Early Learning
Possums
The Possum Group have been deep diving into learning about sea creatures, after the interest from one child sparked our collective imaginations!
We first looked at octopuses. They are so amazing! We thought about what we already know about octopuses, and what we want to find out. After reading some books and watching some videos about octopuses children shared what they had learned:
- They have blue blood
- They eat crabs
- They can eat birds
- They have ink
- They have 3 hearts
There was also some reflection and wonderings around what we had learned, particularly around their hearts:
"They should have so much love to give then!"
"I think one heart goes into food, one is for pressure, one is for swimming".
Children have extended their learning through lots of conversations, drawings and looking at books to do with different sea creatures. We are working on a big teamwork Possum Group ocean mural, which everyone has been adding to. It looks absolutely beautiful!
We have learned Auslan signs for some different sea creatures in a song, and look forward to singing it at assembly on the 20th of March. We also thought about what sea creature we want to learn about as a group next - votes were counted, and we are learning about sharks!
In the Possum Group, the children are fascinated with and delighted by God's creation - whether it is highly intelligent octopuses or fearsome sharks. The things we are finding out often even surprise the teachers, and make us reflect on how amazing God's creation is. Children are also learning that kinder is a place they can learn, and they are recognising their identity as capable and curious learners.
The Possum group also enjoyed a visit to the School Auditorium, Library and Year 1 classroom this fortnight. You can read more about it here.
Beth Bennett
Head of Early Learning
Mac Eggies!
Mrs McLeod is one of our school’s amazing Wellbeing Officers and visits us at least once a term. Last week she read the children In My Heart, a book about feelings.
Mrs McLeod showed us a special ‘grounding’ method to use when we are having big feelings. We all tried the ‘grounding’ method together - we pretended we were smelling a flower as we breathed very deeply through our nose. We then pretended we were very slowly blowing out a birthday candle. It is such a simple but clever way to help the children with self-regulation.
And may I be so bold as to suggest that maybe next time Mrs McLeod could bring us over cupcakes with actual candles to extend the grounding experience – apparently, she is a fabulous cook as well!
Mrs McLeod then helped us with a fun craft - a generous community member made us 22 ‘Mac Eggies’ - emotional support cuddly creations. The children drew a face on their own and they will be kept at Kinder for the year as the child’s special support resource. The children are excited about taking them home on the last day of Kindergarten, which at this rate, will be here before we know it!
VEYLDF Outcome 3.1- Children are developing emotional awareness and self-regulation skills as they learn practical strategies to manage big feelings in a safe and supportive environment.
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
Judi Missen
Early Learning Educator