My first Magazine Booklet - the final version | Page 56

TECHNIQUES AND METHODOLOGY OF ADAPTATION PROBLEM AND SCHOOL FEAR Examples from the process Example 14 - Romania SUMMER KINDERGARTEN LET S BE TOGETHER was created from the wish to support the parents who have no option for their children during summer. More than that, this technique has proven to be a real help in socializing for the children who have not previously been in the kindergarten. In a pleasant environment, with qualified personnel, and we organize educational and recreational activities both indoors and outdoors. Children included in this program are of different ages, from 3 to 7 years old. Education is similar to a family, older kids help the little ones and young kids learn a lot from the big ones. In the space of our groups we received children from all over the city and we offered them a pleasant and secure environment. Children who have been in a group know how to socialize, create their own games and meet the needs of others. Children who come directly from family imitate the behaviors of others and thus integrate more easily. In the summer kindergarten, children can come for longer or shorter periods, depending on the needs and wishes of their parents (from 1 week to 1-2 months). Those who come for adaptation can start coming for 1-2 hours a day, and this period will gradually increase until these children also go through the full day of kindergarten. The program is an easy one, with many outdoor activities, indoor games, artistic and plastic activities. Following this program for at least a week, children are able to integrate much easier at the beginning of the next school year Example 15 - Romania SESSIONS WITH PARENTS FOR CHILDREN'S ADAPTATION TO KINDERGARTEN Any beginning of the school year is difficult for parents but also for the children. It is a new stage of their lives, to which everybody is trying to adapt. Some children get over this period easily and other children need support from the teacher, parents and counselors. Before starting a new school year, parents visit the kindergarten, classrooms and get acquainted with the teachers. In the festive hall of the kindergarten, parents attend an informational meeting to begin their school year. They listen to the teacher's advice, ask questions and get answers. Parents' meetings at the beginning of the school year involve teachers, the nurse, the doctor, the psychologist, the speech therapist and the school counselor. These specialists provide parents with information about the first steps in their children's kindergarten. Parents are advised on how to prepare the child for a kindergarten meeting. They can help the child accommodate to the new space and they can encourage children to socialize with adults and children around. Parents become partners of the kindergarten and the teachers. Children perceive the kindergarten as a home-like space. Step-by-step, children start to love their teachers and the kindergarten and want to return to this place. This method ensures the parents are informed and eliminates the fear of change in parents and children. 56