When children start Prep, they move to a more structured learning environment, but they continue to learn through play.
During play children make decisions, solve problems, develop thinking and teamwork skills, communicate, and develop a positive sense of themselves.
Types of play used to help Prep children learn may include:
- Manipulative: doing puzzles, make necklaces or constructions
- Games with rules: playing board and card games or outdoor games with rules
- Exploratory: using blocks to investigate weight, height, number, shape and balance
- Fantasy: children creating props for space adventures
- Physical: moving through obstacle courses, climbing and running
Other activities like music, painting and drawing encourage language, reading and writing skills.
Prep is the first year of school and provides the foundation of your child’s education. It is compulsory for Queensland children to undertake Prep prior to year 1. Prep is a full-time program in primary schools and has a defined curriculum. Children attend Monday to Friday, generally from 9 am to 3 pm.
Children must be 5 by 30 June in the year they enrol.