The educators also welcome children’ s visits to their classrooms. From time to time, Leslie takes preschoolers to Jennie’ s kindergarten class to share skills they’ re working on( like estimated spelling) and to observe kindergartners’ work. This helps Jennie get to know the preschoolers and think about how she might individualize lessons in the coming year for them. Likewise, kindergartners often visit the preschool classroom. During one visit, students in Jennie’ s class performed a play. Each child wore a sign that identified their role. Soon after, Leslie observed her preschoolers making their own role-playing signs.
Align Classroom Procedures
Educators can ease the transition for incoming kindergartners by incorporating familiar classroom procedures. Kindergarten teachers can change and adapt these elements as children grow and learn over time.
For example, at the beginning of the school year, children in Leslie and Jennie’ s classes use the same system to engage in activity centers. The teachers post signs to help children choose which center to visit.
However, as the year progresses, Jennie introduces tasks at the beginning of each week or unit of study that children need to complete. Kindergartners learn to use a checklist to keep track of what they’ ve accomplished and what they still need to do. This progression is gradual, scaffolding children as they learn and become familiar with working more independently.
Similar techniques can be used when setting up the physical environment. For example, Leslie posts signs to remind preschoolers about classroom expectations, problemsolving steps, and ways to express emotions. In the kindergarten classroom, Jennie works toward greater independence: While she starts
38 Educating Young Children
Spring 2026