If your child is getting closer to school age, you might be wondering:
“Are they ready?”
“What should they know before they start?”
“How can I help them feel confident and settled when they walk into that classroom?”
At Aussie Kindies, we understand how important these questions are. Our job is to support your child - and you - as you prepare for this exciting next step. That’s why our preschool and kindergarten programs include inquiry-based projects, designed to build your child’s confidence, independence, and love of learning.
This approach is part of our Lifelong Learning Curriculum, and it’s one of the ways we help children aged 3–5 thrive, no matter their starting point.
What Are Inquiry-Based Projects?
Simply put, they’re projects led by the children’s own questions and interests.
When a child asks “How do bees make honey?”, we don’t just give them the answer - we turn it into a learning journey. Together with their friends and educators, your child will:
- Ask questions
- Try out ideas
- Build, create and explore
- Share what they learn
It’s learning that feels like play - but it builds real skills for life and school.
A Real Example: The Bee Project
After seeing bees in the garden, a group of children wanted to know more. That small spark of curiosity grew into a full project.
The children:
- Drew and labelled parts of bees
- Sorted bees into groups like queen, worker, and drone
- Built a beehive using cardboard and natural materials
- Talked about how bees collect nectar
- Created a big mural showing the honey-making process
It wasn’t just fun - they were learning science, maths, language, teamwork, and problem-solving. And the best part? It was all driven by their questions.
How It Helps with School Readiness
We know school is about more than writing your name and counting to ten. Children also need to:
- Speak up and share their thoughts
- Solve problems and think for themselves
- Work with others and take turns
- Feel proud of what they know and can do
Inquiry-based projects help children build these skills in a way that feels natural and exciting. They give children the chance to lead, explore, and feel successful - just like they will at school.
And because our educators are there every step of the way, children feel safe, supported, and ready to take on new challenges.
Even Quiet Kids Join In
Every child is different. Some will be the first to jump in. Others prefer to hang back, watch, and then join when they’re ready.
That’s okay.
Our educators know how to support all children - whether they’re confident, cautious, chatty, or quiet. We help each child find their place in the project and feel included.
We’ve seen many shy kids open up through inquiry-based learning, especially when it’s based on something they love.
Try It at Home
Want to bring this kind of learning into your own home? Here’s how:
- When your child asks a “why” question, pause and ask back: “That’s a great question - what do you think?”
- Help them draw their ideas or look through a book together
- Let them lead the way - it’s not about having all the answers, it’s about learning together
You don’t need fancy resources - just a little time and a lot of encouragement.
Come Visit Us
At Aussie Kindies, we love helping children grow into confident, curious learners. Our educators build strong, caring relationships with each child, and our programs are tailored to meet them right where they are.
Through inquiry-based projects and our play-based School Readiness Program, we help children feel truly prepared for their next step.
Find your local centre and book a tour. We’d love to welcome you in and show you how we support little explorers - just like yours.