THE AGE Newspaper Article of Monday October 9th 2006

Question:  What is the difference between the preschool curriculum and the prep grade curriculum? How do our children make the adjustment and is there anything we can do as parents?

Answer:

THIS is a good question to ask, as in some ways the curriculum and how teaching and learning strategies work in preschool and prep vary in Victoria.  There isn't an actual framework or curriculum document in the preschool area that all teachers use as a basis for planning and implementing experiences for children.  In some states and territories across Australia there are actual curriculum frameworks in early childhood, but not in Victoria. Generally a preschool curriculum is based on what is often known as a play-based curriculum. This approach reflects the particular stage of life a young child is in and bases its teaching and learning experiences around opportunities for children to actively participate, investigate, play and pursue projects of interest. Most preschool programs value outdoor learning equally to indoor learning.

The play-based curriculum is interpreted slightly differently by each preschool teacher, however most preschools value the play based curriculum as the best and most critical means of helping young children learn. Aspects of literacy and numeracy, problem solving, decision making and thinking skills are all part of the preschool curriculum. Literacy and numeracy in early childhood does not mean lots of formal learning with reciting the alphabet or counting formally, but rather, through the rich range of learning experiences through play that the teachers set up for the children.Many preschools, child-care centres and schools now meet regularly, have established networks and are working together to ensure that everyone in education is doing everything as consistently as they can to help children move from their early childhood program into school with a curriculum focus that is as similar as possible and responsive to young children.

In comparison, the prep and school curriculum is a framework and document across all state schools in Victoria. It is known as the Victorian Essential Learning's Standards. It covers a range of areas including literacy, numeracy, personal well-being, health, PE, history, and all key learning areas. How each school interprets and uses VELS can vary. Some schools are introducing or have introduced aspects of a play-based curriculum in their early years of school in order to support children's learning through a seamless transition as they move from a preschool or child care centre to school. Other schools use different teaching strategies. All schools however have responsibility to provide opportunities for literacy and numeracy and other key learning areas and use a variety of ways in which to engage children happily and actively in their learning.

 When children move from their early childhood program into school, parents often notice a difference between the preschool room and the classroom at school. Most often, the classroom may not have many play-based learning experiences so evident around the room. However, it is important to note that prep teachers are experts at helping children settle into school and adjust to the slightly different rules, expectations and teaching and leaning strategies.

 It is pleasing to report how many schools are now also introducing the play-based curriculum for children alongside other teaching and learning strategies. This not only helps with a child's transition, but helps to build a more consistent approach to teaching and learning between the preschool and first year of school. Most children are resilient and easily adapt to new situations. Parents will be pleasantly surprised at how quickly children make the adjustment into school. Parents can simply ensure that they understand about the preschool and school curriculum. Ask questions, spend time in the classroom or preschool, always ensure open communication with the teachers.

 These links between home and preschool and school are the best ways to help a child settle and make the adjustments into a new environment.

 Copyright  © Kathy Walker 2006

Kathy Walker is an education consultant specialising in early childhood and primary years and a former lecturer at RMIT University.