As we approach the end of the year, many families in our preschool room have started asking about their children’s development, particularly in numeracy, literacy, and the transition to school. At Gowrie NSW, we value these conversations as a chance to deepen our partnerships with families. Recently, we held a family information evening to share insights on how we foster these essential skills through contextual, interest-based learning.
This blog will explore the significance of family engagement in early education, the role of partnerships in children’s development, and how we work together to support a smooth transition to school.
Why Family Engagement Matters
Research consistently shows that children benefit when their families actively participate in their education. Engaging families not only enriches children’s learning experiences but also strengthens the bond between home and school. This connection allows us to work together to meet each child's unique needs, paving the way for educational success.
At our recent information evening, we took time to discuss the importance of early numeracy and literacy skills and how parents can support these at home. Parents were able to ask questions and share their thoughts, making the event a collaborative experience that emphasized the role of families in educational development..
Interest-Based Learning and Skill Development
Our approach at Gowrie NSW centres around contextual, interest-based learning, where children’s interests shape the learning experiences we provide. By focusing on topics that captivate each child, we naturally embed numeracy and literacy learning within their play and everyday activities. This approach not only makes learning enjoyable but also builds a strong foundation for formal schooling.
During the session, we shared how everyday activities can reinforce skills like counting, recognising letters, and developing language. Simple actions, such as reading together or discussing numbers during play, create meaningful learning moments that extend into the home environment.
Preparing for Transition to School
Transitioning to school is a significant milestone for children and families alike. To ease this process, we offered families practical tips and resources to support their child’s development. Each family received a resource bag filled with information and activities focused on literacy, numeracy, and school readiness. These resource bags act as a bridge between our centre and home, encouraging families to continue the learning journey beyond the classroom.
Our team also highlighted the importance of skills beyond academic readiness. Social, emotional, and self-help skills are essential for a successful start to school, and we provided parents with ideas on nurturing these skills at home, reinforcing that learning is holistic and should be inclusive of all areas of development.
Promoting Equity, Inclusion and Reflective Practice
At Gowrie NSW, we are guided by principles of equity, inclusion, and social justice. Our information evening reflected these values, demonstrating our commitment to inclusive education and ensuring every family feels welcome and supported. We discussed how critical reflection enhances decision-making and planning, creating a learning environment that respects diversity and promotes equity.
Our goal is to include all children and families in our planning, allowing for a rich tapestry of experiences that value and celebrate differences. We believe that partnerships with families are essential to building inclusive and supportive learning spaces, where each child feels valued and ready to thrive.
By fostering strong partnerships with families, we can provide a nurturing environment that supports every child’s growth and development. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us.
