New study from the University of Sydney

Differences in behaviour management policy between childcare centres and primary schools may have a negative effect on children's school life, says a new study from the University of Sydney. The study analysed documents from more than 40 childcare centres, pre-schools and schools in Sydney.

The research has shown that while childcare centres use a more gentle 'guiding' approach, schools use a system based on rules and individual student behaviour management.

While childcare and pre-school policies recognised that children are naturally inquisitive and explorative, and emphasised acknowledging positive behaviour at a one-on-one level, schools emphasised the public celebration of positive behaviour. This was done through the use of prizes, stickers or merit certificates.

At-risk children

Making a positive transition from pre-school to kindergarten assists in emotional and learning development, says Natalie Johnston-Anderson, who conducted the study as part of her honours.

For children already struggling to make the transition to school, a sudden change in behaviour management and teacher behaviour can have far-reaching consequences for the rest of a students school life. According to Johnston-Anderson:

'For children already at risk, the differences between the two environments can add an extra layer of challenge when they may already be struggling with learning basic numeracy and literacy skills.'

Where there was a more gradual change in teacher behaviour, children had an improved chance of developing a positive relationship with their teacher. According to the study, there is a strong link between the relationship a child builds with their kindergarten teacher and the rest of their schooling.

A call for greater consistency

Johnston-Anderson has called for greater consistency between teacher training for early childhood (0-8) and primary (5-12):

'...teachers in kindergarten classrooms should understand and use the best elements of good childcare and good pre-school practice to make the transition easier for children'.

Further reading

'School of hard knocks could be harming kids' The original media release from the University of Sydney

'Stricter kindergarten rules rough on children' from the Sydney Morning Herald

Related resources

View these related items on the Early Childhood Australia website:

• Your child's first year at school: A book for parents View a sample chapter.
• School readiness and children's transitions – an Early Childhood Australia "resource theme"
• 'About guiding children'– a useful page in our Supporting Best Practice directory with links to useful information and articles on the subject

View these related resources available from Early Childhood Australia

• The power of guidance: Teaching social-emotional skills in early childhood classrooms
• Young children's behaviour: Practical approaches for caregivers and teachers (3rd edn)
• The power of guidance: Teaching social-emotional skills in early childhood classrooms

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