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Our transition to school programme

Our transition to school programme
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We know that, for our children, being ready for school is an exciting monumental life event. We also know that it can feel daunting for our parents and whānau. 

As we look into the NZ Curriculum for early childhood education ( Te Whāriki), we are affirmed as educators in the knowledge and approach we share as we transition our tamariki to school. 

Te whāriki states that while in our care, children will increasingly become more capable of making connections between people, places and things in their world. Children will take part in caring for their place wether it be ABC Papamoa, home or their new school. It also mentions that they will develop an understanding of how things work in their new environment and will build the resilience at ABC to cope with the changes they face moving forward to school. 

We visit our local school Te Akau Ki weekly and at the same time of day, to create predictably of the routine and the expectations for our children. Children are much more confident when they know what to expect, especially in a new environment. We arrive at morning tea time when all of the children are playing. We are greeted with open arms by our beautiful past students who act as kaitiaki of their new peers. This instantly makes our impending school kids feel empowered and safe. When the bell rings, the children spend about half an hour in their new class. Here they practice sitting on the mat, listening for their name and following instructions. 

Our children absolutely thrive at the school visits and as teachers we are beyond proud of the children who’ve left our ABC Papamoa nest and also warmed with the knowledge that our tuakana teina culture is going to support our new five year olds to enjoy a smooth transition into their school years.