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Smooth Transitions: Effective Strategies for Kids in a New Child Care World
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This a great time to meet with parents. So during the child exploration day. I like to ask parents about their child development, activities, and interests so when the child comes to attend school. I can accommodate the child and make them feel comfortable.
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While every day I do write my School Age schedule/available activities on the board for my kids, when I have a new kid start I make sure to go over it fully as a group and remind everyone that they can ask questions if needed. I also like to have a couple of my regular attending kids be check in points along with myself to start building peer to peer community right away.
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I would develop a sort of scavenger hunt where I would ask them if they knew where the bristle blocks were and to find them and so on and so on…I would build from there and then and once they knew where items were then play a game on where things went such as do the bristle blocks go in the kitchen? do they go in the art area? and so on..
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I would let them “fly” around and see the awesome facility and engage them with excitement about how they will encounter other superheroes and be able to save the day with lots of fun, hands on activities.
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Caitlin, your idea of letting them “fly” around is fantastic! It creates excitement and encourages exploration in a fun way!
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I like to be a super-detective– if they’re looking hesitant or shy after we’re introduced, I’ll often ask what sorts of things they like to play with the most, and then invite them to come see where that (or something similar) is in the classroom. I also like to invite them to just explore–which some kids will take me up on right away, and others will do while they hold onto a parent’s hand. Then I can watch to see how confident they are feeling, and what sorts of activities they are drawn to.I also like to be a super-equipper. At morning meeting we talk about rules, stations, and materials. For 3-years-old to 5, I like to use a puppet or 2 to help learn rules, routines, and procedures. We’ll do a classroom tour to introduce each station in the beginning, or when someone new comes, and talk about our 3 rules–be safe, be respectful, use good manners. Then when we introduce new materials, we’ll do so at meeting time and talk about how to use these different materials safely and respectfully. The puppets make it more fun and interesting, and the kids often can do most or all of the “teaching” of how we might use something safely or respectfully when asked. “How do you think we can use this safely?”, etc.When a child starts mid-year, all of the students involve in welcoming them. We’ll put their name on our calendar, when they’re starting coming to school; and make a “Welcome, (Name)!” sign to put on the door that everyone helps to color. (This turns into a great time to talk with kids about how starting something new can make us feel all sorts of feelings!) When the new student comes, after we’ve had a chance to get to know each other a little, and had an orientation to the rules and the class, I’ll also involve classmates’ help to show our new friend where different things are–e.g. paper-towel garbage at the bathrooms, coloring supplies for rest time, etc. And when we go to a different area in the school, we’ll pause and the students are asked to raise their hand to share with the newcomer any most-important things to know in that space. I’ve seen that this really helps build community between the kids, as well as their confidence–both the helpers, and the newcomers–because they see that they have an important voice and role in our class and school.
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I think I would welcome our little superheros by greeting their parent by name and with a smile. The child will feel less pressure to adjust quickly. I would invite the child to explore the room without getting in their space bubble too quickly. I like the idea of letting them come to me a little bit, letting them be ready. I would get down low and on the ground to play and explore with them. I would invite some of the kids to help greet, play and welcome them as well.
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Great ideas, Rebecca! Your thoughtful approach to creating a welcoming environment will surely help the little superheroes feel comfortable and excited.
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I would do a Treasure Hunt Adventure with a Treasure Map marking X as the spot to see and sign off on and then at the end to have a reward for the child!
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Great idea, Evelyn! A treasure hunt is a fun way to engage kids while teaching them the rules!
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I would let the children pick their own superhero names, along with the students already in the classroom. Then I would have my current students help show each different section of the classroom and what kinds of work they can find there.
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When a child enters my room. I shower them with all the love they can take. Showing them around playing and exploring their own way. I plan to make messes and show them a cool way to clean up. showing them where things belong and how we transition. Bring friends around to say hello to our new student.
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When a new child comes to class for the first time, I would place a welcome name tag at the classroom gate so they know this space is just for them. As they enter, I would come down to the child’s level, smile, and gently ask for a hug or a wave, helping the child feel safe and recognize a friendly, familiar face in a new environment. During circle time, I would introduce the new child by calling out everyone’s name so they feel included and important. I would explain simple classroom rules in a fun way, like using songs or actions, so the child understands what to expect. During free play, I would walk with the new child to different activity stations, show them the toys and games, and help them explore what they like most. By giving personal attention, using kind words, and creating a warm and friendly atmosphere, I would help every new child start their school adventure by feeling happy and confident.
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Heena, your thoughtful approach to welcoming new children is fantastic! Personal attention and inclusion truly foster a comforting environment. Great ideas!
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Firstly, I would ask the child what are their strong interests and would advise with the material available in the classroom. If the child is having a hard time adjusting, I would offer to play a game (such as Duck, Duck, Goose, Red Light, Green Light etc.) or ask a peer/volunteer to play with them.
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Great ideas, Amelie! Focusing on interests and incorporating play fosters comfort and engagement for new kids. Keep it up!
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I would probably really play on the superhero aspect. I would give the child a mask that we put on together. Because what is a superhero without a disguise. Throughout the tour of the room, we would use different superpowers like the ability to fly, as we fly to each center to investigate the toys. Super vision we use to watch around us to keep us safe, looking across the room at our friends and teacher learning faces and watching for danger. Super hearing to listen while in class to rules for safety and how we can help each other and what mysteries we need to solve next. Using our imagination and a little bit of silliness may help build trust and comfort for the stressful transition.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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Great ideas, Jessica! Incorporating play and imagination truly helps create a comforting and engaging environment for new kids.
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I would guide them all through the sections of the classroom and how to use them all appropriately.
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As a superhero guiding new kids through my classroom I would make sure they feel welcome and safe. I have my room set up into age appropriate sections and I would ask the child’s parents what they are interested in and I would find things that I have that fit their interests.
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Giving a tour around the classroom having visual schedules assigning a buddy to child
