Discuss Child's Transition Tool 2 lIs.. M OEM__. Purpose Families learn what their child's actions can tell them about her feelings and thoughts. Using developmental information, they plan ways to help the child feel secure in the new program. Staff work with parents to identify strategies that have helped a child with previous transitions and those that might help with the current transition. Suggested Materials Tool 2-Parent Action: Help Your Child Adjust Videotape of child in classroom Stories, examples, or records of the child's classroom behavior Suggested Time During home visits, parent-teacher conferences, at the beginning or end of the day, or other one-on-one meetings with parents Tips for Leaders * All parents want to know that their child is normal. Make sure you explain that children of the same age behave in many different ways. * Keep in mind that some parents may have difficulty reading the developmental chart by themselves. Take time to go over it with them. * You can use a videotape of the child or written records to share what you have observed in the classroom. Guiding a Discussion * Ask parents to talk about how they feel about their child's transition and how they think their child feels about it. You can use the information on side 1 of the Parent Action pages to share basic things parents can do to help their child. * Refer to the first Action Step and ask parents what has helped their child deal with change in the past. Suggest that they list these to start a record of strategies that can be shared with new teachers. * Show parents how they can use the charts to find out what their child's behavior means. Talk about the suggestions for parents listed in the last column of the chart. Find out the things parents feel will help their child most and how they plan to use the ideas. Transitions: Parents Are Key Transitions:ParentsAre Key Tool 2 Help Your Child Adjust A *g I g~~~~~~~~~~g Purpose: Learn what your child's actions can tell you about his or her feelings. Plan ways to help your child feel secure in the new program. Parents can do some basic things to help their children feel more comfortable with transitions. For example: > > ) ) Talk with your child about what will be happening Visit the new program or school ahead of time When possible, avoid making lots of changes at once Create daily routines so your child knows when you will leave and return Even when you use these strategies, your child may have a hard time understanding and dealing with change. When you learn more about your child's development it is easier to choose other ways to help him adjust. 0_M A *g *g * . ,tM . 0~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-6 I Think about what has helped your child deal with change in the past: 1) 2) 3) Use the chart for your child's age group to find out what else you can try:* 1) 2) 3) * Remember your child is unique and all children grow at their own pace. The behavior listed on the chart for each age group just gives some examples of ways your child may act. Each ChildSupport SupportSupport Each Child 23 23 Help Your Child Adjust (side 2) Tool 2 Infants approx. O-2 years Does your child do this? Cries when you leave Clings to security objects (e.g. a blanket or favorite toy) Demands extra attention Toddlers arox.18mos-3years - Does your child do this? Has temper tantrums Clings to you Does not sleep well E N Maybe your S child feels: Anxious about being away from you Doesn't understand or know that you will return Misses familiar habits and routines Unsure about the new caregiver _ _ O Maybe your child feels: Afraid or out of control Upset that you left for the day Safe with you Doesn't want you to leave Worried about changes she does not understand You could try this: Always let your child know when you are leaving. At first, leave him for short periods of time, and then gradually add time. Bring security objects from home and share all you can about the child's routines, likes, and dislikes. Help your child and teacher develop a relationship before the first day. Visit the program several times and complete home visits. rm You could try this: Talk with the teacher daily so that you know what happens at school and if anything is troubling your child. Create rituals for saying good-bye. Give a big hug and kiss. Wave at the window. Stay calm and reassuring. Make sure you talk about your concerns with the teacher in private. Transitions: Parents Are Key Transitions:ParentsAre Key Tool 2 Help Your Child Adjust (side 3) Preschool Age Does your child do this? _ NMaybe your child feels: You could try this: Cries about school or complains of illness Unsure about whether the new environment is safe and secure Spend time with your child in the new setting. Always say good-bye and tell the child you will see her at the end of the day. Acts like he did when he was younger Uncomfortable with new routines, activities, teachers, and friends Give the child some control over the situation. Share his interests and abilities with the teacher and suggest some things that he might enjoy doing in the new program. Uncooperative at home and/or at school or has angry outbursts Overwhelmed by new expectations Encourage her to talk about her feelings with you. Tell her about times when you had similar feelings and how you dealt with them. Primary Age a rox. 58 zears F M _ Does your child do this? E E N _ Maybe your child feels: You could try this: Complains about the new teacher Happy with the way things were and misses old friends and teachers Have your child draw a special picture or spend extra time with old friends before leaving. Keep in touch after the transition. Invite new and old classmates to play. Asks for help often Unsure if he will be able to do what is expected. He is under pressure to do a lot of new things, such as sitting in a desk and following a set schedule. Find out what is expected and help him practice his skills at home. Remind him of what he knows already and what he does well. Support SupportSupport Each EachEach Child ChildChild 25 25