Wattle Group Term 3, 2023

Dear Wattle Group Parents,

Welcome back to Term 3. We unfortunately said goodbye to Marilyn last term, but are lucky enough to have Julie and Glenda stepping in as educators in Wattle group. We hope your children have been enjoying the recent experiences and activities in the Wattle group. Over the last few months our focus has been on fostering independence, exploring the joys of music and movement, and enhancing fine motor skills.

We believe in empowering our little ones to become independent and self-reliant. We have been actively encouraging the children to engage in various self-help tasks, such as packing their bags, managing their lunchboxes, and putting on their shoes. Through these activities, the children are gaining a sense of ownership and accomplishment. You can support this progress at home by involving your child in age-appropriate tasks, such as tidying up toys, dressing themselves, having them help you pack their bag and preparing simple snacks. Encouraging their independence not only fosters self-confidence but also enhances their overall development.

Our music and movement sessions have been a highlight for the children, and they are thoroughly enjoying this time. Through singing, dancing, and utilizing props such as puppets, instruments, stretchy lycra, scarves and beanbags, the children are experiencing the joy of rhythm and expression. These activities are not only fun but also provide numerous benefits for their development. Music and movement help improve coordination, gross motor skills, language development, and social interaction. You may even hear the children singing some of the songs they have learnt at home.

Fine motor skills play a crucial role in a child's overall development, and we have been actively providing opportunities for their refinement. The Wattle group has been engaged in a variety of experiences, including construction and manipulatives, to enhance these skills. Through building with blocks, threading beads, and engaging in sensory play, the children are strengthening their hand-eye coordination, finger dexterity, and problem-solving abilities. We have also been focusing on developing scissor skills, as it is an important milestone for their future learning. You can support their fine motor development at home by providing age-appropriate toys and activities, such as puzzles, colouring, playdough, and using child-safe scissors under adult supervision.

In addition to fostering independence, music and movement, and fine motor skills, we also prioritize the development of social skills within the Wattle group. At three years old, children are still in the process of refining their social interactions and learning how to play with their peers. While they may have made significant strides in their language and communication skills, they are still developing the necessary social skills to engage in play and interact effectively with others.

In our classroom, we provide various opportunities for the children to practice playing with their peers, joining ongoing play, and participating in small group activities. We encourage turn-taking, sharing, and cooperative play to promote positive social interactions. Through structured activities and free play, the children learn valuable skills such as listening, taking turns, and respecting personal boundaries.

As parents, you can support your child's social development at home by organizing playdates with their classmates or other children within their age group. Encourage them to engage in parallel play, where they play alongside other children, and gradually introduce opportunities for them to play cooperatively. Provide guidance on taking turns, sharing toys, and using kind words during interactions. By offering these experiences, you will be supporting their social growth and helping them develop essential skills to navigate social situations. Remember, every child develops at their own pace, and it is normal for some children to be more hesitant when it comes to social interactions.

As always, we appreciate your continued support and involvement in your child's learning journey. If you have any questions or would like further suggestions on how to reinforce these skills at home, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We look forward to seeing the children grow and thrive in the coming weeks!

Warm regards,

Emma