Seamless transition for Dannevirke pupils
Life is about to get easier for new entrants in Dannevirke.
A group of Dannevirke schools and early childhood centres has received $102,000 from the Government in the latest round of teacher-led innovation funding and wants to know what effect a smooth transition from early childhood to primary school will have on children.
The fund is meant to develop innovative practices that improve learning and help teachers bring in expertise.
Dannevirke South School principal Stephen Snell said the sector was working to bridge the gap from early childhood education to primary school, because the shock was getting bigger over recent years for new entrants at school.
‘‘It needs to be a seamless transition from an early childhood centre to a primary centre, not just a massive jolt,’’ he said. ‘‘We don’t want this big difference, this big jump.’’
There are seven schools involved and seven early childhood centres.
University of Waikato associate professor Sally Peters is helping with the project and Team Solutions from Auckland University will survey everyone involved to get a wider view.
Snell said the Dannevirke community of learning, Kahui Ako, has been going two years, allowing early childhood and primary teachers to work together to make sure children get a good start at school.
‘‘For the first time, early childhood teachers will be able to come and observe in primary classes and just get that professional opportunity to do that. Primary teachers are able to do the same with early childhood centres.’’
Snell said transition is difficult in any area, so it’s an important area for the sector to get right. ‘‘This funding will allow them to have time to inquire about what is the best practice for these children.’’
Snell said the group had visited all the classes in all the schools involved and been in touch with all the teachers and families, so each school has a good understanding of what’s happening.