Program

The kindergarten program is centered around PLAY. Play makes a major contribu-tion to the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of children. The development of skills and competencies is promoted largely through play, sup-ported by a variety of materials and a wide range of experiences, under the direc-tion and guidance of the teachers who understand and value play as an avenue for learning.

Activities, both indoor and out, may include painting, pasting, drawing, playdough, clay, sand play, climbing, construction and so on. We also offer group experiences, both formal and informal, including music, drama, movement, science, discussion, stories and so on. We encourage the children to explore, experience, to develop skills. We encourage them to become independent and confident in readiness for going to school. We encourage them to interact with other children, to form rela-tionships. We involve them in pre-reading, pre-writing, pre-number activities neces-sary before they move on to school.

We plan for both the group and the individual child. In this regard we value infor-mation parents may give us. We need to work together to achieve the best out-come. Please become involved, share in your child‟s first steps out into the world. Mothers, fathers, grandparents and siblings are always welcome at kinder. This helps to break down the barriers and add to the confidence of the child. Children who feel happy and secure, feel their parents are interested in their lives, will go on to settle in easily at school. Kindergarten can pave the way their whole future development will take.

The 3 year old groups operate in a similar way to the 4 year old groups remembering of course that these are very young children. Most 3 year olds have a fairly short span of concentration and interest. They are usually not yet ready to follow com-plex instructions. They have limited manipulative skills (such as using scissors). Some 3 year olds lack confidence in new and different situations, away from family. This is quite normal and there is no need to force the child who is not ready. They will have another chance at 4 years old. For those who are ready, 3 year old pre-school provides a valuable social experience.

The programs for the 4 year old and 3 year old groups are displayed on the notice board each week for parents to observe.