PLATYPUS ROOM · 3–5 YEARS
Confident learners.
Ready for what comes next.
The preschool years are a time of growing confidence, deeper friendships, big ideas and increasing independence. In our Platypus Room, children are supported to build the skills, dispositions and self-belief that prepare them for a positive transition to school and beyond.
SCHOOL READINESS
More than being
ready for school.
At Lakeview, school readiness is about developing the whole child. Alongside emerging literacy and numeracy, children need confidence, independence, communication, resilience and the ability to participate as part of a group.
Our educators support these skills through meaningful, play-based experiences rather than rushing children into formal learning before they are ready.
The goal is for children to leave Lakeview feeling capable, curious and excited about the next stage of their learning.
CAPABLE & INDEPENDENT
Everyday skills build
real confidence.
Independence grows through everyday opportunities to take responsibility, make decisions and care for themselves and their belongings.
Children practise identifying their own belongings, applying sunscreen, following familiar routines and instructions, managing personal items and participating in the shared responsibilities of the room.
READY FOR WHAT COMES NEXT
Confidence in
everyday moments.
Children are encouraged to ask for help, communicate their needs, listen to others and increasingly manage the routines that form part of their day.
These practical skills help children approach school with greater confidence and independence.
LEARNING WITH PURPOSE
Strong foundations grow
through meaningful play.
Children develop important school-readiness skills through experiences that are engaging, relevant and connected to their interests.
Early literacy
Stories, conversation, drawing, mark-making and name recognition help children build awareness of language, symbols and print.
Early numeracy
Counting, sorting, measuring, pattern, construction and everyday problem-solving help mathematical ideas develop naturally through play.
Fine motor confidence
Drawing, manipulating tools, cutting and creative experiences strengthen coordination and the hand skills children will use for writing and other classroom tasks.
Thinking & persistence
Children are encouraged to investigate, test ideas, solve problems, persist when something is challenging and experience the satisfaction of working things out.
FRIENDSHIPS & COMMUNICATION
Learning alongside
others.
As children approach school, relationships with peers become increasingly important. The Platypus Room provides many opportunities to collaborate, negotiate, share ideas and participate in group experiences.
Educators support children to communicate their needs effectively, listen to different perspectives, resolve everyday conflicts and build positive friendships.
BELONGING TO A GROUP
Finding their voice
and hearing others.
Group conversations, shared projects and collaborative play help children develop confidence speaking with others while learning to listen, wait and contribute.
PARTNERSHIP WITH FAMILIES
Preparing for school,
together.
Every child approaches the transition to school with different strengths, experiences and needs.
We value ongoing communication with families about children’s development, interests, confidence and the skills they are building throughout their preschool years.
By working together, we can support each child’s individual journey and help make the transition to school feel positive, familiar and achievable.