Starting primary school is a major milestone in a child’s life—and for many families, it’s one filled with both excitement and nerves. For children leaving the nurturing and play-focused environment of a program for early childhood education, the shift to a more structured classroom can be challenging. But with the right support, this transition can become a positive and empowering experience.
Whether you’re a parent preparing your preschooler or an educator guiding children through their final months of early childhood education, helping them feel confident and ready is key. At hey dee ho, we believe that learning should be joyful, active, and engaging—especially during big life transitions.
Why the Transition Matters
The leap from early learning to primary school isn’t just about moving to a bigger classroom—it’s a shift in expectations, routines, social dynamics, and learning styles. Children go from flexible, play-based days to scheduled timetables, new teachers, and often larger peer groups. Emotional readiness, social resilience, and foundational academic skills are all essential to helping them thrive.
That’s where high-quality programs for early childhood education play a vital role. The earlier children build confidence in their abilities, the better equipped they are to handle change.
Building School Readiness Through Early Learning
Early childhood education programs do more than teach the alphabet and numbers. They help children:
- Develop independence and self-help skills
- Learn to work in groups and follow instructions
- Practice resilience when facing new or unfamiliar situations
- Strengthen communication and language abilities
- Build early literacy and numeracy understanding through play
hey dee ho’s early learning programs are designed to support all these areas through music, drama, movement, and mindfulness. Our unique, play-based learning approach ensures children are learning in a way that feels natural and fun, while also laying down the building blocks for success at school.
Practical Ways to Prepare Your Child
Whether your child is starting school in a few months or next year, there are many simple things parents and educators can do to ease the transition.
1. Talk About School Positively
Introduce school as an exciting new adventure. Talk about what they’ll do, who they’ll meet, and the fun things they’ll learn.
2. Establish Routines
School days follow a more consistent routine. Begin shifting towards regular bedtimes, morning routines, and structured mealtimes to help children adapt smoothly.
3. Foster Independence
Encourage your child to practice skills like packing their bag, using the bathroom independently, and asking for help when they need it.
4. Practice Social Skills
Organise playdates, attend group classes, or participate in community activities to build your child’s confidence in social situations.
5. Read Together
Make reading a daily habit. It helps develop vocabulary, listening skills, and concentration—key components for classroom learning.
6. Attend Transition Programs
Many schools and early childhood centres offer transition-to-school programs. These give children a chance to meet teachers, explore classrooms, and ease into the new environment with support.
The Role of Play-Based Learning in Transition
One of the best ways to support children emotionally and academically during this time is through play. At hey dee ho, we offer a range of early learning programs in music, fitness, yoga, and drama that nurture confidence, creativity, and social interaction.
These programs are not only enjoyable, they’re highly effective in building the emotional intelligence and communication skills children need to settle into school life with ease. Our sessions are run by experienced presenters who know how to gently prepare children for the next stage while honouring their current developmental needs.
Support for Families and Educators
We know that every child is different—and so is every school experience. That’s why our programs are tailored to meet children where they are, supporting their growth across all domains of early childhood development. If you’re an educator looking to enrich your curriculum or a parent seeking structured yet joyful learning experiences, we’re here to help.
Ease your child’s transition to primary school with hey dee ho’s engaging programs.
Our play-based learning activities are designed to build confidence, connection, and foundational skills that set children up for a successful start to school.
Explore our early childhood education programs to find one near you and give your child a head start on their learning journey.