Inside the Classroom: What a Day in Prep Really Looks Like

Inside the Classroom: What a Day in Prep Really Looks Like

For many parents of kinder-aged children, the question “What does a typical day in Prep look like?” can bring a mix of curiosity and anxiety. The move from kinder to a more structured school environment can feel like a big leap—but in reality, Prep classrooms are calm, caring and designed to nurture young learners through every step of the day.

Here’s an inside look at what your child might experience during their first year at primary school.

Morning Arrival and Sweet Spot Time

As students arrive in the morning, they’re welcomed into a gentle and purposeful start called Sweet Spot—a calming period where children engage in meaningful activities that help them settle into the day. These activities might include puzzles, drawing, reading, or quiet construction tasks, supporting smooth separation from families and encouraging independence.

? This transition time is essential for building confidence and emotional readiness for the day ahead.

Morning Meeting

Once all students are in, the class gathers for their Morning Meeting. Here, the teacher walks the students through the daily schedule, incorporating key early learning concepts such as:

• Weather and calendar routines

• Days, dates, and months of the year

• A Zone of Regulation check-in to support emotional literacy and wellbeing

• Special messages or celebrations (like birthdays or student achievements)

? This structured yet friendly routine helps children understand what’s coming and builds a sense of community and belonging.

Literacy Block: Oral Language and Phonics

The first core learning session is dedicated to literacy, with a strong focus on oral language and phonics development. During this time, children participate in:

• Speaking and listening games

• Sound and letter recognition

• Shared reading experiences

• Guided writing and handwriting practice

Activities are differentiated to support students at their individual level while building confidence and communication skills.

? Literacy learning is rich with rhyme, rhythm, and repetition—perfect for young minds!

Recess and Outdoor Play

Following the literacy block, students enjoy a healthy snack before heading outside for recess. This is a chance to refresh, move, and socialise, building essential physical and social skills.

? Play-based learning doesn’t end in the classroom—outdoor play is just as valuable.

Numeracy Block

After recess, it’s time for numeracy, which is hands-on and engaging. Children explore:

• Number recognition and counting

• Patterns, shapes and measurement

• Simple addition and subtraction

• Problem-solving and reasoning skills

Using tools like counters, unifix cubes, games and stories, numeracy is brought to life in playful, practical ways.

? The focus is on developing a deep understanding of numbers and how they work.

Unit of Inquiry

In the afternoon, learning shifts to the school’s Unit of Inquiry, where students explore big ideas through play, conversation, creative expression and collaboration. Topics might include:

• Families and communities

• Seasons and living things

• Materials and how they change

• Belonging and identity

This transdisciplinary approach helps students make connections between subjects and their world.

? Inquiry-based learning encourages curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.

Specialist Classes

Throughout the week, Prep students participate in a variety of specialist subjects led by teachers with expertise in their field. These often include:

• Visual Arts

• Music

• Physical Education

• Library

• STEAM

• Mandarin

These sessions not only provide a change of pace, but help students discover their passions and develop new skills.

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Assemblies, Celebrations and Community Time

Prep students are also included in regular school assemblies, liturgies, and whole-school events. These experiences strengthen their sense of belonging and allow them to share in the broader life of the school. Whether they’re watching performances, celebrating achievements or singing along, assemblies are always a highlight!

Lunch, Reflection and Home Time

Lunchtime includes eating together in a supervised setting followed by more outdoor play. In the final part of the day, students wind down with quiet activities like story time, mindfulness, or reflection. They then pack up and prepare for home.

? Teachers support students to build independence with packing, tidying, and managing belongings—big milestones in the first year!

Prep isn’t just the beginning of school—it’s the beginning of a love of learning. With carefully structured routines, warm relationships, and a balance of play, inquiry and core learning, each day is designed to support the whole child—socially, emotionally, and academically.

Ready to take the next step?

? Join us for a School Tour or explore our Prep Transition page - Link. We can’t wait to welcome your family into our community.