The move from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) into Key Stage 1 (KS1) can feel like a huge leap. Play-based exploration suddenly meets more formal lessons, and both children and parents may feel the weight of new expectations.

In this episode of Am I The Teacher?, we explore how to make this transition smoother — protecting the joy of learning while introducing structure with care.

💡 Key Points Discussed:

• Balancing play with early academic expectations — why keeping creativity alive helps children adapt and thrive in formal learning.

• Easing anxiety for both children and parents — practical strategies to build confidence, manage worries, and create a calm transition.

• The power of teacher-parent communication — how consistency and shared language between home and school set children up for success.

✨ Key Takeaway:The EYFS-to-KS1 leap is as much about emotions as academics. When parents and educators work together, children can step confidently into structured learning without losing curiosity or joy.

🎯 Challenge of the Week:Choose one skill your child will need in KS1 — like sitting for a short period, following two-step instructions, or organising belongings — and practise it together in a playful way.

📣 Call to Action:Join the conversation and subscribe to Am I The Teacher? on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to follow this season as we unpack the different transitions children face — from early years to university and beyond.

Share your thoughts or reflections on this week’s challenge on our Facebook page ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/AmITheTeacher⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Stay Connected:Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/AmITheTeacher⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for resources, show updates, and more insightful conversations.

Download the My Genius Me App on Apple Store or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mygeniusme.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details.

Let’s embark on this transformative journey together! 🎙️