Play-Based Learning

The Toowoomba Anglican School Kindergarten recognises the value and richness of play as a stimulus for children’s learning and their ongoing engagement in meaningful experiences. As children play they approach new and revisited experiences with interest, ownership, empowerment and possibility.

The pedagogical spaces are designed as open plan learning environments, enabling children to independently make their own choices and decisions about their play.

We believe that children learn effectively when exploring their own interests, engaging in hands-on experiences and having the time to revisit aspects of their play under the guidance and support of the teaching staff.

Through play at Kindergarten children are:

• Learning about and engaging in the community in which they live and building an understanding and respect for their own and others’ social and cultural heritage.
• Learning early literacy skills, including listening to, and being involved with, fiction and non-fiction texts. Gaining an awareness of the alphabet, initial sounds and rhyming words.
• Learning early numeracy skills through working with a range of manipulative materials to count, represent, order, sequence, solve problems and follow directions
• Exploring and interacting with different forms of technology including interactive e-boards, iPads and computers.
• Exploring, interacting and appreciating the world around them through exploring and creating with various art media; exploring nature and the joys of the outdoors; playing and investigating sand, water and other sensory materials. Experiencing music, rhyme and rhythm through intentional and play experiences.
• Actively engaged in negotiating and creating their play environments.
• Building personal and emotional resilience, independence and self-confidence.
• Developing increased control of their physical skills, and learning about personal health and hygiene. This includes developing gross and fine motor skills and being involved in movement and brain gym exercises.
• Exploring relationships and developing friendships and listening to and appreciating the ideas and thoughts of others. This includes discussing areas of interest with adults and children and learning to share their knowledge and ideas with others through engagement and enjoyment in the learning process.
• Recognised as competent and capable.