The Summer Transition Program was held over three weeks with varying times and days, to ease young ShkiWaase-Aaban Binoojiinh Gamik Friends into their new learning environment, while still attending daycare and enjoying the summer. From July 22 to August 8, preschool friends from the daycare were invited to attend a Summer Transition Program at Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik. Students were picked up by bus and attended Biidaaban on alternating days, participating in a half or full day of programming each week. The preschoolers were accompanied by Early Learning Teacher, Ms. Thereasa Abitong, and Education Assistants who support the classroom.
Inquisitive and tentative, young learners hugged their caregivers at the Biidaaban entrance and were led down the big hallway to locate what will be their new classroom come September. A welcome poster decorated the doorway, and each student received a warm and caring greeting from staff as they entered the classroom. The steps towards creating a positive learning experience for the children were being implemented with great care.
A variety of blocks, tracks, playdough table, discovery centres, role-playing props like a café and kitchen, educational videos, and electronic device programs offered many exciting and interesting options for students to explore. Each learner could engage with and utilize the instructional time and opportunity to prepare themselves for elementary school life in their own way. Snack time was, of course, incorporated into the day’s activities, along with story time, circle time, worksheets, an introduction to the gymnasium with physical activity time, and time in the outdoor playground. Overall, the children adapted well and appeared to enjoy their new surroundings and teachers.
While students need to adjust to new environments and daily learning as anormal part of growing up, some of the Daycare staff commented during the Spring Transition Day that they were preparing themselves as well as they 'transition' from having these young students in their care for the better part of three years, to watching them grow into the next phase of their education and personal development journey. It seems that learning is lifelong and continuous, whether you are a student or an educator!
The Summer Transition Program allowed young daycare friends to reacquaint themselves on their new turf, with the start of school in September just around the corner. Education staff attended to the future Biidaaban students; helping them to adjust and settle into a new routine and style of learning, while incorporating familiar things into the educational aspects of the program, and free play exploration. A pizza party was held on the last day to celebrate the young students' success! Chi miigwech to Ms. Thereasa (Terri), supporting staff, administrative staff, and bus drivers for supporting this summer program. Miigwech to the Daycare as well for collaborating on the organization and promotion, ensuring the success of the program and assisting with the children's preparedness as they graduate to Biidaaban life.
