Lecture series: Transitions in Education™

• Transitions in Education: The Transition to Primary School
• Transitions in Education: The Transition to High School
• Transitions in Education: The Transition to a New School
• Lectures in specific Life Transitions can be developed.

Summary: I begin the lectures in the ´Transitions in Education´ series by providing a good working definition of ´transitions´. Subsequently, I describe the main characteristics of the relevant transition (Primary school, High school, or a new school). One of the most important concepts in understanding transitions is ´sense of security´ of which I will provide a definition, explain the development thereof and address sense of security as a prerequisite to learning. The notions of vulnerability and resilience will also be discussed in this context, as well as factors of adjustment and supporting stability. Because transitions are processes in time, as opposed to snapshots in time, extensive attention will be paid to different units of time and their influence on adjustment.

Target groups: Parents of children transitioning to (a new) school, teachers and other (early) education professionals. Implementations of practices designed to smooth transitions are often best initiated up to 8 months prior to actual (new) school entrance, though support even up to several weeks or months after the change can ease transitions. This means that, because transitions stretch over extended periods of time, lectures/seminars can easily be planned through out the year.

Purpose of the lectures: To increase awareness about what happens to children during (major) transitions and to provide support to parents and (early) education professionals in facilitating smooth transitions.

Customizing presentations: Depending on the target audience, practical suggestions can be made as to how to support children during their transitions. It is also possible to develop exercises to facilitate easy internalization of complex concepts or to otherwise adapt seminars to meet the needs and requirements of the audience, if so desired.

Information: For more information about the content of the lectures, developing a custom seminar to suit your situation or if you would like to make an appointment, please fill in the contact form.