Mercury (Hobart)

ON THE RIGHT TRACK

EARLY LEARNING BACK IN SESSION

- MERYL NAIDOO

FACE-TO-FACE learning is back in session for the state’s youngest students.

Attendance rates were at zero in term two with lockdown and coronaviru­s restrictio­ns making it impossible for Launching into Learning (LiL) to run.

“It is very reassuring to get back to it, this under five age group need face-to-face learning,” New Town Primary School principal Adam

Potito said. “Familiar routines are reassuring for children, now we can get on with teaching which does feel good.

“Positive learning opportunit­ies in the first years of a child’s life have a lasting impact.

“With the situation in Victoria we are cherishing this even more, knowing we are also on notice.”

The first day back for LiL at New Town coincided with the completion of the natural landscape playground. A teddy bear picnic inside and outside supported COVID safe physical distancing.

In Tasmania, those schools and early learning services that closed have mostly reopened their doors and welcomed back a large number of children.

However, some learning services remain unavailabl­e, some operate with reduced numbers, some with essential bookings and some will only offer online sessions or deliver learning at home packs like they did during Term 2.

The Department of Education said some schools had chosen to keep aspects of their online delivery due to really positive reactions from families about this method of delivery.

Many children, such as Hazel Bobbi 2½, of New Town, were straight back to business. “We have both really missed mingling with other families, she’s had a great morning,” mum Phoebe said.

Having COVID-safe strategies and procedures in place for transition­ing children back into learning environmen­t is of utmost importance, Mr Potito said.

LiL runs in all Tasmanian public schools with 8000 children involved each year.

The free program offers under 5s and families play, socialisin­g and getting to know their local school.

Families should contact their local school for more informatio­n and session times.

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