Transition - A Journey of Continuity and Growth
At Shikshantar, transition is not a ‘leap’ into the unknown, but a seamless bridge built on trust,
readiness and a deep understanding of each child’s unique narrative. As children move from
Kindergarten to Class I and later from Class IV to Class V, understanding the rhythm of their
development, we ensure they remain connected to their roots while gaining the wings to fly.
The little ones from Kindergarten began their journey with exploring the spaces of Primary
School. As they walked in, the first connection was with the fish and Aristurtle in the ‘Turtle
Pond’. Excitedly asking their Group Didis about the tiffin time in the new space, they walked
onto the back lawns and chased each other across the expanse of green grass before settling
down to eat. Skipping through the ‘Butterfly Garden’ with their friends, they enjoyed touching
and smelling the spring flowers in full bloom. They built familiarity and gently eased into their
new surroundings by creating connections between their past experiences and these newfound
spaces.
Taking us to another step, the parents and school team came together in sessions at different
levels to go down memory lane of their childhood to better understand the changes expected as
the children continue to grow. Together, it was an experience of exploring children’s
social-emotional development and the challenges they face through the philosophies of
Erikson, the Mother, Aurobindo and Piaget. It is a step to scaffold them to find their unique
place and develop a continuity of thought and processes between the school and home for
children to settle in seamlessly.
In the immersive experience of moving forward to the next class, the little ones created
self-portraits through different recycled materials and made free expressions on how they
imagined their journey to the Primary School. Older children created reflective writeups on
their resolutions or their emotions and expectations for the coming academic year as they move
to their new groups. Welcomed into the classrooms by their new group facilitators, the students
shared their stories and interests with great anticipation for the journey they foresee.
Gathering in their first Circle Time of the session, the children lit a diya to usher in positivity and
energy. Transition from one class to another is a milestone that is a celebration of growth
without judgment.