The Early Learning Centre is off to a strong start
Our year started with ‘Getting to know you’ interviews and we thank families for attending and sharing valuable information about their child. Building relationships with our families and children is in line with our ELC Philosophy, it underpins all we do. and ensures a smooth start to the year.
We believe in developing positive meaningful relationships with the children in our care, fostering a sense of belonging for the children and their families. Through these nurturing relationships, children feel safe, secure and supported in our Early Learning Centre.
This philosophy extends into the classroom, where the children have been enjoying getting to know their new classmates and teachers through a variety of games, activities and table seating arrangements. Lunch and snack times are very important as it is a time to sit, talk and get to know the teachers and each other.
The children are also enjoying getting to know the beautiful environment here at Tintern. The natural environment has led to many wonderful engaging play situations as the children dig for worms, hide in the bushes, run the path track, play with the water wheel, make sand cakes and explore.
Specialist programs are underway
The specialist program has commenced and this year we welcome back specialist teacher, Ms Brooke Mitchell.
The specialist program is an extension of the ELC program, whereby the children expand their knowledge and demonstrate their understanding through movement and music as well as exploring the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Maths (STEAM) plus our phonics program, Letterland.
Additionally, the Perceptual Motor Program (PMP) is part of the specialist offering, it aims to assist students to acquire efficient movement to promote and improve sensory function, develop gross motor skills and a positive self-image. While it is fundamentally a motor skills program, it also has a large component of language building embedded into it.
The specialist program also comprises a library class, which is a program designed to teach the children a variety of skills through author studies. They also have the opportunity to learn about the library and get to borrow books weekly.
How to support your children during this time of transition
We know that for some children this is their first experience away from familiar family members which means they may feel upset on being left at school. Here are some tips to help you support your child.
- On arrival, remind your child about their daily routine jobs – unpacking their bag into their locker and washing their hands.
- Saying goodbye – be honest with your child and tell them that it is time for you to leave. Let them know that you will be back. Even though there may be a few tears, often when parents are out of sight, children will settle happily into activities and the tears will ease. In our experience, it is best to not drag out the goodbye as this can increase separation anxiety.
- Do your best to feel positive and happy yourself. Children sense when their parents are upset or worried and this may increase their own anxiety.
- You are welcome to call the School anytime to check on your child’s progress. Please know that our staff will always call you if your child continues to be upset and is not able to settle.
Tintern staff are committed to ensuring that your child has happy experiences at school.
Most children settle after a few weeks. If you are concerned about your child’s separation anxiety, I encourage you to speak to your teacher or myself.
Kristin De Vos | Head of ELC
