The SMILE Program
The school readiness room caters for 30 children aged 3½ to 5 years of age.
The children will participate in the SMILE Program.
The SMILE Program will offer the children exciting new challenges and benefits for school preparation. If you are a working parent who requires full time care for your child, this program would suit you.
The program is run by qualified staff who will be consulting with prep teachers, and will incorporate into the program their recommendations for school readiness.
What will be included into the program?
- Language and literacy
- Each morning the children will participate in a group learning experience, which will include simple phonics and letter recognition. A love of story telling will be fostered. Children will be encouraged to take a book home from our library, to be read to them by some-one at home.
- Numeracy
- The children will participate in a group learning experience which will include simple number value, adding and subtraction. These skills will be taught through group discussion, musical participation and expressive arts.
- LOTE
- Children will learn AUSLAN as a second language. Sign promotes an inclusive environment and language skills. As all schools require children to learn a second language in their curriculum, this enables children to adapt to the concept of using another language other than their own.
- Physical Education
- This program includes a planned physical education experience every day. Children’s physical, cognitive and emotional development is promoted with this program. Physical education is proven to enhance self confidence, group sport participation, reduces stress, assists with lowering obesity and educates children on the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
- Music movement and dance
- Children will participate in a planned music, movement and dance session each day. Music participation stimulates the imagination of children and helps with physical skills such as balance and co-ordination. This program benefits the children by introducing them to the first steps in learning an instrument and music involvement later in school.
- Art and craft
- Children will explore art appreciation through hands on experiences as well as group discussion. Exploring different art mediums, techniques, expression and sensory awareness will be covered in this area of learning.
- Buddies
- The children will visit St Brendan’s School for 1-2 hours per week. They will buddy up with the children from grade 5. This will enable the children to feel comfortable in the school setting, with older children and teachers, making the transition to school a less dramatic and emotional experience.
- Computer studies
- Children will learn to turn a computer on, use windows and Microsoft word, insert and run software, control the mouse and print work, making technology more child friendly.
- Free play
- Children will have the opportunity throughout the day, to explore their environment through free time. At these times children will initiate the activity they want to involve themselves in, encouraging social interaction with peers and development of their imagination.
- Outside play
- Free outside play times will coincide with the times allocated at school for lunch and recess, enabling the children to adjust to the school routine.
- Learning Journals
- We understand that due to time factor, parents and staff are not always able to discuss the children’s progress extensively before or after care. To alleviate this problem we will be introducing a learning journal for each child. This will enable the staff to document the children’s activities on a regular basis, so that parents can reinforce at home, what the children have learnt through the program.
How will I know if the SMILE Program suits my child?
This program encourages children to develop at their own rate in an environment where they feel comfortable, safe and not under any pressure of expectations. Our main goal is to foster high self esteem and a love of learning. Our program will be adapted as required to suit the needs of individual children.
This program will include excursions and incursions. We encourage parent participation and ideas and suggestions are welcomed.
The main goal of the program is to have each child ready to enjoy their first year of school, and to provide an environment that allows a smooth transition from our program to school.
Please contact us for more
information and/or enrolment details.