Family Educator
Trish Green
School Readiness Playgroup
We’ve had an exciting return to Playgroup over the past few weeks and we’ve seen some new faces too. Our playgroup builds critical transition skills through play, craft and social interactions.
Big Steps Start Small: Inside Our School Readiness Playgroup
The transition to "big school" is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel like a giant leap for both children and parents. In our School Readiness Playgroup, we focus on making sure that leap feels like a natural next step.
A common misconception is that school readiness means drilling flashcards, memorizing ABCs, and sitting perfectly still at a desk. In reality, early childhood research shows that the most critical building blocks for school success are social, emotional, and physical skills—all of which are best developed through intentional, play-based learning.
Here is a look at the major milestones your little learners are practicing every single week in playgroup:
The Power of Self-Regulation and IndependenceBefore a child can focus on a reading lesson, they need to know how to manage their feelings and navigate a classroom routine. During our sessions, we practice transition cues, encourage packing up toys, and guide children through structured group moments. Simple acts like hanging up their own bag or managing their drink bottle build the self-help habits they will rely on daily in kindergarten.
Social Connections and CooperationSharing a popular toy, waiting for a turn on the slide, and listening while a peer speaks are complex social arts. Our collaborative play setups encourage children to negotiate, communicate, and solve minor conflicts with their peers. These moments build empathy and the cooperative skills necessary to make friends in a larger school environment.
Fine and Gross Motor MasteryHolding a pencil and cutting with scissors require significant hand strength and coordination. We weave fine-motor development into everything we do, from squeezing playdough to threading beads and using tongs. Meanwhile, our active outdoor games build the core strength and balance children need to sit comfortably at a table or rug during school instruction.
Listening and CommunicationFollowing a two- or three-step instruction (like "Put on your hat, grab your shoes, and line up at the door") is a fundamental school skill. We practice this through interactive storytelling, action songs, and group games. These activities expand vocabulary, stretch attention spans, and help children learn how to follow directions in a group setting.
How You Can Keep the Momentum Going at Home
School readiness doesn't stop when playgroup ends! You can support your child's growth each week with a few simple routines:
Practice Independence: Let your child dress themselves, open their own lunchbox containers, and put away their shoes.
Talk About Feelings: Read books about starting school and ask your child how the characters might be feeling. Validate both their excitement and their worries.
Play Board Games: Simple games like Snakes and Ladders teach children how to take turns, follow rules, and handle the emotional challenge of losing gracefully.
Every puzzle piece matched, every block tower built and every shared laugh at the craft table is shaping a confident, curious, and resilient student. We love watching your children grow in confidence each week, and we look forward to continuing this exciting journey alongside your family!
We had a lesson in Week 2 with Bee-bots and Coding with some very special guests from Year 5 to help. In Week 3 we focussed on Colours and following directions. Each week you will receive a take home flyer to put on your fridge to give you prompting ideas to help your child learn.
Online Book of Remembrance
