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Frequently Asked Questions
What are fine motor skills?
Fine motor skills involve coordination and control of the small muscles in the fingers and hands. Fine motor skills are necessary for everyday life, not only whilst children are at school. These skills are used in many daily activities such as cutting, writing, doing up buttons, opening lunch boxes and more. Efficient fine motor skills are necessary in order to become independent learners.
For more detailed information:
http://ncac.acecqa.gov.au/educator-resources/pcf-articles/Supporting_children's_development_fine_motor_skills.pdf
My child participates in a school readiness program at preschool. Do they need to come?
Preschools are a great place to prepare children’s social and emotional development. However, not all preschools explicitly teach fine motor skills, language development and early literacy/numeracy skills. Preschools often focus on learning through play, which is necessary for many reasons. But it is extremely important to have some structured activities in your child’s day, especially in the year before they start school, as schools are very structured. A child who has been playing all day at preschool or at home, will find it difficult to sit and listen in the classroom.
The difference at FINE for School is that parents are educated alongside their child. Parents don’t usually get to see their child learning, or know how the teaching is done. This program allows parents to learn how to teach their child confidently and correctly so children can continue this practice at home.
What is sound box news?
Participants are required to bring in an item for news that starts with the focus letter of the week. During sound box news, children are required to describe their chosen item to the group. The educator will assist in extending children's language by asking questions or prompts to add further description about their object. This helps develop their oral language skills, which is necessary when children start composing sentences to write. Having the correct language and structure of a sentence will allow children to enhance their writing capabilities.
Why only groups of 4 -6 children?
Research shows children learn better in smaller groups. Classroom teachers teach in small guided reading, writing, spelling and math's groups, with 4 to 6 children. This helps children feel comfortable and builds their self-esteem, so they can shine like stars!
Why is structured learning important?
Structured learning is important for development. This is how kindergarten classes operate. Children need to complete work on time, listen attentively and be independent. Structure and routine is essential in a classroom, so children need to have practice applying themselves to a routine and participating in a structured learning environment.
Who are these classes for?
FINE for School is for children the year before they attend kindergarten. It assists children with skills that would help them be ready to learn in a kindergarten classroom. Parents/Carers stay and work with their child during each lesson, to empower them with knowledge about how to help their child with early literacy and numeracy skills.
Who can attend with my child?
Any family member or authorised carer. Grandparents are most welcome to attend. Only one adult per child please.
Does the program guarantee that my child will be ready/fine for school?
When considering whether to send your child to school, multiple considerations must be taken into account - social and emotional skills, maturity, physical development, academic needs, independence with eating, etc. Each child develops differently and at different times. FINE for School helps children become ready for school, so the transition is smoother. But there is no guarantee that participating in the FINE for School program, that your child will be ready for school, as there is so much to learn and consider.
Parents know their child best. Preschool teachers see the whole child and may have some advice for you. Also, there are plenty of resources sheets and websites that can assist you in making this decision.
Will my child need to attend Speech and/or Occupational Therapy?
If your child’s preschool teacher has recommended therapy, or you think they need to see a specialist, you will need to contact a speech therapist or occupational therapist to receive an individualised assessment and/or intervention program.
FINE for School classes will help your child while they are on a waiting list to see a specialist. It could be an extra supplementary activity you participate in with your child to further boost their confidence in a small class learning environment.
Why are siblings not allowed?
Siblings are not allowed to attend classes for two reasons. Firstly, the program is designed so parents/carers can give their full attention to their child who will be starting school next year. This is necessary to achieve the most out of the lessons. Secondly, FINE for School is not insured to have younger siblings in the same room as the class. Some of the resources are not suitable for children under 3 years old. Therefore for safety reasons, siblings cannot be in the classroom.
What do children learn in kindergarten?
The following website will give you information about the outcomes taught in Early Stage One, Kindergarten.
www.syllabus.bos.nsw.edu.au
How can i help my child get ready for school?
By participating in weekly FINE for School lessons of course!
To read a comprehensive NSW Government document for assisting parents in helping their children get ready for school, click on this link - Getting Ready for School
What are fine motor skills?
Fine motor skills involve coordination and control of the small muscles in the fingers and hands. Fine motor skills are necessary for everyday life, not only whilst children are at school. These skills are used in many daily activities such as cutting, writing, doing up buttons, opening lunch boxes and more. Efficient fine motor skills are necessary in order to become independent learners.
For more detailed information:
My child participates in a school readiness program at preschool. Do they need to come?
Preschools are a great place to prepare children’s social and emotional development. However, not all preschools explicitly teach fine motor skills, language development and early literacy/numeracy skills. Preschools often focus on learning through play, which is necessary for many reasons. But it is extremely important to have some structured activities in your child’s day, especially in the year before they start school, as schools are very structured. A child who has been playing all day at preschool or at home, will find it difficult to sit and listen in the classroom.
The difference at FINE for School is that parents are educated alongside their child. Parents don’t usually get to see their child learning, or know how the teaching is done. This program allows parents to learn how to teach their child confidently and correctly so children can continue this practice at home.
What is sound box news?
Participants are required to bring in an item for news that starts with the focus letter of the week. During sound box news, children are required to describe their chosen item to the group. The educator will assist in extending children's language by asking questions or prompts to add further description about their object. This helps develop their oral language skills, which is necessary when children start composing sentences to write. Having the correct language and structure of a sentence will allow children to enhance their writing capabilities.
Why only groups of 4 -6 children?
Research shows children learn better in smaller groups. Classroom teachers teach in small guided reading, writing, spelling and math's groups, with 4 to 6 children. This helps children feel comfortable and builds their self-esteem, so they can shine like stars!
Why is structured learning important?
Structured learning is important for development. This is how kindergarten classes operate. Children need to complete work on time, listen attentively and be independent. Structure and routine is essential in a classroom, so children need to have practice applying themselves to a routine and participating in a structured learning environment.
Who are these classes for?
FINE for School is for children the year before they attend kindergarten. It assists children with skills that would help them be ready to learn in a kindergarten classroom. Parents/Carers stay and work with their child during each lesson, to empower them with knowledge about how to help their child with early literacy and numeracy skills.
Who can attend with my child?
Any family member or authorised carer. Grandparents are most welcome to attend. Only one adult per child please.
Does the program guarantee that my child will be ready/fine for school?
When considering whether to send your child to school, multiple considerations must be taken into account - social and emotional skills, maturity, physical development, academic needs, independence with eating, etc. Each child develops differently and at different times. FINE for School helps children become ready for school, so the transition is smoother. But there is no guarantee that participating in the FINE for School program, that your child will be ready for school, as there is so much to learn and consider.
Parents know their child best. Preschool teachers see the whole child and may have some advice for you. Also, there are plenty of resources sheets and websites that can assist you in making this decision.
Will my child need to attend Speech and/or Occupational Therapy?
If your child’s preschool teacher has recommended therapy, or you think they need to see a specialist, you will need to contact a speech therapist or occupational therapist to receive an individualised assessment and/or intervention program.
FINE for School classes will help your child while they are on a waiting list to see a specialist. It could be an extra supplementary activity you participate in with your child to further boost their confidence in a small class learning environment.
Why are siblings not allowed?
Siblings are not allowed to attend classes for two reasons. Firstly, the program is designed so parents/carers can give their full attention to their child who will be starting school next year. This is necessary to achieve the most out of the lessons. Secondly, FINE for School is not insured to have younger siblings in the same room as the class. Some of the resources are not suitable for children under 3 years old. Therefore for safety reasons, siblings cannot be in the classroom.
What do children learn in kindergarten?
The following website will give you information about the outcomes taught in Early Stage One, Kindergarten.
www.syllabus.bos.nsw.edu.au
How can i help my child get ready for school?
By participating in weekly FINE for School lessons of course!
To read a comprehensive NSW Government document for assisting parents in helping their children get ready for school, click on this link - Getting Ready for School