Something happened at Preschool a while ago which struck me, and has remained with me since. I was conversing with a small boy who had moved house over the weekend, and as he came into Preschool he had a very big smile on his face. I asked what it was like at his new house. He responded excitedly, "I've still got my two cats!" He then lifted up his jumper to proudly display his favourite avengers t-shirt - "and I've still got the same favourite t-shirt!"
What struck me, is that no-one had prepared the child for the idea that when we move house, our possessions go with us. Having mentioned this story, I've had feedback from several others of a similar scenario with other children - in fact, one child had thought her parents were leaving her behind on her own in the old house until they explained the process in more detail!
So, to that end, I have decided to investigate this particular transition as part of my BA (hons) Early Years final module with the Open University, which requires me to do a literature review on a subject of my choice and then plan a research project. The outcome of my research will result in a book to add to my 'Transition Story Books' range (see www.transitionstorybooks.co.uk for more information), with the intention of providing children with a fuller understanding of moving house and avoiding attaching negative emotions to this transition. In this way, not only will the research hopefully unpick the feelings children have about moving house within the write up, but it will also prompt positive action within the Early years sector and enable a smoother transition for children and their whole families as a consequence.
If you would like to contribute any stories relevant to this subject, please contact me on est19@uni.brighton.ac.uk, thank you.
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