How does a reception class in kindergarten prepare a child for starting school?

The start of the school year, especially for first graders and their parents, is a time full of emotions, impressions, questions, and new experiences. Transitioning from preschool to primary school is a significant change for children – not only due to the new environment but also because of changes in daily routines, educational requirements, and learning methods. The reception year, which is the final year of preschool education, plays a crucial role in preparing children for primary school. It is during this year that children acquire the skills needed to achieve school readiness, which are essential for success in first grade.

What aspects of a bilingual reception class in preschool help children with this transition? Here are some key elements that support children in getting ready for a smooth start to school and their educational journey.

Preparing children for bilingual or international school education

After four years of attending bilingual preschools, children achieve a level of English proficiency that enables basic reading and fluent communication. The key lies in providing conditions such as daily language classes, bilingual teachers, the use of the Jolly Phonics method (learning through play), and natural language immersion. Graduates of KIDS&Co. preschools are ready to start education in Polish- and English-speaking schools. Natural bilingualism at KIDS&Co. preschools forms the foundation of our child development program, preparing them for school education in an international environment.

First bell: Preparing children for the school day routine

In preschool reception classes, children learn what a typical school day looks like. Although preschool has a more relaxed daily rhythm, reception places greater emphasis on time and space organization, giving children a preview of their future school routine. Children learn to follow a structured plan – knowing when it’s time for play, learning, meals, and rest. This gradual adaptation to a daily structure helps ease the transition to the more formal and organized schedule of primary school. Such preparation simplifies adaptation, where children will need to follow specific lesson schedules, breaks, and other activities.

Preschool education – fostering independence

The reception year, whether in preschool or primary school (Read more: Reception in preschool or school? How to make the best choice for your child?), is a time when children learn to be increasingly independent. They begin to take responsibility for their belongings, organize their space, maintain order, and take on roles within the group. These skills are critical in developing independence and ensuring school readiness, which is essential in a new environment. Attending primary school tests these skills acquired in preschool reception in practice. Proper preschool preparation and providing suitable learning conditions significantly impact a child’s independence, which is especially crucial at the start of their new school journey.

Social and emotional development

Reception places particular emphasis on a child’s social and emotional development. Children learn how to cooperate with peers, resolve conflicts, share toys, wait their turn, and express their emotions constructively. These skills are vital in school, where children spend time in a new peer group, collaborate during activities, follow established rules, and interact with teachers and classmates. Preschool preparation introduces children to social norms and teaches them how to build positive relationships, which form the foundation of healthy child development and functioning in primary school, ensuring they achieve school readiness. Learning appropriate social competencies is a core element of the KIDS&Co. preschool program – learn more here.

Cognitive development – Preparing for reading and writing

Cognitive development in children involves skills that allow them to explore the world. In reception classes, children are introduced to the basics of reading and writing. They begin recognizing letters, drawing them, learning sounds, and forming syllables. At KIDS&Co. preschools, reading skills are developed in Polish using the “Effective Surprise” method, developed at the University of Łódź. This method encourages children to intuitively recognize sound patterns and graphic representations of letters. It engages children’s experiences, emotions, and sensory impressions, making learning enjoyable and leading to rapid progress in fluent reading.

At KIDS&Co., this method aligns with the English reading instruction method – Jolly Phonics, which is scientifically developed and successfully used in British schools. Reception classes also introduce basic counting and simple math problem-solving skills, easing the transition to learning mathematics in primary school.

STEAM – Fun and joy in learning

The KIDS&Co. program integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) to develop logical and critical thinking, creativity, imagination, and problem-solving skills in children. It’s a hands-on learning experience involving exploration, discovery, and creation, which are essential for children’s growth and comprehensive preparation for first grade.

Advantages of reception: Developing fine motor skills

Reception in preschool is a time when children intensively develop their fine motor skills, crucial for writing, drawing, and using school supplies. Preschool education incorporates activities like using scissors, crayons, markers, and paints – a playful learning experience with many benefits. By engaging in various art projects, children enhance their imagination and hand-eye coordination. Well-developed fine motor skills make it easier for children in school to handle tasks requiring writing, drawing, and simple manual activities.

How to prepare children for group work and following rules

In reception, children learn how to function in a group and follow rules, essential for proper preparation for primary school. Preschoolers participate in activities requiring cooperation with peers, including games, projects, and art activities. They learn how to share the teacher’s attention, wait their turn, and follow established rules. These skills are invaluable in primary school, where they must work in new groups, participate in lessons, share space, and adhere to organizational rules.

At KIDS&Co. preschools, the reception program instills good values, fosters independence, teaches strategies for handling challenging and conflict situations, and promotes cooperation, responsibility, self-awareness, empathy, independent thinking, mindfulness, self-esteem, curiosity, and emotional independence. Learn more about the reception program.

Worth Mentioning: What Is Compulsory Schooling?

A child’s compulsory schooling is one of the key topics parents face during their child’s education journey. According to Polish law, a child’s compulsory schooling begins at the start of the school year in the calendar year they turn 7 and lasts until the completion of primary school, but no longer than until the age of 18. The child’s future school becomes the place where the fundamental obligation of education is fulfilled. Under these regulations, preschool and school obligations apply to every child, and parents are responsible for ensuring the appropriate conditions to meet these requirements.

It is worth emphasizing that in a group setting, compulsory schooling helps develop social skills, cooperation, and responsibility. Parents who actively engage in their child’s education help them fulfill this obligation, laying the foundation for their further intellectual and emotional development.

Summary

The preschool reception year plays a key role in preparing children for starting school education. It is during this period that children develop socially and achieve school readiness. They learn basic emotional, cognitive, and manual skills that influence their future educational growth and provide a strong foundation for the challenges they will encounter in the school environment.

Learn more about the KIDS&Co. preschools and nurseries program. Our facilities are located in the following cities:

• private preschools and nurseries in Warsaw
• private preschools and nurseries in Wrocław
• private preschools and nurseries in Gdańsk
• private preschools and nurseries in Łódź
• private preschools and nurseries in Kraków
• private preschools and nurseries in Katowice
• private preschools and nurseries in Poznań
• private preschools and nurseries in Suwałki
• private preschools and nurseries in Ostrów Mazowiecka