Literacy and numeracy are integrated throughout the program. Children are provided with both modelling and prompting from staff using foundation font script (NSW English curriculum). Children are encouraged to explore the concepts of number and print through access to resources and support from staff. The literacy and mathematics learning centres offer a range of materials that can be used by children at a time and pace of their own choosing. The resources cater to a range of developmental levels and so offer the opportunity for consolidation of skills and challenge. Staff interact with children as they explore the resources and offer scaffolding to their learning experience.

Examples of experiences include making pretend money in shop play, counting games in group time experiences, writing letters to family and friends in the literacy centre and prompting by staff to write names on their art and craft work. Daily story reading experiences occur and children participate in mind mapping and recording information gathered in their project explorations. Through this integrated approach children identify with the many purposes for literacy and numeracy and are motivated to continue in their efforts to become members of the reading and writing community.

Our reading tree is also a great opportunity to promote an interest in reading with your child. As you read a story to your child or they tell you the story from the pictures you can add the name of the book and your child’s name to a leaf from the foyer and add it with blue tac to the tree that is displayed on the wall near the kitchen area.