Transition to School

Going to school has such significance for children and their whānau. It is a whole new era in children’s and families’ lives, and often it is a relative unknown. It’s natural to wonder what going to school will mean for our children’s wellbeing and their future learning. 

At Greerton ELC, we’re so fortunate to have a school across the road from us that so generously opens its doors, welcoming us to experience what it’s like to be at school long before the actual day arrives. Children attending Greerton ELC come from all over Tauranga, yet Greerton Village School, Te Kura o Maarawaewae, enables all our young children to experience a school environment.  On Fridays we go for regular visits. 

Last Friday, we visited Whaea Tori’s new entrant room for their play-based learning session. We called in at the office first and were welcomed by Whaea Chloe, the assistant principal, and she accompanied us through to the double classroom space, where new entrant children warmly encouraged us to join them. The two rooms and deck space were all set up for fun exploration. We met new children and chatted with friends who have recently started school. How lovely for us, children and teachers, to see these children we have known for so long happy and thriving at school. 

What we noticed during this play-based learning was the focused attention of children who engaged with puzzles, Mobilo and Lego, to name a few resources, among many others our children are familiar with and other resources new to us, all the while learning maths, oral literacy, reading, and social and emotional regulation. This kind of learning has many layers. Most importantly, it gives children a sense that this is a place they can belong, a place that feels familiar, and a place they can stretch their ideas. 

Teachers were kind, and our children settled in for an hour and a half of learning through play in a space that encouraged conversations where questions could be asked and answered, children could follow their interests and be engaged for a long period, and children could learn with and alongside each other. 

Our experiences at Greerton Village School, Te Kura o Maarawaewae, affirmed that school is a safe place where children learn at their own pace with supportive teachers who care deeply for their wellbeing.  Thank you, Greerton Te Kura teachers, for your warm welcome.