Preschool

Yarralumla Preschool runs a play-based program that provides opportunities for children achieve their very best in learning as they discover, create, improvise and imagine. The learning environment is engaging and flexible and is responsive to children’s interests and abilities.

Overarching concepts to all that happens at preschool is the understanding that children’s lives are characterised by Belonging, Being and Becoming as outlined in the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). Decisions about the curriculum foster children’s learning in the areas identified by the five learning outcomes outlined in framework.

1. Children have a strong sense of identity

2. Children are connected with and contribute to their world

3. Children have a strong sense of wellbeing

4. Children are confident and involved learners

5. Children are effective    communicators

Outcomes are designed to be broad and observable so we can capture the unique learning and development that happens during early childhood — they acknowledge the complex way in which children make sense of their world through play.

Examples of inside activities include painting, play dough, puzzles, use of science and maths resources, drawing and cutting, technology through construction, stories, technology, building blocks, puppets, song, dance, imaginative play, dress-ups, Maths, Science, art, craft. Regular group times (small and whole class) to support learning is intentional and collaborative with the children and teacher are also an integral part of the program.

Examples of outside activities may include the use of the sandpit, bikes, swings, fixed playground equipment, balls, hoops, obstacle course, mud kitchen, gardening, sweeping/ raking, dinosaurs, water play, painting, cubby house, wheelbarrows, prams and babies, dress-ups and monkey bars. Children play outside for an extended period to ensure they have opportunity of deep learning through their play.