Formulating my hypothesis and my hunches on why this is a massive struggle for all New Entrant teachers and Teachers globally.
As a teacher and specifically looking at New Entrant or students starting primary school we want them to succeed within Level 1 of the National Curriculum - in order for teachers to be successful or rather feel successful to setting up our students we typically want our students to have some basic knowledge and skills when they start school.
I have asked a few colleagues and teacher friends what their expectations are when a child starts school. My intention is to created a survey to send out to all Manaiakalani teachers to get their voice and expertise. Obviously this will differ as you look at the socio-economic environment the students are from.
Here are some questions I asked the teachers about their concerns for students starting school and I have summarised their responses in purple.
- What are some common challenges you've seen in students who are just starting school?
- Separation anxiety: Many young children experience separation anxiety when they start school, particularly if they have not spent much time away from their parents/caregivers. This can make it difficult for them to adjust to the new environment and routines of school.
Learning to socialise: School is a new social environment for many children, and they may struggle to navigate the complex social dynamics of the classroom. Learning to share, take turns, and work cooperatively with others can be challenging for some students.
Developing fine motor skills: Young children may struggle with tasks that require fine motor skills, such as holding a pencil or cutting with scissors. These skills are important for many school-related activities, such as drawing, writing, and completing worksheets.
Following instructions: Many classroom activities require students to follow instructions and stay on task. Some students may find this difficult, particularly if they have trouble with attention.
Adjusting to the academic demands of school: Students may find the academic demands of school challenging, particularly if they have not had access to high-quality early childhood education. Learning to read, write, and do basic math can be difficult for some students, particularly if they are not yet developmentally ready.
Coping with new expectations and routines: School requires students to adhere to a new set of expectations and routines, such as following a schedule, sitting still for extended periods, and completing assignments on time. Some students may struggle to adapt to these new expectations and routines, particularly if they have not had much structure in their home lives.
- What are the most important academic and social skills that children need to have when they start primary school?
Academic skills:
Language skills: Children should have a good grasp of language, including vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure. This will enable them to communicate effectively with teachers and peers, as well as understand what they are being taught. Many of the teachers start with ESOL students and has to fill the foundational skills and Oral Language and basic vocabulary before starting at Level 1 of the curriculum.
Basic math skills: Children should be able to count, recognise numbers.
Pre-reading skills: Children should have some exposure to reading, including recognising some letters and sounds, understanding that print carries meaning, and being able to follow a story and retell a story.
Fine motor skills: Children should have the fine motor skills necessary to hold a pencil and write letters and numbers, as well as cut with scissors, colour, and manipulate small objects.
Social skills:
Relating to others: Children should be able to cooperate with others and share resources, such as toys and materials.
Communication: Children should be able to communicate their needs and wants effectively, and understand how to take turns in a conversation.
Following rules: Children should understand the concept of rules and be able to follow them, including classroom rules and social norms.
Empathy: Children should be able to recognise and respond to the feelings of others, and understand how their actions can impact those around them.
Independence: Children should be able to work independently, follow routines, and take care of their own needs, such as dressing and toileting.
- What can parents do to help their children prepare for the transition to primary school?
Communicate: Keep an open line of communication with your child's teacher or school staff to ensure you are aware of any upcoming events or changes that may affect your child. It's also essential to communicate with your child regularly to understand how they are feeling and to address any concerns they may have.
Visit the school: Schedule a visit/visits to the school with your child before they start to familiarise them with the environment, and introduce them to their teacher and classmates. Some schools may also offer orientation programs or transition workshops for parents and children.
Establish routines: Establishing consistent routines at home can help your child feel more secure and prepared for the school day. This includes establishing regular sleep schedules, setting aside time for activities or reading, and planning out meals and snacks.
Foster independence: Encourage your child to take responsibility for their own belongings, such as packing their backpack or lunch, and help them develop self-care skills, such as dressing themselves or using the bathroom independently.
- How do you help children who may be struggling with the transition to primary school?
Build positive relationships: Establishing positive relationships with students is crucial to creating a supportive learning environment. Take time to get to know each student individually and learn about their interests, strengths, and challenges.
Create a predictable routine: A predictable routine can help students feel secure and more comfortable in the classroom. Establish a regular schedule for the day, with clear expectations and transitions.
Use a variety of teaching strategies: Use a variety of teaching strategies to engage all students and cater to different learning styles. For example, use visual aids, hands-on activities, and group work.
Provide opportunities for socialisation: Provide opportunities for students to interact with each other and develop social skills, such as through group projects, games, and discussions.
Differentiate instruction: Recognise that students may come to school with varying levels of readiness and skill. Use differentiated instruction to tailor learning activities to individual students' needs.
Offer support and resources: Offer additional support and resources for students who may be struggling with the transition.
Communicate with families: Communicate regularly with families about their child's progress and any concerns. Involve families in the learning process by sharing resources and providing suggestions for activities that can be done at home.
- What are some strategies you use to help children feel comfortable and safe in the classroom?
Create a welcoming environment.
Establish clear expectations.
Encourage communication.
Foster positive relationships.
Use positive reinforcement.
Provide a safe physical environment.
Use restorative practices.
- How do you create a positive classroom environment and foster a love of learning?
Establish a positive classroom culture.
Create a safe and welcoming environment.
Differentiate instruction.
Provide opportunities for student choice.
Use positive reinforcement.
Encourage a growth mindset.
Make learning relevant.
Provide opportunities for hands-on learning.
Build positive relationships.
- How do you ensure that students with different learning styles and needs are supported and included in the classroom?
Identify different learning styles and needs: Identify different learning styles and needs of individual students through observation, assessments, and conversations with them and their families.
Differentiate instruction: Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all students by using a variety of teaching strategies and materials that cater to different learning styles and abilities. This can include visual aids, manipulatives, and technology.
Use multi-sensory instruction: Use multi-sensory instruction that engages multiple senses to enhance learning and retention. For example, use hands-on activities and experiments for kinesthetic learners, and videos and graphics for visual learners.
Provide accommodations: Provide accommodations for students with special needs, such as extra time on tests or preferential seating in the classroom.
Encourage collaboration: Encourage collaboration among students with different learning styles and needs by pairing them together for group work or peer tutoring.
Offer individualised support: Offer individualised support to students who need extra help through one-on-one instruction, small group instruction, or specialised programs.
Provide clear and consistent instructions: Provide clear and consistent instructions that are easy to understand for all students, and offer repetition or additional clarification as needed.
Promote self-advocacy: Promote self-advocacy in students with different learning styles and needs by teaching them to identify their strengths and weaknesses, and advocating for their own needs.
- How do you communicate with parents about their child's progress and any concerns you may have?
Establish regular communication: Establish regular communication with parents, such as through emails or parent-teacher conferences. Let parents know how often they can expect to hear from you and what types of information you will be sharing.
Use a positive tone: Use a positive tone when communicating with parents, even when discussing areas where their child may be struggling. Offer specific examples of their child's progress and strengths, and be respectful of their feelings and opinions.
Share progress updates: Share progress updates with parents regularly, such as through progress reports or student-led conferences. Use specific examples and data to demonstrate their child's progress and growth.
Address concerns early: Address concerns early on before they become bigger problems. Reach out to parents if you notice their child is struggling academically or behaviourally, and offer suggestions for how they can support their child at home.
Listen actively: Listen actively to parents' concerns and questions, and respond with empathy and understanding. Offer solutions and resources to help address any concerns they may have.
Use a variety of communication methods: Use a variety of communication methods that work best for both you and the parents, such as phone calls, emails, or in-person meetings.
Provide resources and support: Provide resources and support to parents to help them better understand their child's progress and how they can support their learning at home.
- What role do parents play in their child's education during the primary school years?
Establish a positive attitude towards education.
Read with their child.
Communicate with teachers.
Attend parent-teacher conferences.
Provide a supportive home environment.
Encourage extracurricular activities: Encouraging their child to participate in extracurricular activities can help develop their interests and skills outside of the classroom.
- What advice would you give parents to help their child have a successful transition to school?
Start preparing early: Start preparing your child for school early, by talking to them about what to expect and encouraging them to ask questions. Visit the school beforehand if possible, and attend any orientation or transition programs offered by the school.
Establish a routine: Establish a consistent routine for your child, including regular bedtimes and mealtimes, to help them adjust to the structure of school.
Encourage independence: Encourage your child to develop independence by practicing skills such as getting dressed, using the restroom, and packing their own backpack.
Read with your child: Reading with your child can help develop their language and literacy skills, and instill a love of reading that will serve them well throughout their school years.
Stay involved: Stay involved in your child's education by communicating regularly with their teacher, attending parent-teacher conferences, and volunteering at the school if possible.
Support their emotional needs: Support your child's emotional needs by providing a safe and supportive home environment, encouraging them to express their feelings, and helping them develop coping skills for dealing with stress and anxiety.
Foster a love of learning: Foster a love of learning by encouraging your child's natural curiosity, providing opportunities for hands-on exploration and learning, and celebrating their academic achievements.
With this information collected from a survey I can start putting a plan together to aid the teachers and collaboratively set up a plan to work more closely with the teachers in the kindergartens and ECEs.
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