While most Prep students across the state will be exploring premade structures in school playgrounds, the smallest students at St Joseph's Tobruk Memorial School Beenleigh will be having a unique experience. An estimated 6-10 Prep students were granted an early test of their new play environment on Monday 15 January – ahead of the new school year starting on Tuesday 23 January.
And while they think they are just having fun on their new ‘Loose parts playground’, they are practicing and developing skills they will need in the future.
Hand-eye coordination, fine and gross motor skills, problem solving, and critical thinking skills are among the lessons, says Principal Kevin Billion.
As part of a Loose Parts Play Initiative, supported by the Australian Institute of Play, the St Joseph’s students get to be the ‘creators and rule makers’ of their play space – affectionately called Kids Kingdom.
During play, students are encouraged to use loose parts, like pipes, planks, and tyres to manipulate, construct, and carry anything they choose to play with.
Kevin said the play space reduced separation anxiety for students before school, as they can engage in meaningly play before class starts.
“The play space provides an unstructured environment for our students to experience student-led and self - directed play that helps them develop independence and confidence on the playground,” he said.
“Our teachers have noticed a decline in lunchtime incidents which we believe is due to our students’ increasing engagement and independence, as they build the skills to climb, slide, explore and get messy on their own terms.
“As they build on their ability to communicate, work together, problem solve and engage with their older peers, students learn from each other, create friendships, make memories and engage in rich play experiences.”
Kevin adds the loose parts playground, which was piloted 2023, will be expanded in 2024.
“The benefits to our early years learners have been tremendous, creating a strong foundation for their holistic development,” he said.
“In 2024, we aim to construct an additional loose parts play playground for our Year 3 to 6 students, responding to their expressed desire for an immersive experience tailored towards their interests and developmental needs.”
For more information about St Joseph’s Tobruk Memorial School Beenleigh or to enquire about enrolment click here.