Preparing children for a smooth transition to school is a priority at Good Shepherd. A positive transition not only sets the foundation for future learning, but a well-prepared child begins their educational journey with confidence, curiosity, and a love and excitement for school.
From Early Learning to School
For children attending Curiosity ELC, the journey into formal schooling is eased by a wealth of opportunities to engage with our wider school community, helping them feel confident and prepared for the next step. From day one, our children are introduced to the routines, spaces, and faces they will encounter during their schooling years.
Library Visits
Our youngest learners regularly visit the school library, where they are exposed to experiences designed to spark their imagination, grow a love for reading, and help them feel at home in the school’s learning environment.
The library is the children’s first structured learning environment outside of Curiosity ELC. Our Library and school staff warmly welcome the children, giving them a tour of the space. They learn how books are organised, where to find stories that interest them, and how the library operates, including book borrowing and care practices.
A highlight of each visit is often a group story time led by library staff, support staff, or teacher. During these sessions, children listen to engaging stories that cater to their developmental level, often with interactive elements like question prompts, rhyming games, or opportunities to predict what happens next. This helps develop listening skills, comprehension, and a love for storytelling.
After story time, children are encouraged to choose a book to take back to their classroom or home. Staff guide them, introducing them to books that align with their interests, whether it’s about animals, fairy tales, or adventures.
School Worship and Assemblies
By joining school worship and assemblies, Curiosity ELC children not only experience the school’s values and community spirit but also become comfortable with the shared devotions, performances, and presentations that make our school a special and collaborative place.
Whole School Events
Curiosity children are active participants in much-loved events such as the Book Parade, where they dress up in costume and walk through the school grounds alongside their peers, and other whole-school celebrations like our annual Welcome Party that bring together students, staff, and families.
Specialist Experiences for Holistic Development
Our collaboration with specialist experiences ensures that Curiosity ELC children are well-prepared for school life.
- Sport with the PE Teacher
Through regular sessions with our PE teacher, children build their motor skills, teamwork, and confidence, while also becoming familiar with the school’s sporting facilities and equipment. - Performing Arts Activities
Music, movement, and creativity come alive in performing arts classes led by our dedicated performing arts teacher, sparking a love for self-expression and introducing children to a key component of school life. - Learning a Second Language
At Curiosity ELC, we also offer opportunities for children to learn the basics of Auslan (Australian Sign Language) with our specialist Auslan teacher. This initiative helps to provide an inclusive environment where children can communicate in diverse ways and develop an understanding of the needs of others. Learning Auslan not only builds early language skills, but also nurtures empathy, respect, and a sense of community among the children. - Excursions and Outings
To broaden their experiences beyond the classroom, Curiosity ELC children participate in excursions and outings that allow them to explore the world around them. These excursions – whether to local parks, museums, or cultural events – are designed to enhance their learning by providing real-world connections to the subjects they explore in the classroom. These outings also help children become comfortable with venturing outside their immediate environment. - Special Visitors
In addition to excursions, Curiosity ELC children have the opportunity to interact with special visitors, such as local artists, musicians and performers, and school support staff. These visits provide valuable hands-on learning experiences, where children can engage with professionals, witness live performances or demonstrations, and explore different forms of creative and emotional expression. These interactions encourage children to see the world from new perspectives.
Preparing Children for a Smooth Transition to School
By participating in these thoughtfully and purposefully designed experiences, Curiosity ELC children have regular opportunities to interact with a wide variety of school staff, including teachers, support staff, and specialist educators, as well as older students. These meaningful connections go a long way in creating a sense of familiarity and comfort, strengthening their emotional security and reduces feelings of anxiety.
Our Curiosity ELC students start school not as strangers, but as part of a family that already knows them and cares for them.
Ready for the Next Step
When it’s time for our Curiosity ELC children to take their first steps into Foundation, the school environment is already a familiar, welcoming space.
If you’d like to learn more about Curiosity ELC and how we prepare children for school, we’d love to hear from you. Visit us to see first hand how we nurture growth for a smooth transition into primary education.
Resources for Parents
For more detailed information and resources about ‘Preparing Children for a Smooth Transition to School’, please review the following:
- Education Standards Board: “Insights for effective transition to early learning and school“