Learning Across the ELC

Learning in Preschool Blue

Preschool Blue has continued their Culture of Care inquiry into Term 4, through children's curiosities in animals, insects, nests and the impact of polluted water on our sea life.

Children have been learning about the interdependence of animals and insects with the environment, plants, oceans and humans. We investigated shark eggs, pufferfish, starfish, birds and different types of eggs and nests. When children started talking about their own experiences of seeing deceased sea creatures at the beach, we began discussing South Australia's algal bloom. 

We were unpacking children's observations and fears by looking at images of toxic sea foam, before and after underwater coral images and the devastating photos of deceased sea creatures. We took this opportunity to connect back to last term's water testing where we learned about clean water and sanitation with our fishpond. We have also been investigating the symbols and colours on signs at the beach and at Loreto that warn us when there is danger and tell us how to keep us safe and where to get help. 

We are in the process of creating a collaborative fabric art piece on a recycled sheet. This artwork is ongoing, sharing the journey of our learning with our understanding of sea creatures in the ocean, how they stay safe in the water and look after their babies, eggs and nests. The children started the artwork by drawing a screw shaped shark egg in a rock crevice nest, then surrounded it with coral and seaweed so the baby shark could hide and feel safe. They then drew some pufferfish and their nests, one pufferfish even had a poison sign drawn on it because we learnt that the pufferfish skin, liver and intestines are poisonous. Did you know that pufferfish create sand nests at the bottom of the ocean and decorate them with shells? 

Children have been adding jellyfish and starfish to the artwork, as well as many baby seahorses and sea turtles. Henry drew a "safe to swim" sign on our artwork too. Our learning is evolving through knowledge of the water cycle, with children curious about poison water evaporating from the beach, wondering if it will rain down on our bodies and the environment.

The Preschool Team

Learning in the Wattle Room 

This week our children were invited to explore clay using tools such as rolling pins and sticks. Children eagerly approached the experience showing curiosity and excitement. Using the rolling pin, children experimented with flattening the clay, observing the different textures and thicknesses they could create.Some children used sticks to poke, draw, and make patterns in the surface, testing how the clay responded to different pressures and movements.

Children showed persistence when the clay was hard to roll, using their body strength and problem-solving skills to find new ways to interact with clay. Children remained deeply engaged throughout this learning opportunity demonstrating focus, creativity, and enjoyment. 

We will be continuing with our clay exploration throughout this term using variety of resources and ways to interact with this material.

Manasi Kewlani

ELC Team Leader