flection paper about transition period

Journal 2—Transition

Going to preschool goes with its assorted feelings, for both the child and the parent. For a child, entering a new preschool setting filled with unknown teachers and children can cause both apprehension and expectation. Parents might also have mixed feelings about whether their child is willing to go to preschool. Some children can settle down immediately and begin to go about their everyday routines after parents leave, and most of them cannot.

In the Chapter of transition, Elinor Fitch Griffin- the author of Island of Childhood explained how teachers and parents could help the children go through the transition time smoothly. Griffin showed many examples to us what a teacher and a parent should do and avoid during the adjustment period. At the same time, she also discussed many problems that individual children had in entering school and how to deal with. I think this chapter is a good resource for the new parents and beginning teachers because it will lead through their life and career.

At the Green House for Kids, Ms. Jan helps the parents understand it will take time for the children to learn to love and trust new teachers because they are building a new relationship. Jan also informs the parents it is normal for kids’ short-term behavior changes and separation anxiety. From Ms. Jan, I realize emotional and outburst of anger is common during a child's transitional period. At the same time, I also understand though separation anxiety is completely typical part of childhood development, due to working together between parents and teachers, both the child and parent can go through difficulties with ease.

In the chapter of transition, Griffin stated it was the quality of relationship between a parent and a ...

... middle of paper ...

...pend the extra money on it.

Through reading the chapter, I discover a lot of new things about how to cope with the problems during the adjustment period. I think it will guide me through my career and life. I think the case of Jason is especially helpful because how to manage this problem puzzles me for a while. Griffin taught me how to deal with the problem when it occurs next time. Thanks for Griffin to offer so much detailed information for the new parents and teachers.

Overall, for managing separation anxiety, we should refrain from running back at the sight of tears or to having a long, drawn-out goodbye. Instead, set up a goodbye habit that is pleasant and consistent. Stay calm and reassure the children that we will be back. With sensitivity and support between parents and teachers, we can help ease young children’s transition from home to school efficiently.