3-5’S CURRICULUM
AT ORCHARD EARLY LEARNING CENTRE, WE VIEW SCHOOL READINESS AS SO MUCH MORE THAN A CHILD’S ACADEMIC ABILITIES.
Our School Readiness program embraces 21st Century research and several child development theories that have a strong focus on social and emotional development.
Today there is greater research on how we understand 'readiness' and the range of additional factors which may affect a child’s ability to adapt and cope in a school environment. At Orchard Early Learning Centre our preschool educators focus on readiness through the lenses of social competence, emotional maturity, language and cognitive skills, communication and regulation of emotions and fostering independence and self-help skills.
Our Preschools are run by 4–year bachelor–trained Early Childhood Teachers who work alongside qualified and experienced Diploma and Certificate 3 educators. We provide a school readiness program that builds knowledge, skills, and behaviours that enable children to participate and succeed in school.
CREATIVITY SKILLS
Creativity is a way of thinking or acting or making that is original. Our environments and resources can be used in a lot of different ways that promote and encourage a child’s creativity.
Important dispositions that underpin creativity are curiosity, motivation, risk-taking, open-mindedness, and the capacity to tolerate ambiguity.
COMMUNICATION & COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING
Before starting school, Preschool children must be able to clearly communicate their wants and needs through reciprocal interaction with others, both verbally and non-verbally.
They should be able to understand and answer questions and feel comfortable speaking with Teachers and other peers. These basic communication skills will form the foundation for future literacy skills.
CONFIDENCE & AGENCY
Children who have confidence in their ability to learn will be more motivated to try new things, show initiative, be curious and master essential skills.
Being confident to care for themselves and being self-aware are important parts of getting ready to attend Kindergarten. A Preschooler should be able to confidently care for themselves independently, such as get dressed in their uniform, brush their teeth, and open a lunchbox.
Supporting children's agency means recognising that children have a right to make choices about their own learning. Agency allows children to develop self-esteem, identity, independence and wellbeing.
CRITICAL THINKING
Critical thinking means judging the value of information and figuring out how to solve a problem or make a decision.
Critical thinking requires open-mindedness, curiosity, and thinking about others’ points of view.
RESILIENCE
Personality traits such as perseverance and persistence can change over time with the life experience of each child, however, are essential traits for a school environment.
Resilience is being able to bounce back from stress, challenge, adversity or trauma. When children are resilient, they're braver, more curious and more adaptable. Resilience can promote a sense of self-worth, self-belief, independence and optimism.