The new NEP is talking about the New Structural Curriculum for the Foundation Stage from Preschool to Grade 2. Parents are sitting with their queries as to why the change. To encourage active learning in the classroom, our learners need to cope with the challenges and differences. The experience should be bridged to the next learning outcome desired to ensure a smooth transition of the learner’s previous knowledge. Young learners learn better by doing practical tasks, exploring things and they receive support wherever necessary. They learn from actions rather than passive observations. Preschool should focus on designing curriculum that emphasizes the importance of continuity in the curriculum of Pre-Primary to Primary. To bring ease in learning school needs to innovate active learning that keeps learners immersed.
In a preschool setting, there should be ample scope to focus on learners who need extra support or who show development delay in their growth as per the milestones. If any of the learner’s needs are not fulfilled then the wellbeing of the child involved may be affected and this could disrupt their transition. Educators need to ensure good health and wellbeing as central to effective learning and preparation for successful independent living.
Role-play is often introduced in the nursery and early year settings to prepare children for changes such as transitions. Role-play can help learners develop skills such as listening and empathy, which will help them make new friends and build relationships when they transition to primary school. Role-play can also be helpful to the learners to deal with new situations and conflicts in their lives. It also helps in developing attitude, good self-esteem, and being resilient. Space crunch in societies & schools does not provide enough opportunities for psychomotor activities, so schools should integrate learning that promotes outdoor activities and develop learner’s cognitive & motor skills. These activities prepare them for the challenges and obstacles. Facilitators should provide support to learners only when they need help.
Home school Community partnership is necessary so that there is transparency and parents are aware of each learner’s progress. They are informed of any difficulties that have been unearthed through assessment because they may be able to offer suggestions that can help their child overcome the difficulties. Student Portfolio is maintained which records every progress throughout their learning period. Documentation such as pictures, photographs, and recordings of some of the learning experiences is placed in this portfolio as evidence of the learning outcomes. Parents are involved in their children’s growth as they will be able to contribute and share information about the child. The transition from a pre-school setting to a primary school is a time of anxiety and contrasting experiences. Our learner’s knowledge and achievement is a continuous progression in learning. Their curious minds ought to be ignited to know more and find more.
