The other evening, while trying to finish a few workday tasks at the kitchen table, I could not help but be swept along in an undercurrent of excitement that is gathering momentum in my house. The end of the school year is only days away, and it's no wonder that the house is abuzz with conversations about play dates, shopping, movies, and camp. What took me by surprise was how almost every conversation veered back to some mention of school and how "awesome" it will be next year when the academic calendar resumes and school routines once again become the norm.
While for most children the transition from one school year to another can be exciting (albeit a bit anxiety-provoking) the transition from preschool to kindergarten can be, in a word, terrifying! And leaving behind the familiar and comforting routines of play and entering the more formal world of instruction is often more difficult for parents than it is for their children, if for no other reason than the rules of engagement have changed, and there is new emphasis on skill building and on early academic achievement.
There are many helpful resources for parents to explore as they prepare themselves (and their children) to enter kindergarten "ready to learn." Some are based on research studies, and others cite "promising practices" gleaned from research and demonstration projects. Whatever path you chose, keep in mind that this early period of transition is truly a window of opportunity that can set the tone for a lifetime of success for children and their parents. This is especially true for young children who show signs of early struggle with learning. Don't wait if you suspect your child might be at risk for learning disabilities. "Earlier is better" when it comes to screening for specific areas of weakness. Our Get Ready to Read! site and LDInfoZone Resource Locator are good places to begin your search for help.
Some Early Transition Resources
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This paper offers a synthesis of findings based on a review of current research on the transition to kindergarten, especially the important role that families play in the transition. It focuses on promising transition practices and how schools can get involved in their implementation. (Free. Available online only)
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This research brief presents preliminary evidence that family involvement in young children's education may contribute to a smooth transition to elementary school for children, and also helps parents remain involved in their children's learning in school. (Free. Available online only.)
This manual is offered by The Center on Human Policy (CHP), a Syracuse University-based policy, research, and advocacy organization involved in the national movement to insure the rights of people with disabilities. It offers information both about "transition" in general, and about the opportunities and supports provided to parents and children through special education
The Statewide Parent Information Network (SPIN) is the oldest and best known project of Maine Parent Federation and is the federally funded Parent Training and Information Center for Maine under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Through SPIN, parents of children with disabilities and the professionals who work with children and families are provided information, referral, support and training. One of their fact sheets is titled Preschool to Public School: Preparing for the Transition and it might be especially helpful for parents whose child was already receiving special help before entering the kindergarten year.
- This booklet provides a variety of ideas for preschool and kindergarten teachers and administrators to establish linkages and ease the transition between educational settings for young children and their families.
- This foundation guide will help familiarize all staff with the elements and requirements of effective program transitions for infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
This Web site is for early childhood service providers and families of young children. It offers demonstrations of and information about the effective practices of inclusive educational programs for children from birth through age eight. Look here for a series of informational materials, including a "transitional passport."
This online center offers links to a wide range of materials for parents, educators and program administrators about transition into kindergarten. One of the titles is "Starting School: Effective Transitions" (Fall 2001), by Sue Dockett and Bob Perry, University of Western Sydney, in Early Childhood Research and Practice, published by the ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education (ERIC/EECE). It focuses on effective transition-to-school programs and is based on a Starting School Research Project.
- Transition to Kindergarten Toolkit: This comprehensive resource for educators includes tools and materials to help implement strategies to facilitate and enhance children's transition to kindergarten.
- Transition to Kindergarten Resources: These free resources provide ideas for introducing children to new experiences at home and in the community. Others include information about research and best practice in early childhood education.
Sheldon Horowitz, Ed.D. is the Director of Professional Services at the National Center for Learning Disabilities. This article first appeared as a Research Roundup column in LD News.
Read all Research Roundup Columns by Dr. Horowitz in the Research Roundup Archive.
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