Kindergarten marks a pivotal chapter in the lives of Australian children and their parents.
For little ones, kindergarten is their first big step into a wider world, a place for building social skills,
friendships, and a love for learning. For parents, it's a time of pride and transition, as they watch
their children embrace independence and embark on new challenges.
Our staff at A Country Garden celebrate this exciting phase, recognising its significance in shaping a
child's future beyond academic learning alone; it's a time of discovery, growth, and emotional
development. We blend the Montessori approach with the Early Years Learning Framework to
provide a nurturing and enriching environment with clear kindergarten curriculum guidelines. Our
focus is on fostering curiosity, resilience, and communication skills, laying a solid foundation for
lifelong learning.
In this article, we'll help you get an early start to kindergarten by exploring when to enrol, the types
of learning activities we offer, the inclusion support available, and so much more.
Getting an Early Start - When to Enrol in Kindergarten
Making the decision about when to enrol in kindergarten is a significant milestone for any parent, but there are some points to help you make your decision
Age Requirements and eligibility
In line with the kindergarten Australia age guidelines, children must have turned four years old by
July 31 of the year they start the program. The kindergarten Australia age criterion helps to align with
the developmental readiness of children to engage in structured learning and social interactions.
The Right Time for Your Child to Engage in Kindergarten Learning Activities
Every child is unique, and while age is an important factor, it's not the only consideration. When
considering when to enrol in kindergarten, assess your child’s emotional, social, and cognitive
readiness. For example, are they able to participate in group learning activities? Can they express
their needs and understand instructions?
Early Enrolment Benefits
Enrolling your child in kindergarten at the appropriate age offers numerous benefits beyond securing
a spot in your preferred institution. It marks the beginning of formal education, where they learn
essential social and academic skills. Early start kindergarten provides a structured environment
where children can explore, learn, and grow, ensuring they are well-prepared for the more formal
school setting.
Montessori Method: A Holistic Approach to Kindergarten Curriculum Guidelines
Our Montessori curriculum is a well-rounded educational experience, allowing children to advance at
their own pace, mastering core competencies in each area. Whether it is helping with reading for
beginners or an introduction to number games, we believe our methods offer a comprehensive
approach to developing functional independence, task persistence, and self-regulation, which are
crucial skills for lifelong learning
Key Areas of the Montessori Kindergarten Curriculum Guidelines
Practical Life
Kindergarten learning activities such as spooning, threading, and sweeping are not just about
mastering these tasks but about nurturing life skills. They teach children about caring for their
environment and themselves, fostering a sense of responsibility and independence. They also offer
opportunities to develop fine motor skills and coordination, which are fundamental in a child's early
development.
Sensorial
Children learn to differentiate sizes, shapes, colours, textures, sounds, and smells. We have a variety
of activities to promote sensory refinement, laying the groundwork for intellectual activities,
including problem-solving and critical thinking, setting the stage for more complex learning
processes
Mathematics
We work to help young minds translate abstract concepts into tangible experiences. By manipulating
materials and delving into number games, children start to understand digits, their values, and basic
operations like addition and subtraction. With a hands-on approach, we can help to demystify
mathematics, making it accessible and enjoyable, thus building a strong foundation for their future in
schooling.
Language
The language area of our kindergarten curriculum guidelines uses tools to foster literacy skills and
reading for beginners. Children explore the formation of letters, phonetic sounds, and, eventually,
the construction of words and sentences. This tactile and visual approach to language learning
enhances reading, writing, and oral communication skills, which are integral to effective
communication.
Culture
Our kindergarten teachers begin to introduce children to geography, botany, zoology, and more. It's a
holistic approach to learning about the world, different cultures, and natural sciences. These
activities impart knowledge and cultivate respect for diversity, inclusion support, and a sense of
global citizenship. Through these explorations, children develop an understanding of their place in
the world and their role in its preservation and enrichment.
Why Choose A Country Garden Kindergarten Program?
At A Country Garden, we recognise that kindergarten is a formative experience, not just in terms of
academic learning but in holistic development. Our kindergarten program, known as the Apple
Orchard Kindergarten (4-5 years), adheres to the Queensland Government Approved Kindergarten
Program, offering your child a nurturing and stimulating environment. We blend structured learning
with the freedom to explore, ensuring that every child receives a balanced and enriching start to
their educational journey.
Speak with our friendly team for more information on how to get an early start with our kindergarten
program. We look forward to hearing from you!
