Early Learning Centre

Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity

Over this fortnight we have had many discussions with the children involving our Kindness Campaign.  We have read stories, created scenarios and held energetic discussions about ‘What is an act of kindness’ ‘How do we show kindness to ourselves and each other?’  ‘If we are not feeling kind, how can we do/say/act differently to show empathy and kindness?’  This has also been observed during peer play where the focus of kindness has been a part of the children’s communication and peer involvement skills

Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world 

We have been busy preparing for two community events at the ELC.  The first is the term 4 Art Show.  The children have been working diligently 1:1 with a teacher to create amazing art works based on the children’s interests.

The children have also been creating, discussing and preparing for our Father’s & Special Persons visits.  These will be hosted throughout week 8 of term 3.  The children have had such fun creating gifts for their special persons and discussing with each other and their teachers who they have invited to attend the Father’s & Special Persons events.

Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing 

Through our Kindness Campaign focus, we have also talked about our emotions.  How different emotions feel in our body? What can we do to support ourselves and our friends when we have big emotions? How do we take care of our well being when we experience big emotions?  We have also implemented emotional and wellbeing support learning areas sprinkled throughout the program.  Learning areas for positive peer interactive play, quiet/solitary learning spaces, sensory areas to promote wellbeing and calm play and indoor/outdoor session times for children to choose where they 

Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners  

Our term 3 inquiry is ‘The Wonder of Light’. This fortnight we have looked at colour reflection and refraction, using various light sources, (battery operated) candles, torches, projectors, sunlight and lights to project light through coloured resources, such as, Perspex counters, marine animals, DVD’s, coloured shapes, materials and sparkles.  We have also been experimenting with shadow, utilising shapes, puppets and our bodies to create still shadow and movable shadow play. Some of the children have discovered hand puppetry and creating a story telling experience with shadow play

Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators 

This fortnight we have introduced many new words relating to kindness to the children’s vocabulary.  Words such as kind, unkind, empathy, respect, helpful, friends and friendship. Ms Aqeela (through her VIT project) has also started introducing Bunnerong Indigenous words using Acknowledgement of Country, music, songs and puppetry.  In the next fortnight Ms Aqeela will introduce Dari language to our group times.