Written by: Ms. Areeka Saeed
My journey from being an early-year practitioner to a lower primary teacher has been both enriching and transformative. Working in early years helped me understand the importance of nurturing, play, and emotional security in a child’s early development. These experiences laid a strong foundation for my teaching practice.
As I transitioned into lower primary teaching, I noticed a shift in learning expectations. While play-based learning remained important, there was a greater focus on structured learning, early literacy, and numeracy skills. Drawing from my early years background, I continued to incorporate hands-on activities, storytelling, and creative learning strategies to support children’s understanding.
This transition also strengthened my classroom management and planning skills. I learned to balance warmth with clear routines and expectations, helping children become more independent and responsible learners. Observing children grow academically and socially during this stage has been incredibly rewarding.
Reflecting on my journey, I believe my early years’ experience has made me a more empathetic and effective lower primary teacher. It has allowed me to support children holistically while guiding them confidently into the next stage of their learning journey.