7 Fun and Engaging Transition Activities for New Starters

An effective transition plan recognises that starting nursery is an adjustment for any child. Suddenly they find themselves in a new setting, surrounded by new people, and with a whole new routine. What’s more, they are no longer the sole recipient of their guardians’ attention but instead must share with other children – and will suddenly find their day structured around not just what they want to do but what others want to do as well.

Here at My Ohana, we view this as a very positive process; integral for helping children grow and start to develop those early life skills that they’ll need as they approach school age and beyond.

Being able to communicate, put across an opinion, negotiate, share ideas, collaborate, and discover new and exciting things are all part of the activities and lessons that nurseries provide.

However, all of this relies on a positive transition experience that introduces nursery or preschool as a positive environment full of opportunity.

As a leading childcare facility, we pride ourselves in creating exceptional programmes that are tailored to the ages of the children we care for, combining learning and fun while recognising the individual needs of every child. We also work closely with the families of all children in our care, recognising that it’s only through a close partnership that we can ensure learning and development is supported at home and at nursery. And amid all that, we welcome and encourage individuality. Everyone, big or small, is greeted with a smile and accepted for who they are.

But what welcoming activities and techniques do we use to bring this to life for the children in our care?

One of the first things we do is give children a space for their personal belongings, and try to use their names and photographs of them to personalise the nursery noticeboards, coat pegs, and other features of the setting.

From greeting children with the same familiar faces, to nurturing recognisable and comforting routines, we know how important familiarity is at easing the worries of children and parents alike.

When you drop your child off at a My Ohana nursery, you can rest assured they will be greeted by a smile they recognise, making them feel at home instantly.

It is so important for young children to have routines that are continued across their nursery day and at home. From getting ready in the morning to drop-off times, meal times, and pick-ups, we know that a sense of routine and knowing what is happening makes children feel safe. 

The more we can do to create routines for the children in our care, the better. This is part of the reason why connection throughout the nursery day between key workers and parents is so important.

Nursery is a new environment. Far from being scary and intimidating, we aim to make the step into nursery as exciting as possible, through immersive spaces and vibrant play areas for children of all ages. 

The induction and welcoming process at nursery is when it’s most important to make these spaces shine, and invite children to connect with their peers and the grown-ups who will be looking after them.

New parents at My Ohana are actively encouraged to share home information and personal preferences that will allow our childcare professionals to look after their child in the smoothest and most effective way possible. 

This can include interests, events they have recently attended, and learning needs - all of which allow us to connect with children and get to know them better. This is then reciprocated in the form of sharing information throughout the nursery day, by sharing what the child has been doing: their activities, toilet visits, meals and more.

Just as routine is key, so is the need for consistency with settling-in sessions. These sessions allow children to spend short periods of time in the nursery with a parent or caregiver nearby, giving them a chance to gain confidence and adjust to their environment over time.

Finally, we encourage every child to bring at least one comfortable item from home, that makes them feel safe and secure. It could be a toy, a blanket, or something else.

Whatever it is, the aim is to have something that provides reassurance, especially during the early days at nursery. 

All of these activities and techniques form just a small part of your child’s adventures with My Ohana – but they are fundamental to settling in, feeling welcome, and starting to grow. Get in touch with your local nursery to find out more.