Our Focus/Goals
At Enfield Folland Park Kindergarten our curriculum incorporates many special features which contribute to successful learning outcomes for the children in our care.
1. Folland Park Reserve
Enfield Folland Park Kindergarten is hidden amongst suburbia as it is nestled in the peaceful surroundings of Folland Park Reserve. Our beautifully maintained yard is the perfect place for children to explore their world as they; care for the vegetable garden which provides them with sensory experiences, look in the pond for tadpoles or frogs, dig in the mud patch, build in the sandpit, learn about water conservation, engage in make believe play, explore their creative abilities, and participate in group activities.
2. Literacy Focus
At Enfield Folland Park Kindergarten we have a strong focus on literacy. As part of our curriculum we encourage and foster the development of reading, writing, listening, viewing and speaking at every opportunity. Our program consists of many songs, finger plays and action rhymes, reading and oral stories which are repeated so that children are able to learn them well.
Stories are read to the children every day throughout the session and our 'reading corner' is set up in such a manner as to encourage the children to settle comfortably and enjoy reading on their own or with friends.
We also have a 'writing corner' situated inside the kindergarten. Here there is a strong emphasis on practicing and experimenting with making marks on paper, holding our pencil correctly, recognising and writing our names, (with the help of our individual name tags) writing our own books, drawing pictures and other activities.
Finally, Literacy Packs are available for borrowing by parent/caregivers. These packs may include a story book, tape and questioning cards, they are designed to support the literacy development of the children at home, promote a positive attitude towards reading and also encourage positive relationships between parents/caregivers and their child.
3. Numeracy Focus
At Enfield Folland Park Kindergarten we provide many opportunities for children to develop an understanding of mathematical concepts.
Some of the mathematical concepts included in our program include:
- Shape and space
- Measurement
- Number
- Time
- Location and arrangement
- Data
Teachers program for a variety of activities that explore these concepts through either group or play based learning for example puzzles, games, counting, songs, finger plays, action rhymes, stories and birthday celebrations.
Teachers make the most of 'numerate moments' where children show an interest in mathematics during their play as they appear during any indoor or outdoor activity so that the children can appreciate the value and importance of number and other mathematical concepts in their everyday lives.
4. Fine & Gross Motor Focus
We continually provide children with fun experiences that involve practicing and developing fine and gross motor skills.
Gross motor skills are defined as the movements of the large muscles of the body. Activities that foster the development of gross motor skills include hopping, jumping, balancing, climbing, throwing and catching a ball etc.
Fine Motor activities involve children using their arms, hands, fingers and eyes. Fine Motor Coordination is a forerunner to the pre-schooler learning to write and is therefore an important part of our kindergarten curriculum. Some examples of activities in our curriculum that develop fine motor skills are cutting, pasting, drawing, writing, threading, puzzles, play dough manipulation etc.
All the children are encouraged to have a go and practise each new skill and are given considerable positive reinforcement so that their self-esteem in this area is enhanced.
5. Health and Well-being
The early childhood years have long been recognized as a critical period in a child's development. Research has shown that children's physical, emotional and social development can be highly influential on a child's future success in education.
We believe developing children's well-being and involvement increases their general development and ability to learn.
Exposing children to a nutritional diet is crucial for healthy physical growth, emotional development and a positive outlook on life. Therefore we model, promote and program for healthy food at snack times and provide nutritious cooking experiences throughout the curriculum.
6. Diversity
We believe that all children are diverse by nature, and are entitled to a learning program that recognizes and values the needs of all learners.
No two children are the same. Just as their personalities, likes, and dislikes differ, so do their learning styles. Children will therefore approach things differently.
In our program we plan various activities to meet the needs of each of the children within the group setting. By doing this we will develop each child's abilities to their fullest.