School Readiness
Our School Readiness and Kinder Preparation Program prepares children with the foundational knowledge and skills to transition confidently to any school setting. It combines school-styled workbooks with practical school readiness skills to develop a positive and confident attitude towards school.
Get Ready for School
During their final year of preschool, children participate in a comprehensive School Readiness Kinder Preparation Program that effectively targets core academic competencies and school readiness skills. As a result, this ensures children are well prepared to make a successful transition to any type of primary school environment.
Additionally, our program incorporates a series of workbooks that introduce children to primary school subjects in a traditional learning format. This is further complemented by a hands-on approach to teaching school readiness skills, such as proper pencil grip, cutting skills, letter and number formation, emotional regulation, following instructions, problem-solving, and concentration. Consequently, this multifaceted approach helps children build the confidence and skills they need for their educational journey.
School Readiness Program
- Demonstrates independence and self-help skills
- Ability to communicate and express thoughts and feelings
- Capable of listening attentively and concentrating
- Asks and responds to questions
- Ability to organise work
- Demonstrates problem-solving skills
- Ability to choose and respond to challenging activities
- Shows respect for the classroom and packs away
- Demonstrates fundamental movement skills
How Innocent Minds Supports School Readiness
The Innocent Minds classroom encourages children to take an active role in their learning. As a result, they explore, collaborate, and direct their own learning. Moreover, this structure encourages children to develop confidence, independence, and a positive approach towards school and life-long learning. Consequently, these skills help set a solid foundation for their future educational journey.
Supporting School Readiness Skills:
- Freedom of movement and choice
- Independence
- Decision making and problem-solving
- Collaboration and social skills
- Belonging to a community
School Readiness Booklets
School Readiness and Kinder Preparation Workbooks cover a broad range of primary school subjects. In addition, they provide extensive opportunities for writing practice, reading, problem-solving, counting, and classification. Furthermore, these workbooks are designed to engage children actively, helping them build essential skills and confidence as they prepare for their educational journey.
Supporting School Readiness Skills:
- Introduces children to primary school learning formats
- Extensive opportunities to practice literacy and numeracy skills
- Pencil-grip, hand-writing, and cutting skills practice
- Introduces children to language-based problem solving and comprehension
- Develops children’s understanding of subjects and topics introduced in Primary School
Daily Routines
Daily routines effectively prepare children for the structure of the primary school environment. Throughout the day, students not only engage in learning but also practice self-help skills, such as independent toileting, unwrapping their lunch, and putting on a hat and sunscreen. Moreover, these daily activities build their confidence and independence, setting a strong foundation for future success.
Supporting School Readiness Skills:
- The Innocent Minds Work Cycle develops children’s independence, concentration, problem-solving, and decision making skills
- Group times encourage collaboration, communication skills, and teamwork
- Show and Tell prepares children to communicate with confidence
- Self-serving meals and unwrapping lunches prepares children for independent mealtimes
- Scheduled school readiness time prepares children for the routine of primary school
School Partnerships Programs
Many Innocent Minds childcare centres have established school partnership programs that effectively connect children and families with local primary schools. In addition, they also provide opportunities for excursions and buddy programs, which further develop positive associations with transitioning to school. Moreover, these initiatives ensure a smoother and more comfortable transition for both children and their families.
Supporting School Readiness Skills:
- School excursions provide children with opportunities to experiences different primary school settings and developing feelings of familiarity
- Buddy programs help children learn how to socialise with older children and develop positive associations with school
- School Information Nights provide families with opportunities to connect with other families in the area and learn more about each local school’s offering
Practical Life
Through practical life activities, children gradually develop fine motor skills, independence, and essential self-help skills. Furthermore, these activities promote confidence and encourage a sense of responsibility, laying a solid foundation for future growth.
Core school readiness skills:
- Fundamental movement skills
- Distinguishes left from right
- Independent with self-help skills
- Ability to cut using scissors
- Ability to spoon, pour and transfer
- Ability to zip, button, lace, hook and snap
Sensorial
Through sensorial materials, children actively refine their senses and simultaneously develop the necessary foundations for language and mathematics. Additionally, these engaging activities enhance their observational skills and critical thinking, further supporting their overall development.
Core school readiness skills:
- Understands dimensions
- Recognises and names colours and shapes
- Distinguishes between textures, weights and temperatures
- Distinguishes between smells, taste and sound
- Understands and identifies difference
- Can classify and group objects
Mathematics
The mathematics materials not only teach children how to count, but they also help them sequence, add, subtract, identify patterns, and learn about number systems. In addition, these engaging activities encourage problem-solving skills and foster a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.
Core school readiness skills:
- Recognises and names numerals
- Counts by rote
- Relates quantities to numerals
- Relates decimal system to quantities to symbols
- Awareness of the function of addition
- Awareness of the function of subtraction
Language
Through language activities, children not only learn letter recognition but also develop skills in letter formation, phonics, vowels, and consonants, as well as the early stages of writing and reading. Furthermore, these engaging activities enhance their communication skills and lay a strong foundation for literacy development.
Core school readiness skills:
- Can follow directions and answer questions
- Can express thoughts and feelings
- Speaks in sentences
- Reads simple sentences
- Constructs phonetic and non-phonetic words
- Can write and recognise their own name
Culture
The Culture Curriculum introduces children to the arts, geography, science, environment, national culture, music, and history. As they explore these subjects, they discover similarities and differences while developing an understanding and respect for diversity. Moreover, this comprehensive approach fosters curiosity and promotes critical thinking about the world around them.
Core school readiness skills:
- Awareness of Geography, Botany, Zoology, Science and History
- Demonstrates an interest in culture and responds to diversity with respect
- Responds with appreciation to music & art
- Demonstrates creative interests
- Demonstrates awareness of social responsibility and sustainability
Early Years Learning Framework
Through the EYLF, children not only develop a strong sense of being but also cultivate a sense of belonging and becoming. Additionally, this framework encourages their personal growth and helps them build meaningful relationships within their community.
Core school readiness skills:
- Children have a strong sense of identity
- Children are connected with and contribute to their world
- Children have a strong sense of well-being
- Children are confident and involved learners
- Children are effective communicators
What are the signs when you need a School Readiness program?
Recognising when your child needs a School Readiness program can be key to their development. If your child shows curiosity, a desire to learn, or needs more structured social interactions, these could be signs that a School Readiness program is beneficial. Additionally, if they’re approaching the start of primary school, enrolling them in a structured School Readiness program can help them transition smoothly.
How can Innocent Minds help to take care of the School Readiness program?
At Innocent Minds, we specialise in preparing children for the next step in their education journey. Our School Readiness program is designed to nurture both academic and social skills, focusing on individual growth and development. Our team provides personalised learning plans to help your child become confident and well-prepared for primary school.
What is the process of the School Readiness program?
The School Readiness process at Innocent Minds begins with an individual assessment of your child’s needs. From there, we create tailored learning activities that focus on academic foundations, emotional development, and self-help skills. Through interactive and hands-on learning, your child will develop essential competencies like letter recognition, counting, and following instructions, all while building confidence for the primary school environment.
Why choose Innocent Minds?
Innocent Minds is the trusted choice for families looking for a comprehensive School Readiness program. Our tailored approach, experienced educators, and engaging learning environment ensure your child is well-prepared for their next step into primary school. Choose Innocent Minds for a strong start to your child’s educational journey.
Contact Us for More Information
Most children start School Readiness the year before primary school.
The program runs for 12 months, but can vary depending on individual needs.
Your child will learn academic, social, and self-help skills.
Yes, our program is flexible, allowing mid-year enrolment.
While it lays a strong foundation, individual success also depends on continued support.
You can visit the Australian Government’s Early Childhood Education resources for further details.