Pre Prep Program

Our Pre- Prep Program is one in which all children are valued as unique individuals with varying cultural and family backgrounds, experience, needs, strengths and interests.

We offer a warm supportive atmosphere that provides freedom and security in exploration and developmental thinking. Children are encouraged to make decisions and take control of their own learning.

There is a positive interaction between home, the centre and the community where parents feel welcome to participate in and enquire about their children’s learning.

We aim to ensure our children feel comfortable and secure with the surroundings, routines and the teachers.

OUR GOALS

Are for children to develop:

Literacy: Pre-reading and writing skills

The development of literacy is a social process. Children observe explore, experiment, role-play and copy both written and oral language.

Pre-reading and writing experiences include:
~   Letter recognition
~   Recognising the sounds that letters make.
~   Model writing: stories, journals, letters, writing in paintings.
~   Surrounding children with print that they may copy.
~   Helping children to write words that they ask us to spell.
~   Encouraging children to learn to write their name and recognise letters
     in their name.        
~   Teaching children how to hold a pencil correctly.
~   Writing for children in correct Queensland Modern cursive and teaching to
      form letters using this writing style.
~    Teaching children to follow correct print conventions
     (I.e. names have a capital letter followed by lower case letters)
~    Understanding the role of an author and an illustrator. 
~    Understanding story structure (beginning, middle and end).
~    Developing a love of stories and understanding the importance of literacy in our society.

Nursery

Children are natural problem solvers. They explore, experiment and discover as they play. They are also mathematicians who want to figure out relationships among objects. We encourage children to express and develop their logical/ mathematical skills and awareness as they solve problems through the day.

Numeracy experiences include:

• Understanding and exploring concepts such as height, weight, length, width,    

      volume, size and seriation

• Counting.

•  Recognising numbers.

•  Block play, sand play and water play which are which are wonderful problem

       solving experiences.

Language Development

Language development is of vital importance for the pre-prep child. To develop intellectually and socially,children need good communication skills. From 2-6 years of age a child’s vocabulary increases rapidly. Children experiment with words and use language to solve problems. Opportunities are planned where children can reason, predict, imagine, question, answer, demonstrate and report.

Staff model appropriate language for children, speaking clearly. Answering questions, questioning children and using language to express feelings and communicate needs to others.

Children’s attempts at communicating are valued and encouraged,

Activities to assist in the development of language include:
~    Story telling
~    Poetry
~    Puppet play
~    Writing stories with help of staff
~     Dramatic play
~     Painting and drawing
~     Reading quality stories
~     Show and tell

The Arts

Our Arts program encompasses visual arts, music, drama and dance. Children develop awareness and skills in artistry: creativity, symbolisation and aesthetic sensitivity. As early childhood educators our aim is to encourage children to recognise the value of the Arts. Through participation in our program children will develop their self-expression, work towards a personal style, technical proficiency and the ability to appraise their own and others work.

Our pre-prep children are all developing their creativity and artistic ability at different levels. Each day they explore and experiment with a variety of mediums and techniques.

Social Science

Through role-play, discussion, classroom projects and daily reading of a variety of fiction and non-fiction books children develop an awareness of their world and a wealth of general knowledge.

We observe children’s interests and provide materials and information to help children extend and explore various concepts and ideas.

Natural Science

In our program, the children are constantly involved in experiences that develop an awareness and understanding of scientific concepts.

Through experiences such as cooking, sand and water play, gardening, reading and scientific projects, children develop a knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts.

Listening skills

Listening, concentrating and following directions are of vital importance for children who are preparing for and about to enter a classroom environment..

We aim to extend and enhance the Pre-Prep children’s listening skill levels by:
~    Initially giving short, simple directions and only 1 or 2 at a time.
~    Regularly incorporating activities that involve a series of steps into the program.
~    Listening to tapes, asking questions after a story and encouraging children to  
       listen to show and tell.    
~    Concentrating on a story, song or game.
~    Concentrating on a puzzle
~    Participating in fine motor experiences such as cutting, clay, drawing.

Social and Emotional development

Within the program, children are constantly developing relationship skills. Children have many opportunities through out the day where they need to relate to others and work through relationship related problems. Staff talk through these problems with children and suggest strategies to help deal with difficult situations. Children are taught to express themselves with language and negotiate with their friends.

Parent Involvement And Support

Each of our families will have their own values, opinions, parenting ideas and cultural influences. To successfully develop and evaluate our program and policies we need your feedback. You may like to come in to read a story, share a skill or interest or simply observe. We value your participation.

Access To Information On Children’s Development

Our program is displayed on our notice board each week, which enables parents to gain an insight into their child’s day.

The program will give you information about goals and objectives relating to development areas.

Staff keep comprehensive development records detailing the ongoing progress of each child’s learning and development.

Parent interviews are available at your request any time throughout the year.