Tiny Tots Graduating ... what do YOU think?

sodapop
Oh, the trauma of our schooldays!!
One of our junior school teachers could throw pieces of chalk with surprising accuracy, usually missing our eyes.

Some of the Y6s have ambitions for careers which I had never heard of when I was 11. They are so much more aware of the world outside the classroom these days.

my great niece has just had her nursery graduation, I think it is a lovely idea. Her parents have both died, her mum last November age 30 and their dad in March this year age 32. I wish my niece and her husband had been there they would have been so proud of their little girl. My great niece her ambition is to be a sweet shop lady, it really made me smile.

Why is it that, when some celebration is newly practised here, it's always "the Americans" who are held responsible? Why not blame ourselves for blindly copying without imagination?

In the Far East where education is paid for by the parents regardless of income (and therefore highly valued), graduation ceremonies for kindergarten children have been going on for at least since the 50s.

They don't have the tooth fairy there and I wonder how you'd feel if they expressed disgust and loathing at this "British import".

My dgs has just left infants and each child was presented with a certificate telling them 3 of the best things that their teachers will remember them for. I thought that was so lovely.

Isn't graduation supposed to mark and celebrate an academic achievement? And those who didn't achieve don't get gowned up to celebrate?

I can imagine some confused tinies wondering what exactly they've done to cause all this "celebration" and fuss, apart from showing up each day.

It seems a bit silly to me but if the kids enjoy it that's ok. I think the senior proms have gone OTT with people spending more and more on them, but the kids seem to love them. Sadly though ,some of them miss out because their parents can't afford to compete which is a shame
I really hope that the beauty pageants for kids don't become popular in this country though , I'm never convinced that those children enjoy it as much as their mothers

Ridiculous probably an idea that has come over from America along with school proms

It’s a silly idea but I’m sure the children were absolutely fine and enjoyed putting on a funny hat - which theyd probably made in class, having a photo taken and some party food. I agree it’s a silly idea but I don’t believed for one moment that you need to feel sorry for the children - they weren’t out under any pressure, it’s a bit of fun although not my cup of tea.

3 was mentioned by the OP

Is a 3 year old aware of the transition? I don't think so. Children live in the moment and are interested in all sorts of things.
We should not be foisting this nonsense onto them.

Look at Finland, they can start school at 7 and must start at 9.

Where did 3 year olds come from, these are little ones who have been at nursery/pre school for 2 1/2 years so they are "rising 5s".

It is if you like a "closure" and moving on to big school, celebrating all their milestones and looking forward.

Having been to our ACs Graduation Ceremonies which are sooooo long, the GCs "fun graduations" are just that fun.

Lessismore, the point being made is that many children didn't 'just get on with it', they found it much more of a challenge than if transitions are properly prepared for. I'm not suggesting that graduation ceremonies for three year olds are essential of course, just that preparation helps

My DGD had her last day at nursery today and has had 4 half days at her future school “getting to know” her classroom, her teacher and to make friends- some of whom are at her current nursery but nothing like all. I think as much is being done as possible to make this transition a smooth and happy one.
If she had a “graduation” ceremony today it will have been a sad occasion for her nanny whose last day it was too after I think 6 years with DD’s children. DD will herself have been at school, but perhaps Daddy was there to watch. One of the things non- teachers do not appreciate is that there is no flexibility to allow for attendance at other children’s activities such as Nativity plays or performances.

How did children manage before such elaborate marking of transition? Probably just got on with it.

Why draw attention to it.....especially at 3?

minimoo , thanks for your input on the issue of transitions. Like you, I made a number of significant transitions with no preparation at all. School in one town today, school in a totally different town tomorrow, no biggy

It isn't about making a Big Deal of transitions, it's about not ignoring the fact they're going to happen. My 4 year old grandson is leaving pre school for Reception. There have been some lovely things in preparation, not least a key ring for each child, which includes their photograph and what they told Miss X they want to be when they grow up. Just a lovely, small gift as they leave pre school.
Two weeks ago when he spent some time in Reception he came home to tell his mummy 'I don't want to go to reception mummy, and if I don't like it, I'll just come home:" He's now looking forward to it. The preparation for the transition has been so sensitively and calmly managed -thanks to the staff.

Sodapop?
Anyway. I enjoyed my little 3year old grandson's graduation....so cute with his cap and gown.....

Bring back the dunce's cap, the knuckle rapping ruler and the blackboard eraser which I remember being thrown at unsuspecting pupils.
Those were the good old days indeed,

Well I took some lovely photos.
Had a lovely time.?
My grandson was presented with a certificate and a beautiful book, as were all the children.
Each book had a personal message inscribed by the head nursery teacher.

The only difference from 30 odd years ago was the little mortar board and beautful sash complete with year and school emblem.
Handmade by a clever nursery teacher.?‍?

I hope my three Grandson's will have lovely memories of nursery and school.

Not sure about being stressful. At least they know and are made aware of changes. I was moved to a different school twice without being told about it and when I returned home from boarding school one Christmas, I was somewhat shocked to discover we'd moved house! No biggie said my parents. Hmm.

Well put Scentia.

That's a good point Scentia. I hadn't thought of it in that way.

Surely it is best to let your DC make these transitions with as little fuss as possible. They would be better just leaving nursery and starting school as if it is an everyday thing and not an event. Adds to anxieties in some children in my humble opinion. And this is the same for leaving primary and on to senior school, never mind proms, graduations etc etc. Just leave one and start another no biggie.

i attended my grandsons leavers assembly yesterday, it was a lovely occasion,yes they had mortar boards on that they had made and were given a certificate. they were also told how much they were going to be missed when they moved over to reception. they did some singing and a photo screening was shown of them with a photo of when they started to them now. lots of tears. it was also a thank you for all the staff for all their hard work. i work with uni students and these little ones were certainly better behaved

When did five year olds become “students”? They all seem to be students nowadays. To me, a student is someone who attends university or college. Everyone else is a scholar.??‍???‍?

No need for the sarcasm, I'm not an eco warrior. Good for you if you enjoy.

How does putting a cap and gown on a 3 year old build confidence?