverance throughout their learning journey.
Health and Wellbeing
A focus on health and wellbeing is essential for a smooth transition. Kingsley promotes physical activity, healthy eating, and the practice of mindfulness, ensuring that children are physically and mentally ready to take on all the challenges in primary school and more.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Sometimes, professional guidance can be beneficial. Kingsley offers resources and support for parents, including consultations with education specialists on preparing for the transition.
Conclusion
A smooth transition from preschool to primary school sets the stage for a positive educational journey. At Kingsley, the value of respect is embedded in every aspect of the school’s culture. By respecting students, teachers, parents, and the community, Kingsley creates a nurturing environment where children can flourish and grow.
All the programmes and curricular activities in Kingsley are well selected to ensure that the individual interests, achievement, and abilities of every child are valued and encouraged. This holistic approach ensures that children are well equipped not only for the next level, but for life.
