Starting kindergarten is a big deal for kids, and a new study tells us that how well they adapt during the first few months is super important for their success.
Researchers discovered that kids who made a smooth transition in the first 10-14 weeks of kindergarten scored higher on tests for both school subjects and social skills at the end of the year.
Let's find out more!
A surprising discovery
A crucial part of the "big little leap" included making new friends, learning to work with others, and getting used to new school stuff.
Here's the interesting part: this transition is important for all kids, no matter how ready they were for school in the beginning.
Kids who were totally prepared for school might still hit a few bumps if they find it tough to adjust.
In Ohio, a study with 625 kindergarten students looked at how well kids transitioned in areas like academics, making friends, group work, organization, and following schedules.
The interesting part? Children who had an easier time with the transition showed more progress in math, reading, and social skills by the end of kindergarten.
So, it's not just about being ready for school initially; how smoothly you handle those early months matters for doing well in different subjects and making friends!
So, it's not just about being ready for school; it's about how well you adjust during those first few months.
Kids who find it tough to adjust might have a harder time making friends and connecting with teachers, which can affect their learning and social development.
Why it's important
The study suggests that there should be better communication between preschool and kindergarten teachers and parents to make sure everyone is on the same page.
It's also important for schools to create interventions to help kids who struggle with the transition.
In simple terms, starting kindergarten is a bit like taking a big step, and how well you take that step matters a lot for doing well in school!
Previously, we talked about zoom fatigue.
