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Our recent theme in Nursery focused on the topic of growth. We explored growth in a variety of ways, starting with ourselves, then looking at plants and animals. The results were amazing, and the children truly understood that growth means “getting bigger.”
Over the next few weeks, we will be looking ahead to our move to Reception. The children will learn that they will be moving to new classes after the summer holiday. They will learn that their current teachers will not be the same next year, their classrooms will be different, and finally, their peers will be in different classes too. This can be frightening, especially if we are not prepared during the holidays to understand what this means. So, the question is, how do we prepare our children holistically for Reception?
One easy answer is not academic overload. Focusing solely on academics could pose a risk to your child’s well-being and overall preparedness for next year. DON’T DO IT!
TALK EARLY AND POSITIVELY
As your child progresses through their school career, they will learn one thing, change is constant and this transition is a NORMAL part of school life, so treat this change as normal, positively. Having early and frequent conversations about their growth during the summer break allows the opportunity to mention Reception as the natural next step.
Use simple language, “You’re growing and learning new things.” In Reception, “Your awesome teachers will help you.” Reading stories or role playing at school scenarios are useful for supporting conversations too. Have fun by pretending to be a teacher and student and enjoy swapping roles.
Do not present school as something intimidating or overly serious.
ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR FEELINGS
Every child reacts differently, acknowledging their feelings whether positive or negative. Ask them, “How do you feel about going to Reception?” “I see you are excited/nervous, what are you excited/nervous about?” Nervousness and excitement can exist together, help them to understand this by naming their feelings and letting them know this is okay. Answer their questions.
CHILDREN FEAR LOSS OF FAMILIARITY MORE THAN CHANGE ITSELF
Let them know that home life will remain the same, routines stay the same and parents and caregivers will also be the same. The school is the same, and luckily for our Nursery children, the floor level is the same, they’re just moving further down the corridor.
INDEPENDENCE, INDEPENDENCE, INDIPENDENCE
Reception requires more independence than Nursery, praise their ability to do things for themselves at home. This will prepare them emotionally when they must change their clothes themselves if they get wet or wipe up a spill while at school. Let them tidy up after themselves, change their clothes, carry their own bag, solve small daily problems. Make praise specifically, I like how you cleaned up the water you spilled, well done. This increases the child’s sense of capability.
EMOTIONALLY READY IS BETTER THAN ACADEMICALLY READY
Don’t make academics your focus, do the following instead:
PRACTISE SEPARATION AND REUNION CONFIDENCE
If your child has been in Nursery, Reception may still feel different due to new adults or classrooms.
Reinforce predictability: “Mummy/Daddy always comes back.” “School is for part of the day and then we meet again.”
Short separations during summer can strengthen trust and confidence.
HELP THEM IMAGINE SUCCESS - AND OUR NEW POOL!
Children often build confidence from mental pictures of positive experiences.
Talk about:
The goal is helping them imagine themselves coping and belonging.
FOCUS ON IDENTITY, NOT PERFORMANCE
Our Nursery children already know they do not have to be perfect, they do not always have to have “the answer” and school is a place for learning and growing. Keep this understanding going at home by praising qualities from our 6Cs:
This helps children see Reception as a place where effort and exploration matter more than getting everything right.
FINALLY
The mental shift from Nursery to Reception is not only about learning new routines, it is about helping your child feel safe, capable, and ready to belong. When children enter Reception believing that they are supported and able to manage new experiences, the transition is often smoother and more positive.
Have a wonderful summer holiday!
By Delisa McPherson
Pre-Nursery Seashells Class Teacher
If you would like your family to be part of our warm and welcoming community and experience a world-class British education, we would love to hear from you.
sltadmissions@bsbsanlitun.com
+86 10 8531 1999