Junior Joeys is a free Kindergarten transition program for children getting ready for big school.

Our Goal:

To provide an opportunity for children getting ready for big school to interact in a variety of social and educational experiences in a structured and fun learning environment.

Learning opportunities include:

Introduction to the school setting and familiarisation with school routines and environments by :

Exposure to social interactions with:

• Other preschool aged children;

• Older students through our Better Buddies program.

On going development of :

• Play using a variety of resources;

• Skills using scissors, pencils and other mediums, through art and crafts activities;

• Group activities playing games;

• Participation in music and dance activities;

• A range of gross motor and outdoor skills.

Exposure to activities involving:

• Literacy skills such as storytelling, and sequencing;

• Numeracy concepts such as numbers, matching, sorting and shapes;

• Learning technologies such as interactive whiteboards, laptops and iPads;

• Themed and dress up days that encourage creative and imaginative play;

• Science based activities that encourage inquiry learning and creative thinking.

The Learning Intentions of Junior Joeys

Numeracy To develop numeracy skills in counting 1 to 1 up to 20. To recognise numerals in the environment. To recognise and count groups of objects. To organise objects into categories. To create simple patterns. Be able to understand simple positional language.

Literacy To recognise and write their own name. To recognise some letters in print. To understand simple book conventions – title, author, illustrator, beginning of reading/writing. To recount a simple story in a sequence. Tells a story based on pictures. Gives a short speech to the group with use of prompts.

School Readiness Develop an understanding of the 5 L’s of listening. Develop an understanding of the feeling thermometer and how to solve problems in appropriate ways. Learn about the areas that are in bounds and out of bounds in the school. Following 2 and 3 step instructions. Organise equipment in the classroom (ie collect glue,scissors,pencils) and pack away after use. Take turns in games and in classroom activities. How do we move around the school.

Motor Skills Use scissors correctly to cut around an object. Develop a dynamic static pencil grip. Develop basic ball skills. Jump and hop in games. Develop balance. Develop confidence in using playground equipment.

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Testimonials from parents

What do you think your child gained from the program?

• “Definitely meeting some friends that will be in the same class; more interaction and being socially prepared for school. Knows what to expect when starts school, not so daunting.”

• “I think she will now feel a lot safer starting school next year after spending so much time there already and learning about what kind of things she will be doing.”

•  “A thirst to learn more.”“Confidence, friendships and an understanding of the school rules, systems and expectations.”

•  “His writing has already improved and he is excited to start school.”

•  “I think he is following directions better, his writing (tracing) is improving. He is very excited about starting school now.”

•  “Ready for Big School now!”