University students help children transition to primary school

Southern Cross University students are preparing to help pre-school children in Tweed make the big step into primary school.

Three Bachelor of Education students will assist kindergarten teachers at Tweed Heads Public School with the Kindergarten Early Bird Program – a six-week scheme aimed at helping pre-kindergarten children make a smooth transition to school.

The Program, which kicks off for the fourth year running at the beginning of next term, will bring parents, children, teachers and the University students together on a weekly basis to participate in a range of theme-based activities to allow children to familiarise themselves with the school environment, inform parents and help the school to establish a relationship with each child and family before the first day at ‘big school’ in 2011.

Principal of Tweed Heads Public School Ms Jacquie McAllum said the students played an important role in the Program.

“The Southern Cross University students are a wonderful asset to the Early Bird Program as they work closely with the teachers and Early Bird pre-kindergarten children to help compile the children’s starting school profile,” said Ms McAllum.

“The profile, which includes observations on special needs, social skills and starting school readiness, provides an important beginning point for the planning of the first few weeks of kindergarten class.

“The SCU students help the children get to meet and know their teacher and all their new classmates, and we also hold parent information sessions, so when everyone turns up on day one of ‘big school’ after being in the Early Bird Program there are no tears - just big smiles all round.”

Tess Boyle, Southern Cross University lecturer, said that the Early Birds program provided a valuable ‘hands on’ experience for students to learn more about the transition phase from pre to primary school from the perspective of the child, their parents and teachers.

“Evidence shows that this is an important time in the life of a child and it impacts significantly on their success in later years,” said Ms Boyle.

“SCU’s Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) positions graduates as experts in this transition phase because the course spans the years from birth to eight with professional experience in a range of early childhood and primary school learning environments.”

Bilambil-based Southern Cross University student Amanda Saunders said she was looking forward to getting involved in the Early Bird Program.

“I’m in my final year so this will give me some good experience and help build my confidence,” said Amanda.

“I’ve already done four pracs and I have also done some extra work in a pre-school but this will be an interesting chance to see the transition from pre-school to kindergarten.”

Photo opportunity: Kindergarten and pre-kindergarten children and Southern Cross University students participating in the Early Bird program will be available for photos and interview tomorrow, Thursday September 2 at 11am at Tweed Heads Public School, Stuart Street, Tweed Heads. Please meet at the administration office.