Oak Bay Preschool boasts an excellent permanent indoor facility that is safe, well maintained, clean and earthquake prepared.

The indoor classroom is arranged to promote optimal learning through play experiences. The classroom provides opportunities to explore art, music, science, theatre and dramatic play, puzzles, toys, games and all manner of imaginative play.

Examples of what a play-based curriculum can provide for our children’s development:

Story time - sitting quietly listening to stories develops the skills of concentration and attention, and is an introduction to the wonderful world of books and reading.

Block building - building is a bridge between the world of pretend and reality. It provides experience in spatial relationships, opportunities for sharing, and develops large and small muscle control. Blocks also provide a pre-math experience (size and shape sorting, balance).

Painting - provides an opportunity for self-expression and enjoyment. The fun of creating is more important than the end product.

Water play and sandbox - sensory play in these areas encourages experimentation in texture and measurement in a fun way. It also presents early scientific and math concepts.

Play dough and clay - modelling provides a healthy release for tension and offers general enjoyment. FIne motor skills acquired while exploring this medium provides the dexterity later required for written language.

Music and rhythm – provides a means of self-expression through experimentation with songs, instruments, finger plays, games, and dancing.

Dramatic play - is used to re-enact experiences and stories, fears and feelings. It allows children to try out different roles and promotes cooperation.

Table toys - puzzles, beads, games, etc. These help children to develop their hand-eye coordination, sequencing skills, ability to follow direction, and concentration.

Cutting and pasting - provide an experience in hand and finger manipulation as well as self-expression. When presented with a variety of materials, shapes, textures, and objects to glue, children find an enormous amount of enjoyment in their creations.

Science table - objects and experiments feed a child’s natural curiosity about the world around them and expand general knowledge.

Our outdoor space is a natural playground with climbing equipment, playhouse, natural pieces, a large sandbox, and outdoor toys complete with treasures to find. The children are encouraged to use natural elements to rearrange and create the space as they play. Many of the indoor activities are also made available to the children while they transfer their learning in our outdoor classroom.

We believe the children learn best by exploring and learning in both indoor and outdoor classrooms. Therefore, the class time is split equally between both indoor and outdoor spaces.