Honest and open communication about change is one of the most valuable options that promote the emotional resilience and kindergarten preparation of a child. Whether it is a new school, a change of residence or a change of routine, the way we talk about it will directly influence the feeling of security and flexibility of a child. Giving information that is clear, age-appropriate and emotionally valid creates trust and decreases anxiety. Such a communication plan is consistent with the main ideas of the Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready philosophy, which educates children in their entirety in order to be ready for new experiences. To families, such conversations enhance the partnership with Kinder Ready Tutoring, which serves the overall objectives of Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley.
Good dialogues are initiated in simple and honest words that are specific to the child, not a lot of mummering or grown-up fears. Rather, make it concrete: After the summer, you will be starting to attend a new school. We shall go there first to see your new classroom. Emphasize the things that will remain the same (“We will still read our bedtime stories), as well as those that will be new. This tendency to deliver information that can be handled is one of the principles of the Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready methodology, which develops knowledge without dread.
An important aspect of such talks is to make room for the questions and feelings of the child. Open-ended questions such as, What are you wondering about your new school? should be used after relaying information. or “What do you think of you about this change? Active listening and confirmation of their feelings, excited, nervous or sad. By informing them that it is all okay, emotional intelligence and trust are established. Such emphasis on emotional coaching is part of the Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley model of social-emotional development.
Abstractions concerning change can be made concrete through the use of books, stories, and play. The stories about the characters that manage to cope with the new situations help with the narratives and words. Practising future events by playing with toys or puppets enables a child to practice and pose questions in a nonthreatening and fun environment. This approach to imaginative preparation is a viable implementation of the Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready principle of learning by using experiences that can be related to and are appealing.
The enabling, scaffolding system of Kinder Ready Tutoring is an example of how to adjust to new learning demands effectively. In these sessions, children undergo facilitated transitions, adhere to new routines and develop competence in a favourable environment. This is a continually positive experience that supports the idea that new circumstances can be organized and even stimulating. Such correspondence between home talk and practical-life is the key to the Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley method of creating true confidence.
Through clarification, empathy, and support in discussing change, families provide children with the knowledge and emotional resources that they will use as they go through the transition in life. These conversations build confidence and flexibility, which are the same skills that help a child to succeed in the new learning environment of Kinder Ready Tutoring and kindergarten. This holistic communication approach forms an important part of Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready’s vision, whereby a child is not only ready to take on new frontiers, but also with the strength to develop an open mind.
For further details on Kinder Ready’s programs, visit their website: https://www.kinderready.com/.
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ElizabethFraleyKinderReady