Supporting confident transitions from Explorers to Adventurers with strong whānau partnerships, tailored guidance, and a nurturing environment.
In the Adventurers Room (Over 2s), we focused on supporting the tamariki with their transition from the Explorers Room.
As part of our Internal Evaluation, we wanted to take a closer look at how we can create an environment where children feel supported, confident, and excited about this change. For whānau, this transition marks an important milestone in their child’s learning journey, and our focus is to help ease any anxiety as they navigate this new phase alongside their child.
Transitions are a big step for tamariki and their whānau, and we’re here to make the journey smooth and reassuring. We work closely with whānau to tailor transitions to each child’s needs, ensuring they feel safe, settled, and confident.
Through daily handovers, regular Storypark updates, and weekly learning stories, we keep whānau connected and involved. Together, we create a warm, welcoming environment where tamariki can thrive.
As part of this, we also provide transition packs to our whānau. These include the classroom’s flow of the day, a brochure, our classroom philosophy, a brief background of the kaiako in the room, and an "All About Me" form to get to know the new tamariki better. This ensures that whānau feel well-informed and connected to their child’s learning environment.
Transitions can be both exciting and overwhelming for young children. Moving to a new room brings new routines, expectations, and friendships. We are dedicated to ensuring that each tamaiti feels safe and ready to embrace this new adventure.
Through gentle guidance, familiarity with the new environment, and plenty of positive reinforcement, we aim to help tamariki feel confident and enthusiastic as they settle into their new space.
One of the key ways we help children feel at ease is by encouraging visits before the transition takes place. This allows tamariki to meet their new teachers, explore the room, and familiarise themselves with the activities. We’ve noticed that these early visits give children the confidence to feel excited about the change, knowing they’ve already begun to build a connection with their new space.