Preparing for Prep

PREPARING FOR

R P E P A booklet to encourage ‘I can’ skills and experiences for a great start to Prep.

It is our hope that this ‘Preparing for Prep’ booklet will inform and assist you and your child in preparing for a smooth transition into the classroom.

Social & Self Care Skills Fine & Gross Motor Skills Literacy Skills Numeracy Skills Each colour through the booklet represents areas of experience and skills that will help your child have a positive start to school.

As you read through this booklet with your child, please note each experience or skill with an ‘I can’ statement. These statements are an encouragement towards Prep readiness.

Social & Self Care Skills

I can listen to others.

I can follow simple rules and instructions.

I can use the toilet and wash my hands by myself.

I can care for my own things.

I can use manners, like ‘thank you’ and ‘please’.

I can be on time.

I can take turns and share things with others.

I can use my words, even when I am angry or upset.

I can try my best at new things, even when it is hard.

I can leave my family or carer confidently.

Fine & Gross Motor Skills

I can use my body to climb, jump and run.

I can catch and throw.

I can sort, stack and build things.

I can open and close my lunch box and drink bottle.

I can dress myself and do up buttons, zips and clips independently.

I can use scissors with care.

I can hold a pencil to draw and write.

I can draw and copy.

Literacy Skills

I can use my inside and outside voice.

I can speak clearly, and others can understand what I say.

I can listen to stories when they are read to me.

I can use my imagination and play with others.

Numeracy Skills

I can count things.

I can name colours and simple shapes.

I can sort things by colour, shape or size.

I can make simple patterns with things.

Tips on how you can help prepare and encourage your child for Prep

I can: • Be brave at drop offs.

• Stay with a trusted adult confidently.

• Use my words to express feelings; even when frustrated, upset or angry.

• Climb stairs independently.

• Dress myself and do up buttons, zips and clips independently.

• Use the toilet and wash my hands by myself.

• Hold and use a pencil and scissors safely.

• Use my imagination to create craft or draw independently.

• Listen and speak with others politely; using my manners, like ‘thank you’ and ‘please’.

• Look after my own belongings and share things.

• Apply sunscreen independently.

Parent Tips for starting Prep

• Be on time • Learn to say goodbye quickly and bravely.

• Have a conversation with your child, instead of screen time, to encourage social skills.

• Encourage your child to cut shapes with scissors to assist in developing fine gross motor skills.

• Read to your child daily to develop literacy skills.

• Provide opportunities for your child to have hands-on experiences, such as counting with clothes pegs or setting the table to learn numeracy skills.

balcc.vic.edu.au

Every Learner Reaching Their God-given Potential