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What are some of the best ways to begin a relationship?

How can teachers support parents and children through transitions to new schools?

What do you understand about separation anxiety in adults and children?

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Initial contact between teacher, parent, and child: Orientation

Choosing a school: Parent’s first contact First encounter—teachers and parents

◦ Meeting without children◦ Questions for parents (sample questions)◦ Discussing separation

©2013 Cengage Learning.All Rights Reserved.

First encounter—teachers and children◦ Home visits◦ Letters and phone calls

First visits to classroom Child’s entry into a classroom

◦ Abbreviated schedule◦ Transition and easing-in◦ Establishing habits of communication

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If you were planning a good beginning for children starting in a kindergarten this year, what would be some of the strategies to implement, and explain why?

What challenges would you expect in carrying out this plan?

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Regressive and aggressive behaviors Sadness Anxiety (both children and parents) Preparing parents for separation behaviors Welcoming parents into the classroom

◦ Parting rituals◦ Helpful parent behaviors

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Developing children’s trust in parents’ return

Discussing separation experiences with families

Providing special attention to parents and children◦ Transitional objects◦ Dependency

©2013 Cengage Learning.All Rights Reserved.

Good beginnings require a thoughtful plan, to establish a working partnership with families.

Communication must be established right from the start, to help both parents and children through the period of adjustment.

©2013 Cengage Learning.All Rights Reserved.