Whether your child is starting preschool, getting ready for primary school, or simply moving into a new classroom – these periods of transition are milestones that deserve to be celebrated and serve as an opportunity for you to guide your child’s development.
With thoughtful strategies, families and educators can make these changes seamless for children, fostering both excitement and resilience.
Tips to Support Transitions
- Talk openly with your child about what to expect, including new routines, educators, classmates, and activities. Use positive, reassuring language.
- If you know who the new educators or teachers will be, familiarise your child with their name and face to help build trust and comfort.
- Arrange visits to the new classroom to explore new environments and meet educators, easing anxiety through experience.
- Encourage your child to develop productive routines at home, such as dressing, managing belongings, and following schedules to instill a sense of responsibility within them.
- Introduce visual supports like schedules or ‘first-then’ boards to help your child anticipate changes.
- Let your child bring a familiar object (such as a favourite toy or comfort item) to their new environment for added reassurance.
- Embed calming transition activities like deep breathing, singing, or storytelling during change times.
- Maintain consistent daily routines to give children a sense of stability.
- Encourage social connections by facilitating playdates or small group introductions to future classmates.
Partnering with Educators/Teachers
- Share information about your child’s strengths, interests, and needs with their new teachers or carers to tailor strategies for support.
- Attending orientation and transition events and ask educators about the transition plans they have in place.
- Request a copy of the daily routine if available.
- Keep open communication between home and your child’s new classroom or school to ensure continuity and emotional support.
Through partnership, preparation, and positive relationships, families, educators and teachers can create a transition experience where the child feels secure, welcomed, and ready to embrace new opportunities. These collaborative efforts transform change into moments of growth, helping every child step forward with confidence and curiosity.