From Play to Learning: Fun Strategies for the Transition from Early Childhood Education to Elementary School

Abstract

The transition period from Early Childhood Education (ECE) to Elementary School (ES) is an important phase in a child's educational journey.At this stage, children experience significant changes in terms of the learning environment, teaching approaches, and academic demands.If not managed well, this transition can cause anxiety, a decrease in learning motivation, and even difficulties in adapting to new routines. Children who were previously accustomed to a play-based learning approach in early childhood education (PAUD) now have to start adjusting to a more structured learning environment in elementary school (SD).However, this difference does not have to be an obstacle.On the contrary, if the transition is carried out with the right and enjoyable strategies, children can enter the world of elementary school feeling happy, confident, and ready to learn. Therefore, it is important for educators and parents to design transition strategies that not only prepare children cognitively but also emotionally and socially.Fun approaches such as role-playing, storytelling, visits to elementary school, and project-based learning can serve as effective bridges in helping children smoothly transition through this period. This article aims to explore various enjoyable strategies that can be applied in accompanying children from the play phase in early childhood education (ECE) to the learning process in elementary school (ES), as well as providing practical guidance for teachers and parents in creating a positive transition experience.