Early years activity: Smoothing Transitions 

Moving from nursery to school is a big step for young children and their parents. It’s an exciting time, but it can also bring challenges. By creating a supportive environment and encouraging open conversations, practitioners can help ease worries, answer questions, and provide practical guidance. This activity is designed to make the transition to school smoother and more reassuring for everyone involved.

Learning aims of the Smoothing Transitions activity

  • Help children become comfortable with typical school routines 
  • Build confidence and support them in managing emotions about starting school 
  • Create a safe space for children to share their feelings, worries, or excitement 
  • Introduce and reinforce new vocabulary. 

Resources you will need

  • Clothes to dress up in different school roles: teacher, lunch time assistant, head teacher 
  • School supplies e.g. book bags, PE bags, PE kit, school lunch trays, school uniform from feeder schools 
  • Photographs of the new schools, classrooms, teachers (if available). 

Smoothing Transitions activity guide

  1. Create a pretend school role-play area with a variety of resources 
  1. During circle time, introduce the role-play activity, explaining how it will help prepare children for school. Encourage them to share what they already know about school 
  1. Guide children through key aspects of the role play, such as uniforms and supplies. Discuss items like PE kits and book bags to see what they are familiar with 
  1. Support children as they engage in role-play by asking open-ended questions and introducing new vocabulary where appropriate 
  1. Encourage children preparing for school to practise using lunch trays, giving them experience carrying their food to the table and clearing up afterwards 
  1. Reflect on the role-play experience daily. Ask questions to understand their feelings, encourage children to share highlights or concerns, and use their responses to help build a shared understanding of school life, while identifying any areas where they may need extra support. 

How can you extend this activity?

  • Share books or tell stories about starting school e.g. Starting School by Janet and Allan Ahlberg or Going to Big School by Laura Sieveking. These will help children to familiarise themselves with the idea of school and raise discussion points 
  • Encourage parents to arrange playdates with other children who will be attending the same school. This will help children, and parents, build friendships and a sense of community before starting school 
  • See our Top Tips for Moving on to school. 
Back to myNDNA

Disclaimer: Activities with children must always be risk assessed, including for allergies or choking. Children must always have adequate supervision. Resources and materials must always be appropriate for children’s age and stage of development.

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