Show children around the new school or program, introducing them to other adults who are there to help them become acclimated. Create partnerships between preschools and elementary schools in the community. Focus meetings on sharing ideas and concerns. Also, include items that reflect the cultural experiences of the children to help promote a sense of mutual respect and understanding. Children, just like adults, need time to adjust to new people and situations.
Experience helps to ease transitions even so, change can still be stressful.
Patience and understanding on the part of parents, caregivers, and teachers help children learn how to approach new situations with confidence - a skill that helps them make successful transitions throughout their lives. Copyright 1996 by National Association for the Education of Young Children . Reproduction of this material is freely granted, provided credit is given to the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Click here to learn more about our partners.