EDUCATE ME
Did
EDUCATE ME
Is your child ready for kindergarten ?
Deciding whether your child is ready for kindergarten can be a challenging time for parents . It ’ s a decision that has both short and long-term implications for both the child and the family .
Early childhood educators say that there are five key indicators that can help parents make this decision . To be successful in transitioning to school , which is a much more structured environment than pre-school , day care or the family home , children should be able to do these five things .
1 . Separate from their parents and play with peers without anxiety . 2 . Take instruction from another adult , such as sitting quietly when asked by another parent .
3 . Get dressed , put on their own shoes and toilet themselves . 4 . Follow multiple step instructions . 5 . Hold a pencil with the strength needed to write ( writing itself is not critical at this time ). Ms Kristy Lett , Instructional Leader from Mountain View Adventist College says whilst many parents are likely to look at a child ’ s
academic skills , such as the ability to count or recite the alphabet , the most critical skill a child needs to be successful for their entire educational journey is appropriate emotional and social maturity .
Whilst acknowledging the economic pressure that families are under , Ms Lett says “ Generally speaking , older is better . If a child struggles adapting to kindergarten , the academic and emotional wellbeing gap is likely to broaden over time and can be most acute as children become young adults in the later years of their schooling .”
If in doubt , she recommends contacting the school and booking in for a consultation .
“ We can provide strategies and resources to help families navigate this critical transition and set your child up for success .”
To contact us , visit mvac . adventist . edu . au or call on 9622 2424 .
New Triple Zero app making it easier for kids to learn about emergencies
Teaching schoolkids what to do during emergencies such as floods , storms and tsunamis is the focus of a new program launched by the NSW State Emergency Service ( SES ).
The Triple Zero Kids ’ Challenge uses online games , challenges , and schoolbased learning activities to deliver key safety messages about emergencies , including actions to take during one .
The challenge includes three new modules focusing on safety during emergencies , with lesson plans , learning activities , materials and resources provided to schools for each module .
The modules , which target children from kindergarten to grade two , have been developed with both national and state curriculums in mind .
The flood module examines the causes of floods , the dangers of playing in floodwater , and what to take if you need to evacuate .
The storm module focuses on the importance of preparedness and weather , while the tsunami modules look at warning signs , how tsunamis are monitored and what to do in one .
Game-based activities in the Triple Zero Kids ’ Challenge engage children in key safety messaging , including what to pack in an emergency kit , the importance of bringing items inside from a yard , and potential dangers in floodwater .
The Triple Zero Kids ’ Challenge App is available on Google Play and Apple App Store and will be rolled out across the state by NSW SES members .
All online modules and school resources are available free of charge . An online game platform for classroom play can also be accessed at kids . triplezero . gov . au .
Did
you know we offer OSHC and Vacation care for 5-12 year olds ?
LEARNING THROUGH PLAY At Kids ’ Early Learning Blacktown , we understand you and your child ’ s needs now , and as they grow and develop . Our caring , dedicated staff and unique learning environments will help your child reach their full potential .
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For more information and to apply visit : www . kidsearlylearning . com . au / What-we-offer / Family-Day-Care / Kids-Early-Learning-Family-Day-Care-Educator
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY HOLIDAYS ! ISSUE 33 // NOVEMBER 2023 21