Welcome to our fall program! The beginning of the school year is an exciting time for children and families. Some of your children are in their first days at Especially for Children while others are heading into fall after a fun summer program of Learning to Grow, Growing to Learn.
Autumn is often a time of transition for families, and we want you to know that we are here to support you and your child through the opportunities and challenges that transition times bring.
If your child is new to our program or moving into a new classroom for the fall, please know that our teaching staff is ready with extra hugs and moments of comfort. Older children may have questions about areas of the classroom or new routines, and our teachers are prepared for several days and weeks of everyone settling in.
Teachers will spend time setting and reviewing classroom expectations on a regular basis; this helps children understand and feel comfortable with their surroundings. Children gain a feeling of control and a sense of order when they know what is expected of the group.
When emotions-whether they be excitement, anxiety or uncertainty-come to the surface during times of transition, it is an opportunity for supporting social and emotional development. As researchers from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) write, "acknowledging a child's feelings validates emotions, teaches emotion words, and helps children learn to handle their feelings appropriately."
Through the following example of a classroom transition, they advise caregivers to:
- Acknowledge the emotion with words ("Caleb, it's hard to clean up. I can tell you're worried about leaving your castle.")
- Engage the child in problem solving ("What can we do? Would you like to take a picture? Save it in your cubbie?")
- Help the child follow through on a solution ("Let's save it on a shelf for tomorrow and go over to snack.")
Labeling emotions and identifying a solution helps children transition and teaches them appropriate ways to respond to difficult situations.
These strategies can be applied during bigger life transitions (e.g. starting a new school) as well as the daily transitions that are affected by that change.
Some additional tips that help children through transitions are:
- Give advanced warning that the child can understand ("After we read one story, it will be time to get in the car.")
- Develop rituals
- Keep your language simple
- Get down to your child's level
Please let your child's teacher or your center director know if we can be of additional help during this season of transition. We are excited for our fall program and for all of the learning, growth and development that will take place for your child this year!
Information taken from:
Beyond the Journal, May 2008, NAEYC
Parents.com
