::: greenhills preschool
We are so enjoying doing relief work at the moment as amongst other things, we are getting a peek into kindergartens that we normally wouldn’t see. We both recently had a chance to relieve at Greenhills Preschool in the north eastern suburbs of Melbourne and we were so excited to be working at a kindergarten that has the same play based philosophy that we had at St John’s!
It is set next to a council reserve so has a delightful country feel to it. The Director and teacher of the fours, Kylie, says they hope to be able to take advantage of this stretch of bush on their doorstep and go for nature walks in the future – how gorgeous!
Even when you are in their yard it feels like you are out having a bush walk!
When you enter this kindergarten, you are instantly welcomed with a cosy area designed for parents and visitors to sit and relax whilst having a cuppa and a chat, or a leisurely look through such things as their children’s portfolios.
They run an indoor/outdoor program here with free snack time, that is the children choose when, where and even IF they want to have their snack. We all need to remember that no child will let themselves go hungry so if they don’t want to eat – they may have just had breakfast or lunch – then they shouldn’t be forced into it. The teachers Kylie and Justine find, just as we always did, that the designated snack table inside or picnic rug and table and chairs outside is ever so popular and often the most sociable area of the lot!
As a check for the staff the children pop their photos up on a board to indicate that they have actually had something to eat (pre literacy at its best!). When the children arrive they choose a peg for their bags to hang on rather than have a designated hook. We love this idea as it encourages independence, initiative and choice in the children. Then they may choose to play either inside or out – their choice, their decision.
We have always been great advocates of cubbies and secret places for the children to hide in and they have these in abundance here at Greenhills, both inside …
and out.
We loved their home corner. It is great to see actual china teapots and crockery being used in preschool.
The children make the decision of what they would like to make and use inside …
and out at the collage/making tables!
We like the eclectic mix of great baskets holding construction goodies …
and the feeling of family inclusiveness with the range of photos around the room.
The children can choose which puzzle they wish to do from the well stocked shelves, what books they would like to snuggle down with in the library corner or what props they need for their imaginative play…
such as this lizard world…
or perhaps get involved in weighing activities – numeracy happening all around here!
We noticed lovely pockets of imaginative and dramatic play outside too, such as this dino grotto …
the firefighter dress ups…
and the underwater creatures.
The children are given the opportunity to engage in activities where they are encouraged to extend themselves and try a little risky play which is so good for their self esteem. They do plenty of big jumping here, or perhaps use the same area for a stage. They have challenging climbing equipment …
a huge under cover sandpit …
and digging patch …
swings and a beautiful long slide …
vegetable patch being readied for a winter planting…
construction set up in the rays of the morning sun …
a tinkering table …
play dough under a brolly…
and huge outside drawing.
We are thrilled to see that the staff here use their outside space, as what we like to call it, their “outside classroom”.
Well done staff and families at Greenhills Preschool – play based learning is alive and well at your beautiful kindergarten!
You will find Greenhills Preschool in Community Drive, Greensborough, Victoria.
Phone: 9434 3379
This preschool has been added to our Education Directory.
fantastic….what a lovely place to be with lots of communication friedly spaces (check out englands elizabeth jarmen for info on the CFS approach!) just up your street ! i love the mature gardens and the little dens to hide in ….great!
::: Thanks Finleysmaid for both your lovely comment AND the heads up on Elizabeth Jarmen.
Oh what a beautiful setting, once again I am blown away by the sheer size of the rooms – wow. Thanks so much for giving me a glimpse into another wonderful preschool Down Under. Kierna
::: You are ALWAYS very welcome Kierna! Perhaps you should send us through some photos on your setting and we could place YOU on our education directory too!!!
24 long years ago i attended that kinder!!!! Lovely to see what it looks like today. Love the natural lighting.
::: Oh WOW Laura that’s so cool!! It is such a beautiful kindergarten today as I’m sure it was back then!
This is so beautiful. I love the reading nooks and all of the spaces to play with the earth. This place is amazing. I need to look at your education directory!
::: Thanks Jenn! Kylie and her staff are truly passionate educators.
I wish America had more places like this. My little guy would love to go everyday someplace like this instead of being cooped up in a room all day with no windows or sunshine. I applaud the effort to go above and beyond when it comes to play based learning!!!
:::Oh your poor little man!!! That doesn’t sound like too much fun. Every child just needs and wants that freedom of play and the great outdoors TracyLynne!
My daughter attends this kinder and every day she is so excited about going. Watching her on kinder duty explore and learn with or without other children is amazing I alway feel like I never know what I as an adult will find next as activities are developing according to children’s interests.
Both the teachers and assistants at any given time are seen engaging with the children being positive in launguage they use with the children. Encouraging learning through play and by excellent role models.
I get feedback about my child’s day and I always feel my input is important. The indoor/outdoor program provides spaces for children to have space to themselves as well as being in a very busy area should they desire this.
Each child is valued and treated individually redirected gently if required and encouraged to keep discovering each day. The children are treated with respect at all times demonstrating great role modeling. The staff have a great sense of humor and patience. I love my kinder duty and can’t wait to do it again.
::: Thank you for your lovely comment Bronwyn. We have both had the privlege of working in the prekinder and kinder groups at Greenhills this year and thoroughly agree with your comments … You are truly blessed to have such caring and passionate staff educating for your child!
Beautiful and inspiring!
::: Thanks Sharon!
Thank you for sharing this, as always, I am like a bower bird who will treasure some of the beautiful ideas on display. It’s so lovely to be able to take a peek into another teaching space that is so rich.
::: … and you know we LOVE bringing these beautiful places to you too Bianca!
Awesome pictures what a great pre-school and I love also reading the comments of happy families. Thanks so much for sharing
You’re very welcome Belinda!
