4s on Friday (click here to view photos)
Idea: to support the movement of children (from one formal learning environment to the next) so that the individual considers s/he belongs and so that s/he can successfully engage and flourish in the new environment. The student will be set up for success (academically and socially) by facilitating their development as a capable learner.

The two prongs

Orientation

• Physical environment
• Structure of the day
• Personnel
• Routines
• RulesSome activities

Relationships

• Between student and the teacher, other staff, with students in the class, with students in the school, with their siblings and friends in the school context
• Between the family and teacher, staff, other families
• Opportunity to share and affirm the knowledge of the learner, information about school, ways to support school learning at homeOpportunity for two way communication, good will, mutual respect and partnership between stakeholders
  (families, ECE and school)

Also, there will be opportunities to recognise the continuity of learning journeys between environments.

Parental comments:

1. Knows where the classroom is –says that Room 8 is her room
2. We like the fact that children are reminded of the rules
3. It is good for shy kids to get a little more familiar with the room
4. Poems and big books are great
5. The carry on activities from the big books . . . makes them think about the story a bit more
6.   X reads through the scrapbook and talks about her work and the stories relating to it

General

• "It is the highlight of her week"
• “She really looks forward to coming”
• Dad – “She talks about it all the time"
• Sister – “She wants to come every day”
• “4s on Friday is an excellent programme. It is about children becoming familiar with the school environment, getting to know their teacher and some students. We really enjoyed being part of this programme”