When child go though transitions they need people they have built up positive relationships with to help support them through the changes in their lives this is explained in Bowlby attachment theories covered in unit 075/076. We use circle time to explain to the children what is going to happen and they can talk about their feelings children will make a better transition if they know what is going on. We take are cues from the children on how much information is given and how much an explanation is required. We allow time for the information to be processed some children might have delayed reaction and might want to talk later at a quieter time. We are always to be truthful in all our answers so we keep their trust. We listen and acknowledge how the children are feeling and we reassure the children that what they are feeling is normal and other children have been through this. The children can express their anxieties and we can help reassure them. These are used in all transitions
Bereavement children need us to be a good observer as a bereaved child’s behaviour can be very telling of their emotions , we need to listen let the child teach us what grief is like for them, never rush in with explanations, ask exploring questions rather than give cookie cutter answers, we must be patient and give the child time as a child’s grief is not always immediate and obvious. We must be honest about death and never lie to the child. A child needs to understand death is permanent and irreversible its best to use clear and simple direct language. Its important to make ourselves available they need to know we can be counted upon to be there to listen, to support them and to love them.
Puberty when helping children it is best to start early especially for girls children need reassurance and need to know this is normal and happens at different times for everyone so talking to them explaining what will happen to them nut don’t talk down to them. Keep the talks small give them bite size information as it is easier to process for them then 1 big talk. Always be honest even with the really awkward questions. You the right tone try keeping it light take your cue from the child. Use books and information to help the child they might prefer this if they are really shy as there are some very good books like Judy blumes or usbornse books which can help. Help them to discuss with their parents if they need this. Watch out for children who might go on crash diets as they feel their bodies are out of control. Treat the child as more of an adult than a child.
Moving from school to pre school this is done in my setting by putting over a positive imagine of school children and staff talk about school in group/ circle time . the children can play dress up and role play with their real school uniforms from each of the schools they are going to. They have time were they can talk about their school visits. We can reassure children who feel anxious children how have been thought the transition the year before come back and visit telling the children about school. We acknowledge how the children are feeling about the transition . we are always truthful with our answers.
Physical moving talk to the children to reassure them built a bedroom in the home corner for role play so they can pack and unpack boxes so they can tape the boxes up and label them to . get children to think what they would like to put in a special bag so they can take this on the move. Provide children with night clothes which fit over their clothes so they can role play sleeping in their new bedroom and get them to express and talk about their feelings. Encourage them that they will make new friends or they might not be moving to far so they could stay in contact with old friends give them a telephone to play with so they can role play calling their friends. Older children this can be talked about what they would like their room to look like rtc.
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