Mothers’ perspectives and engagements in supporting children’s readiness and transition to primary school in Indonesia

Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of this research is to analyse the nature of mothers’ perspectives and engagements in supporting children’s readiness and transition to primary school. This research considers how mothers in Indonesia prioritise certain aspects of school readiness and implement these in practice. This study was conducted using a qualitative approach. There were 35 mothers who agreed to take part in the FGD (Focus Group Discussion). The results showed that there were three key variables that emerged from mothers’ perspectives and engagements in supporting their children, those are academic skills urgency, practical issues and mothers’ expectations toward school. The findings of this study have demonstrated that most mothers focused on teaching academic skills with the aim of making their children be ready to learn subjects in primary school. This study concluded with directions for informing mothers to facilitate children with experiences that prepare them for the transition. The importance of collaboration with teachers is also discussed.