Play Remains Important Principles for a Healthy Transition from Early Childhood to Primary School

Transitioning from early childhood education to primary school can be both exciting and challenging for children. Ensuring that play remains a central part of learning during this phase supports emotional, social, and cognitive development. Play helps children adjust to new routines while maintaining curiosity and joy in learning.

Teachers can facilitate a healthy transition by incorporating structured and unstructured play into daily routines. Activities like role play, collaborative games, and problem solving exercises allow children to practice school skills, such as following instructions, working in groups, and expressing ideas, without feeling pressured.

Play also supports social and emotional growth. Through interactive games, children learn cooperation, empathy, and self regulation. These skills are essential for adapting to the more structured environment of primary school and for building positive relationships with peers and teachers.

Collaboration between PAUD and primary school teachers ensures that play-based learning continues to support development. Sharing insights about children’s interests, strengths, and challenges allows primary school teachers to integrate playful learning strategies, easing the transition and maintaining engagement.

Maintaining play as a core principle during the transition from PAUD to primary school fosters a healthy, enjoyable, and supportive learning environment. By balancing preparation for academic skills with playful experiences, teachers help children enter primary school confident, emotionally resilient, and excited to learn.