The transition from
Reception to Year 1
is one of the f
irst big steps for your child as they make
their way into the adult world.
It marks the step from having fun playtime during the
day to more formal and structured classes.
The transitional phase will likely cause a certain amount of anticipation and uncertainty in your child. As parents, it is natural that you will have a few concerns as well.
It is important to facilitate a well-structured shift between school levels as it will have a positive effect on your child’s development and boost their self-confidence.
Cooperation between classes
The difference between Reception and Year 1 can be quite a shock to the system for
some
children. Having to sit still and focus on new subjects can be a challenge for many pupils. To
make it easier, it is helpful if
some of the more formal aspects of Year 1 are introduced
during
the Reception year routine.
Where possible, t
here should
be
cooperation between the Reception teacher and the Year 1 teacher. Having similar routines, such as having lunch and breaks at the same time, will make the transition less jarring for the children.
The Year 1 teacher should be introduced to the Reception class before the summer holidays, even taking them for a
short
class or two so the children become familiar with them.
The children should
be broug
ht to see their new classroom at
the end of their Reception year so they know where they will be going after the holidays are over.
What parents can do
During the summer holidays, try and
settle your child into a routine
that will, to a certain extent, resemble the year they are about to begin. Towards the end of summer, you can try getting them out
of bed at the time they will need to get up for school. Undertake small educational tasks that are likely to crop
up
in Year 1. Practice their reading,
hand
writing and
counting. This will make their adjustment to the
new curriculum an easier process.
If you have a
childminder or a babysitter
, instruct them to go over some of these tasks during
the
summer as well.
Avoiding anxiety
Transition can be a tumultuous time for children, and indeed their parents. If the progression from Reception to Year 1 is made as seamless
and stress free
as possible, this
should greatly reduce the child’s anxiety about starting something new
.
Alleviating anxiety is
an important step in
enhancing the child’s productivity.
As a parent, it is natural to have questions and concerns regarding your child’s transition. And while it is of course acceptable, encouraged even, to maintain contact with the Year 1 teacher and keep a healthy watch on your child’s progress, it is important that the child does not get a sense of
your
worries. The more cooperation and familiarity that there is between Reception and Year 1, the greater the chance of alleviating anxieties.