Date
31 July 2025

Create transition stories | Te waihanga kōrero whakawhiti

After observing ākonga, and before their first visit to the new school, create a transition story about where they are going.

"Mauri tū, mauri ora"

An active soul is a healthy soul.

Why this matters | Te take

Why this matters | Te take

Transition stories are a powerful visual tool for ākonga, helping to build confidence and provide a clear understanding of what to expect in their new learning environment.

MoE Inclusive Ed Transitions Illustrations 8 blue v2

Source: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga

Create a transition story | Waihangahia he kōrero whakawhiti

Create a transition story | Waihangahia he kōrero whakawhiti

  • Create a transition story that appeals to the interests and strengths of ākonga.
  • Use as many visual models as possible, which includes: videos, photographs, visual images of ākonga and the new teaching team.
  • Offer a transition booklet with photos of the classroom, staff, and daily routines.

Offer a range of transition resources and social stories | Ngā rauemi whakawhiti, kōrero pāpori hoki

Offer a range of transition resources and social stories | Ngā rauemi whakawhiti, kōrero pāpori hoki

Develop a range of social stories or visual guides to help ākonga become familiar with the new environment, such as:

  • timetables
  • lunch breaks
  • moving around the school
  • drop-offs in the morning
  • pick-ups in the afternoon.

Transition booklets | He puka whakawhiti

Transition booklets | He puka whakawhiti

Some transition stories can be made into digital or hardcopy booklets that ākonga can access anytime. They can take these to their new school at transition visits. It will help them feel safe and secure in their new environment.

Useful resources | He rauemi

Useful resources | He rauemi

Website

Transition video example

An example of how some ākonga feel about the transition to secondary school.

Publisher: Institute for Social Justice at YSJU

Visit website

File

Transition social story example

An example of how to use visual images to illustrate moving from one class year to the next.

Publisher: Ministry of Education NZ

Download

Next steps

More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Develop ākonga partnerships | Te mahi tahi me ngā ākonga”:

Return to the guide “Te Ara Ako – Learning pathways in times of change”

Guide to Index of the guide: Te Ara Ako – Learning pathways in times of change

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