Duntroon Playschool Philosophy
Duntroon Playschool strives to offer the children in our care a stepping-stone to independence and a transition from their parent or carer environment whilst supporting and preparing them at the beginning of their learning journey.
Our Playschool’s main aim is to provide opportunities for the children in our care to develop their social, emotional, educational and motor skills whilst becoming part of their community. They will develop abilities to allow them to interact cooperatively with peers and educators, as well as take responsibility for their actions, belongings and equipment.
At Duntroon Playschool, interactive and free play is the manner in which children exercise their physical, creative and cognitive resources. We are also supported by a structured program that is adapted where required to meet the needs of each child. Play provides opportunities for physical activity, the development of skills for social interaction, flexible use of material, expression of feelings and ideas as well as the spontaneous use of language. Play is the major means by which children explore and come to understand their world during their formative years.
What do we do all day?
A day at Playschool involves routine and are designed to prepare children for more formal school routine.
Each week has a different focus and the sessions have themes that can change depending on children's interests, the season and the learning outcomes of the program.
A typical day at Playschool involves
- 9.30am - Welcome and settle in time
- 9.35am - Inside play
- 10.30am - Mat time
- 11.00am - Morning Tea time
- 11.20am - Outside play
- 12.20pm - Story time
- 12.30pm - Home time
Outside Play
Every session at Playschool involves outside play. Some of the activities could include:
• Gross motor skill development through using a variety of climbing equipment;
• Running, jumping, skipping, hopping activities and games;
• Following small obstacle courses;
• Catching and throwing activities and games;
• Digging and imaginative play using sandpit toys and equipment;
• Creative activities using sand and water;
• Activities to develop muscular control and coordination;
• Exploration of the outdoors in all weather; and
• Gardening activities.
Inside Play
Indoor play at Duntroon Playschool changes weekly depending on seasons, children's interest and the curriculum.
Some activities your child will participate in include:
• Experimentation with paint and colour;
• Using manipulative and constructional toys, puzzles and blocks;
• Games to develop self-confidence and social interaction skills;
• Imaginative play in home corner;
• Early name, number, letter and shape recognition;
• Using materials and equipment that develop fine motor skills such as pencils, crayons, scissors, brushes, paper, paint, paste, play dough, scrap materials, fabric and fibres;
• Sorting and classifying objects; and
• Daily exposure to singing, listening to music, looking at pictures and books, and listening to stories.