 There are up to 20 children in this room aged between 3-6 years with 4 experienced staff. The room follows a set routine with small-group learning experiences occurring in the morning and a whole-group music experience in the early afternoon. We also have a daily Morning Meeting, which gives the children an opportunity to share news and contribute to the programming within their room. The routine can be flexible dependant upon what is happening within the room and on each day.
We believe children need to be respected for who they are and what they are capable of doing, encouraged to have a go even if mistakes are made: often mistakes create opportunities for learning. This room is where they learn all the skills required for "big school". The children learn: how to be an individual but be able to work with others, self help, research and investigative skills, how to problem solve and express their thoughts. Whilst learning these skills the usual Numeracy and Literacy skills are incorporated through implementation of our school readiness program.
The Service philosophy and planning process is based firmly around the children "learning through play and in harmony with each other, the environment, staff and families". We endorse parent and family participation and contributions to the programme and encourage a "Stay & Play" programme that allows parents to stay and play for a short time with their child in the morning.
In this room as in the others, staff members take photos of your child's day and place them on a computer slideshow that is based around the daily programme. You can view this slideshow at pick up time and see first hand what has happened throughout the day. These photos are also used to program for your children. Photos are then downloaded onto a disc at the end of the year and sold to the child's families.
The children's backyard is natural and encourages exploration, curiosity and imagination. The staff members in this room offer opportunities for the children to be challenged and experience success from the activities offered. The staff members use Team Teaching as it utilises the strengths and interests of the staff so that all of the children can benefit from their expertise.
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