Preschool Arrival Routines and Transitions

Preschool arrival routines and transitions are so important during early childhood development. Since this morning routine happens with families, it is important for arrivals to be easy and flexible. This may be a time where separation anxiety sets in and you as the teacher can make this time smoother with planned activities.

The goal is to create a bridge between home and school that helps children become more independent and self-reliant. Arrival time must help keep up the parent/child bond which is so important to children's sense of security, stability, and overall well-being. With these goals in mind, here are tips for making arrivals easy and comfortable for everyone.

Arrange your space so it encourages children to become involved in the early morning activities according to their pace and style. Realize that some children have not been awake for long, and may just want a few minutes in a rocking chair, a quiet place to play with soft toys, or even the comfort of a blanket or cot.

Others are eager to jump right into play. Toys, such as puzzles, design boards and other small manipulatives are perfect for those children who prefer to play alone inside your centers. Board games at other tables welcome children who are ready for socializing and group play. Rotate toys so children will be greeted by new activities each day.

Create a cozy area near the entrance. This area is welcoming and also encourages the parent and child to sit with each other a bit before the parent leaves. A couch or futon near the entrance conveys the message, "Feel free to sit a while." A few books (short stories) may give the parent and child a time-limited transition. "Let's read this story and then you can play with your friends."

Display "curiosity items" on a table near the entrance. Time spent gazing together at fascinating objects helps children feel a secure bond with their parent before separation takes place. Try some items such as the following: wave bottles, chimes, music box, rain sticks, balancing scales, items that depict an upcoming holiday and so on. One program put an aquarium near the entrance and encouraged children to check what their favorite colorful fish was up to each morning. Parents were soon forgotten and arrivals went well.

Create a family bulletin board. Ask parents to give you a few family pictures of them and their child with other family members. Arrange these on a background that the children have created (usually a finger-painting). Place this board at the child's eye level. If a child is feeling a little sad, looking at pictures of loved ones soothes them!

Separation anxiety will be short-lived if you practice some of these ideas at your preschool center. Look for smooth arrivals and your day will start off in a pleasant manner.

Sources:

Teaching Young Children by Dianne Miller Nielsen [Corwin Press, 2006]

Personal Experience