POSITIVE TRANSITIONS TO SCHOOL
(SCHOOL READINESS)
Older Preschoolers are preparing for the adventure of a lifetime in school.
School Readiness Childcare
Whilst our program provides children with essential skills from the day when they first walk through the doors of Imagine Early Learning, the last year of preschool is used to hone in on these skills.
Small-group teaching, independent play in an organised environment and whole-group activities help children acquire skills to hop, skip, and jump into kindergarten.
During this time, we work closely with families to ensure consistency between home and the centre in preparing children for school. As well as one-on-one discussions with families, we also plan information evenings to discuss school readiness.
Kindergarten teachers from local schools are also invited to the information sessions to answer any questions from families.
THE OVERALL AIMS OF OUR SCHOOL READINESS PROGRAM ARE TO HELP AND SUPPORT CHILDREN TO:
- Develop a high level of self-confidence in starting school
- Have practical social skills to interact with confidence with peers and teachers
- Be able to ask for help and ask questions whenever necessary
- Develop self-help skills in dressing, toileting, opening lunch boxes, looking after belongings and so on
- Listen and follow instructions
- Handle change in an emotionally secure manner (this includes handling separation anxiety)
- Have good eye-hand coordination skills (handling scissors, correct pencil grip, using a ruler and so on)
Acquire a basic understanding of numeracy and literacy concepts. In conjunction with the curriculum areas described in the Preschool Program, during the second half of the year before children commence school, we also incorporate the following specific school readiness activities:
- Talking with children about school and encouraging them to ask questions or voice their concerns about school
- Arranging visits to local schools
- Inviting kindergarten children to come and talk with our preschoolers about their experience of school
- Reading stories about starting school.
- Including school props such as uniforms, bags, lunch boxes and chalkboards in dramatic play areas
- Supporting children to develop their self-help and social skills – looking after their belongings, being able to have the confidence to ask for help when necessary, resolving conflicts with peers, self-help skills in dressing, toileting, opening lunch boxes etc