4-Year-Old Kindergarten

Term 1 

What a whirlwind to the start of 2022 we have had. Claire holds such a special place in our hearts and we miss her each and everyday. We thank her for believing in us as teachers and giving us the strength to provide the children with the best possible Kindergarten year they can receive. With this being said let's have a look at what we got up to in term 1! 

PALS (Social Skills Program - Playing and learning to socialise) 

This term we are focusing on social skills through a program called PALS. This program was developed by Early Childhood Teachers and Psychologists to help build and develop children’s social skills and runs for 10 weeks. Over the 10 weeks the children were introduced to a new topic. Each skill is built up on another so that the program gradually progresses to more complex skills, that the children require for competent social interaction. This program is taught through 3 puppets (Kate, Jack and Anna) and shares scenarios  that happen within their kindergarten class. After the social story the children are asked a range of prompting questions to get them thinking about what has just happen, why and what can we do to fix the situation.  

Getting involved within our community & the world in which we live

Over the term we have had a lot of amazing visitors. 

Swimland taught us all about water, sun safety, beach safety, swimming tools and how to call out for help.

We have been making the most of the park next door and going on weekly excursions. The children absolutely love this and we will continue this into term 2. 

Supporting our excursions to the park we learnt about those who are there to keep us safe. We extended this by having the Police come out and visit. The children learnt that the Police are here to keep us safe and are super friendly. They know that they need to dial 000 for help and also, got to dress up in some police uniform. Of course, their favourite part was the loud siren and flashing lights.

We learnt about the Country Ireland last month through our Big Chefs help Little Chefs program. We will explore different countries each month and will join Sun room children. 

Whilst learning about identity and difference of those around us. We further looked at this through family dynamics. We were lucky enough to have one of our very own parents, come out and read a story that she has published!! Natalie shared her story around egg donation. The children were captivated by her rhyming book and took away a new understanding around how everyone around us is different. 'It’s what makes us who we are'.  

Social Stories 

Social stories have many benefits and one being concrete instruction and clear communication. It gives the children the opportunity to connect with their personal experiences and put these into their daily practices. When children clearly understand what is expected of them and are given the specific tools and strategies they are better prepared and follow these through within their day. 

The social stories we explored over the term were:

• Making good choices 
• Use your words
• Mat time at my kinder
• Public and private places 

Germs

Sharing is caring. Right!? But what about when it comes to germs? This learning took place through science experiments. First we had 2 pieces of bread one clean and one full of germs. Over the week we watched what happen to each piece of bread. The children were so shocked to see that the germy one had germs all over and and the clean one was well, still clean! We extending this through a pepper experiment and how to wash our hands with soap! The children took a lot from this learning and still use it within their daily practices. 

Term 2 events 

• ANZAC Day
• Henny Penny Hatching Program
• Mother's Day
• Road safety week
• Brain Cancer Awareness 
• Reconciliation week
• NAIDOC Week
• Rowville Primary School 

We are looking forward to seeing what term 2 brings us :)

Caila, Kelly & Annalise