The Georgia Early Learning Standards Activity Guides may - gapitc

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Transition Apron
Use a full-body apron with multiple pockets in the front, such as those worn by
salespeople at a hardware store.
Fill each pocket with a rattle, teething toy, squeeze ball, bottle of bubbles, or
rubber animal.
Use this apron prop to help a reluctant infant say goodbye to his parent.
While the parent is still holding the baby, encourage the parent to say good-bye
with a hug, kiss, or wave — whatever is the ritual.
Greet the infant and show him your apron with many pockets.
Say, “I have a special toy in my pocket. Come with me so we can see the
surprise together!”
Take the infant in your arms, say goodbye quickly to the parent and move to
a chair where you can sit with the infant.
Pull a toy out of one of the pockets (one you think will especially interest
the baby).
Say, “Here’s a new toy to play with. Look, you can squeeze this ball. Oh, what
happened when you squeezed it? It made a sound!”
Stay with the infant until he seems settled into the transition from home
to center.
Whenever possible, display photos of the children and their families at the
children’s eye level so that you can talk with the child about them during the
day. This will increase the infant’s sense of security. If parents cannot bring
photos from home, ask permission to take a photo of them with their infant
at the center.
Get to know the significant adults in the child’s family. This may include grandparents
and other relatives. Be sensitive to the fact that many families will be
blended families, with stepparents and stepbrothers and stepsisters.
As a teacher, you are one of the most significant adults in the life of the infant.
He will learn to trust you and feel comfortable with you if you provide him
with consistent, warm, and nurturing care.
Learn the names of siblings and pets so you can talk with the child about
them during the day.
Help infants and parents reduce the stress during transitions from home to
the center. Give them a warm welcome and use different strategies to ease
the infant into the classroom.