Transition to Children's House

Practical life activities are the foundation of the program, where children learn to care for themselves and their environment through the basic sequential steps, building confidence and laying the groundwork for future success. Children are shown how to use the learning materials and then are free to go about their day with purpose using the knowledge they have gained in the presentations of the materials. They use their autonomy to set the table for lunch setting the placemat, glass, plate and cutlery ready for lunch.

We incorporate food preparation activities to develop the basic movements and skills to further promote independence. We also encourage parents to create similar opportunities at home. Involving your child in preparing their lunch each day and a piece of fruit for snack time, as well as packing their own bag with essentials like water, a pull-up nappy for sleep time, and a change of clothes, helps them become familiar with their belongings. This awareness empowers children to manage their personal items independently throughout the day.

Language plays a key role in laying the foundation for children's independence. Through naming objects and engaging in rich language activities, children begin to build the skills they need to confidently navigate their world.

These activities expose children to a variety of sounds, rhythms and vocabulary, helping to strengthen listening skills, memory, and verbal expression. Songs and poems, often accompanied by gestures or actions, engage children’s senses and support language acquisition in a playful and natural way. Through repetition and interaction, children build a strong foundation for communication, while also developing an appreciation for the beauty and rhythm of language.

Our manipulative activities provide hands-on learning and sensory exploration. These carefully designed materials support the development of fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving abilities. Through interactive and tactile experiences, young children are encouraged to engage with the environment, strengthening their independence and understanding of concepts such as size, shape, and texture. Manipulatives provide a rich foundation for later cognitive growth, promoting curiosity and self-directed learning in the early years.

The art space is designed to nurture creativity and self-expression. With a focus on process, young children are encouraged to explore a variety of materials such as paints, crayons, and natural textures. The space is set up to allow for open-ended exploration, where children can freely experiment with colours, shapes, and textures, fostering fine motor skills and sensory awareness. This environment promotes independence, as children make choices and develop their own artistic language, while also supporting cognitive and emotional development through the joy of creation.

Children are offered experiences where they can develop and refine coordination, balance and strength through purposeful movement. Activities such as climbing, crawling, walking and dancing are integrated into the environment, encouraging children to explore their physical capabilities at their own pace. The use of open spaces, low furniture, and engaging learning materials supports the development of large muscle groups while fostering independence and confidence. These activities promote physical development and contribute to cognitive growth as children gain control over their bodies and develop a deeper understanding of their spatial awareness.