COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 23, 2023 11
New way to play at Amaroo Play to learn AMAROO Primary School students in years one to six have mixed up their lunchtime activities this year. Typically the students receive 40 minutes for their lunch break but, in the interest of increasing concentration in the classroom, students are participating in “structured play”. Principal Ben Ratz said the students can choose from 15 different activities for the first 20 minutes of their break. They then have lunch, before returning to the classroom. The structured play activities include skipping, gardening, continuous cricket, basketball games, ukulele, board games and a number of free play areas.
at Fairview
Once they have made their selection, students are committed to the 20-minute activity, however they can pick a different one each day. Mr Ratz said the program has been successful. “We have found that the program has broadened students' relationships with others that share similar interests and reduced undesirable behaviours at lunch time,” he said. “Students and staff are having a lot of fun together. “Students have plenty of time to calm down and cool off after all the fun, and we are finding they are entering class after lunch ready to learn,” he said.
A NEW “learn through play” program will start at Fairview Primary School today. The program is for parents and their children, aged two to five, and is a collaboration between the Collie Early Education Centre and Fairview. It will offer children the opportunity to express and expand their understanding of the world around them, and will be a chance for them to make new friends. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Bookings are essential as places are limited. All families will need to complete an enrolment pack before being allocated a place. The program is from 9am until 11am. Call the Collie Early Education Centre on 9734 4200 or Fairview Primary School on 9735 2300 to book. Jett Gardiner.
Taylor Pynenburg, Rylen Fraser and Keiren Low at the bubbles activity.
Kade Read.
James Martin and Kaden Hehir.
Kahli Atherton.
