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Set for School!
Beststart has recently launched a new "Set for School" initiative across all its centers. Here at Beststart Paraparaumu, we are discovering new and exciting ways to integrate this initiative into our classrooms. This provides all tamariki, regardless of age, with numerous opportunities to explore various school readiness skills. These skills are further developed as their confidence, abilities, and interests grow, and as they transition into different rooms within the centre.
Many people believe that being ready for school means being able to read, write, and count. However, research has shown us that there is much more to being prepared for school. So, what does being "set for school" look like at BestStart Paraparaumu? In Harakeke, our room for tamariki under two, we provide resources to encourage the development of their fine motor skills, such as picking up small objects with their fingertips, using spoons to eat with and posting activities. Kaiako read stories with the children, nurturing a love of storytelling from a young age. Through this, the children learn how to hold a book, hear new words, turn pages, and form positive learning relationships with their kaiako. In Toe Toe, the toddler room, kaiako encourage tamariki to develop independence in self-help and care tasks. We adopt the "you try it first" approach to empower them, while also letting them know that we are here to help. As this is a crucial time for language development so we create a language-rich environment by reading books, singing songs, and engaging in small group activities.
An important school readiness skill at this age is learning social and emotional skills such as turn-taking, communication, problem-solving, and self-regulation. Kaiako use a variety of teaching strategies and resources to support tamariki develop these skills, and it is a fundamental part of our centre philosophy. In Pohutukawa, the preschool room, teachers build upon the foundational skills already developed and begin to provide more structure. Around this age, children have developed a solid understanding that words and numbers have meanings and uses. Kaiako follow and support this growing interest and understanding through activities and play so tamariki can begin using them themselves. Kaiako also promote and encourage self-help skills related to health and safety, thereby increasing their independence and readiness for school. Tamariki are supported to make healthy choices at kai times as well as how to open packets in preparation for school.
At BestStart Paraparaumu, you can see school readiness skills integrated into all activities and learning opportunities for all children. There is a natural progression of learning and skill development as tamariki transition from room to room. We believe that readiness for school involves a holistic exploration of skills through meaningful interactions and experiences. If you would like to see this in action, please feel free to visit us, we would love to meet you!