PRE PRIMARY DEPARTMENT – ‘Little Saints”

Grade RRR: 3-4 years
Grade RR: 4-5 years
Grade R: 5-6 years

The weekly programme includes the following :

• Music/Singing
  
• Religious Education
  
• Computers (Information Technology)
  
• Movement activities and
• Playball ( Compulsory)

These skills are taught in a fun filled and relaxed manner using educational games, free and organised play ,as well as through discussion rings and activities. Phase Organisers (Themes) are changed weekly and are related to the learners environment.
From Gr R the learners are encouraged to participate in extra-mural activities offered free of charge, by the school:

• Mini Cricket
• Mini Hockey
• Mini Soccer
• Swimming

EXTRA LINKS

• ST. CONRAD'S COLLEGE LEARNERS' PRAYER - see ACADEMIC

HOW PARENTS CAN ASSIST BEFORE THEIR CHILD ENTERS "LITTLE SAINTS"

• Encourage independence in bathing, dressing, undressing and lacing of shoes.
• Children must be taught to respect the toys and games they choose to play with and to pack them away after use.
• At all costs do not wait on your child but encourage them to do as many things as possible for themselves. An excellent example would be to involve them in household chores. These activities will develop their motor skills, confidence, independence and social co-operation within the family unit.
• Encourage a sense of order and routine in your child and remember that you are the role model. Control the programmes and the hours spent in front of the television.
• Spend time with your child e.g. reading stories and rhymes to them; communicate continuously to develop language skills; demonstrate through words and actions that you love your child; play with your child, from hide and seek to board games (especially child initiated activities. Remember that your child needs BOTH quantity and quality time with you, but they will also understand if you are doing the best you can.
• Teach them a sense of responsibility by making them look after their belongings.

"You may have tangible wealth untold, caskets of jewels and coffers of gold, richer than I you can never be "- I had a mother who read to me.

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES

• SENSORY ACTIVITIES

Free and guided activities to promote sensory integration.

• PERCEPTUAL SKILLS

Development of skills in visual and auditory perception.

• NUMERACY SKILLS

Fun with numbers using sensory and concrete apparatus including extension work.

• PRE-READING SKILLS

Development of pre reading skills within the framework of our perceptual programme including auditory phonics.

• LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

News, stories, show and tell, discussion, word and variety of language games.

• PRE WRITING SKILLS

Basic pre-writing skills that lead to writing readiness.

• FINE MOTOR SKILLS

Exercises and activities to develop better control of the muscles of the fingers and hands for writing, including sensorial and two dimensional activities.

• RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Bible stories and related activities

• GRACE SAYING GRACE BEFORE MEALS AND HAVING COURTESY TOWARDS OTHERS

Lunch and table manners.

• ENVIROMENTAL AWARENESS

Themes and discussion.

• DEVELOPMENTAL PLAY

• PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Gross motor skills and games, Playball, kick, throw and catch, use a skipping rope.

• MUSIC AND SINGING

• CREATIVE ACTIVITIES

Activities designed to develop outcomes such as the sharing of ideas, decision-making, problem solving, responsibility and teamwork.

• PARENT PARTICIPATION

Parents need to support their children in all school activities.
Avoid spoiling them with too many rewards and gifts but rather instill in them a sense of pride in being self motivated.
Responsible parents encourage self - confidence and independence in their children. Allow children to set their own goals and support them.
Be prompt and punctual with all school requests and returns
Help them to be ready for school by having them there on time. If they are late for ring time, they arrive agitated and they miss a very important part of the programme.

DAILY PROGRAMME

GRADE R - RECEPTION YEAR

We follow the same daily programme as set above for the Grade RR and Grade RRR classes but have additional ring times.

We promote the following:

• Visual perception skills
• Auditory perception skills
• Language development skills - including pre-reading skills
• Cognitive development skills - including numeric - pre-math skills
• Body awareness
• Concentration and attention span

In June learners will be evaluated by means of a school readiness test to assess which skills need to be worked on during the second half of the year to ensure that they have mastered the skills necessary for the more formal environment of Grade One.

Emotional and social skills are also of great importance to us as we embrace a holistic approach to education as we strive to develop your unique child.