The term "curriculum" is used to describe the sum total of the experiences, activities and events, whether direct or indirect, which occur within an environment designed to foster children's learning and development.

At Bentleigh West Kindergarten we view children as competent learners. The Kindergarten's curriculum is based on a philosophy of teaching in a manner that is creative and stimulating, with a focus on learning from the child's perspective. Close observation of each child allows our staff to identify interests and strengths which are then incorporated into the curriculum.

Throughout the curriculum, the emphasis is on learning through play. Play is how young children acquire the foundation knowledge for later formal learning (language, art, mathematics, science, social studies), while at the same time they are developing a love of learning and the all-important social skills necessary for a smooth transition to school.

"Young children must play to learn. Play for a child is serving just as serious a purpose as a day in the library for a research assistant."
Rosemary Milne, Marketing Play, 1997, p130

Indoor/outdoor play
While most kindergartens have a set period of "outdoor play", our kinder offers an innovative curriculum where learning experiences are available indoors and outdoors throughout the session. This means that the children have the freedom to choose the environment according to their specific interests and needs at the time. This type of curriculum enables the children to develop problem-solving skills and confidence in their ability to think and develop ideas.

It is important to remember that the outdoor environment provides the children with as much learning as the indoor environment. Both areas offer opportunities for early literacy and numeracy, building relationships, and encouraging perseverance and cooperation.

Gardening, healthy eating & sustainable living
Children grow their own vegetables, fruit and herbs and learn about healthy eating as they harvest and prepare their own food. They also learn about sustainable living through hands-on experience in recycling, composting, worm farms and water conservation. Our outdoor spaces offer children the chance to safely explore the natural world amongst plants, sand, stones, water and soil.

Creativity
Parents are amazed (and envious!) at the exciting range of art materials at hand. Children have access to materials and tools that allow them to play with colour, shape and texture, in two and three dimensions. As well as the old favourites - paints, boxes, cutting and pasting - the children enjoy painting with shimmering metallic colours, modelling weird and wonderful creations out of plastic polymers, and exploring many other open-ended creative activities.

Puzzles, blocks, games, toys...
In recent years our kindergarten has culled the dated and uninspiring, resuscitated the quality classics, and invested in high-quality new toys, games and equipment. Recent purchases include low tables laid out with beautifully detailed wooden toys (from a complete airport to a wonderful pirate ship!), a collection of multicultural toys and resources, and baskets of unusual natural materials. The emphasis is on providing high-quality, sustainable products that facilitate exploration, imagination and cooperative play.

Child-centred learning
Our teachers are constantly planning and adapting the curriculum to build on children's interests and learning processes. For example, a series of questions about how letters are delivered led to children setting up their own post office, writing, mailing, sorting and delivering letters, and going on an excursion to a real post office. This flexible, responsive approach offers rich learning opportunities and builds the foundation for a life-long love of learning.

Further information
Are teachers are experienced, passionate educators who welcome the opportunity to talk to parents about the curriculum. Please drop in to the kinder, or contact us to arrange an appointment.