Phase-In: Well Begun Is Half Done

Phasing in of new and returning children at the beginning of the year can ensure a calm and orderly transition from home to school. Montessori Children’s House of Erie divides the children of each class into two groups, the new and the returning students.

New children are received into a carefully prepared environment containing familiar materials from home, ones which the child can move to spontaneously with the positive support of the teachers. Their first visit is with a parent. Some time is spent in the classroom allowing the child to stay close to that parent, if desired. No effort or force is applied to make the child leave his parent or to talk or work with the teacher. Usually the child will gradually move away from the parent toward the materials. The first visit establishes the child’s new world and setting.

After several visits the new children will join together in one group. These new children are beginning to understand the nature of a classroom presentation (or lesson) and the social rules of the environment. After more visits, the returning children will join the new children. The returning children have been meeting each morning as well, reviewing the ground rules, reestablishing old relationships and revisiting materials.

Starting an Early Learning program is an exciting experience for any child, new and returning. It can also be a difficult one. Whatever the personality of the child; however eager for school, there will be moments of frustration and worry. The process of phase-in ensures a smoother beginning and a more effective situation for the whole class.