The first five years of a child’s life are filled with wonder, curiosity, and rapid development. Every new experience, from stacking blocks to singing songs, helps shape the way they understand the world. At Aussie Kindies, we believe that learning should be fun, engaging, and meaningful. As a trusted name in early childhood education, we provide a nurturing environment where children thrive through play-based learning. That’s why our play-based Lifelong Learning Curriculum, exclusive to Affinity Education, ensures children build essential foundational skills while exploring, imagining, and making friends.
In this blog, we’ll explore what foundational learning is, why it’s so important, and how families can support their child’s development at home.
What is Foundational Learning?
Foundational learning refers to the core skills children develop in their early years that set them up for future success. These skills include:
- Early literacy and language: Recognising letters, building vocabulary, and developing communication skills.
- Basic numeracy and problem-solving: Learning to count, identify patterns, and develop early maths concepts.
- Social and emotional development: Understanding emotions, learning to share, and building positive relationships.
- Fine and gross motor skills: Developing coordination, balance, and dexterity.
At Aussie Kindies, we make sure every child develops these crucial skills in a natural and enjoyable way - through play!
Why is Foundational Learning So Important?
When children develop strong foundational skills early in life, they’re more likely to thrive in school and beyond. Studies, such as those from the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC), show that children who engage in quality early learning programs:
- Enter school with better language and communication skills.
- Develop stronger problem-solving abilities.
- Build confidence and resilience in new learning environments.
At Aussie Kindies, we encourage children to explore, ask questions, and develop a love for learning that will last a lifetime.
How We Use Play to Teach Essential Skills
Children learn best when they’re having fun! So how does play-based learning help early childhood development? Our play-based learning approach ensures children develop key skills while following their natural interests, fostering creativity, confidence, and a love for learning. Here’s how we weave learning into everyday play:
- Storytime adventures: Reading books together builds vocabulary, listening skills, and imagination.
- Building and creating: Playing with blocks and puzzles strengthens problem-solving and spatial awareness.
- Outdoor exploration: Running, jumping, and climbing improve coordination and physical confidence.
- Role-playing and pretend play: Acting out real-world scenarios builds social skills and creativity.
Every activity at Aussie Kindies is designed to encourage curiosity, independence, and confidence - key ingredients for a successful learning journey!
What Should Children Learn Before Starting School?
Before stepping into primary school, children benefit from mastering several important skills, including:
- Recognising and writing their name.
- Engaging in conversations and listening to instructions.
- Counting and recognising basic numbers.
- Identifying shapes, colours, and patterns.
- Learning to share, take turns, and work as part of a group.
Our programs at Aussie Kindies help children gain these skills in a way that feels natural, enjoyable, and stress-free.
How Families Can Support Learning at Home
As a parent, you play a huge role in your child’s early learning journey! Here are some simple ways to support their development at home:
- Read together every day: Even a few minutes of storytime strengthens language and listening skills.
- Sing songs and rhymes: Singing helps with memory, rhythm, and language development.
- Encourage creative play: Provide opportunities for pretend play, art, and hands-on activities.
- Make learning part of everyday life: Count the apples at the grocery store, describe colours, or play simple number games.
- Foster independence: Let children try dressing themselves, pouring drinks, and making small decisions.
Everyday moments are packed with learning opportunities, and your encouragement helps build their confidence and curiosity!
Best Books for Early Learning (Ages 0-5)
Books are a fantastic way to introduce foundational concepts in a fun and engaging way. Here are some of our favourites:
- Babies (0-12 months):
- Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? – Bill Martin Jr.
- Where’s Spot? – Eric Hill
- Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes – Mem Fox
- Toddlers (1-3 years):
- Dear Zoo – Rod Campbell
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Eric Carle
- That’s Not My Puppy – Usborne Touchy-Feely series
- Preschoolers (3-5 years):
- We’re Going on a Bear Hunt – Michael Rosen
- Chicka Chicka Boom Boom – Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault
- The Gruffalo – Julia Donaldson
Reading together creates special bonding moments while helping children develop essential literacy skills!
Final Thoughts
At Aussie Kindies, we believe that the best learning happens through play, curiosity, and joyful discovery. By providing a warm and nurturing environment, we ensure that children build strong foundations for school and life.
Explore Aussie Kindies today to see how play-based learning benefits your child’s development and prepares them for lifelong success! Come visit Aussie Kindies and experience the magic of early learning firsthand!