Early Learning

Possums

As a continuation of our focus on recycling and thinking about how actions like this can help care for our environment, we read a book about endangered animals.

Children were interested in different reasons certain animals are endangered, and things we can do to help. Some ideas were to help birds in our own gardens, reuse and recycle, and leave animals in their own homes.

We also learned about the hooded plover, an endangered bird that lays its eggs on beaches in Victoria and some other parts of Australia. The hooded plover lays its eggs on the sand, meaning people and dogs can easily damage their eggs by accident. We learned about how in some areas people put signs up so people know to be careful not to step on eggs, and to keep their dogs on a leash.

We learned about another thing we can do to help hooded plovers, and that is to tell people about them! Many of the Possums took on the challenge to create an artwork of a plover for Plover Appreciation Day. We are using our art to share the message - watch out for plovers and their eggs.

This learning links to Outcome 2 of the Early Years Learning Framework: 

Children’s connection and contribution to their world is built on the idea they can exert agency in ways that make a difference and build a foundation for civic and democratic participation. Educators assist all children to explore notions of sustainability (social, economic and environmental) where children learn what they do can make a difference.

Beth Bennett

Head of Early Learning

Koalas

This time of year affords us an abundance of lemons on the trees of our families and educators. The Koala Group have been putting lemons to good use as they're shared among our Early Years community and are also used to aid our play and learning in the classroom.

Making "citrus soup" has been so engaging as the children spend long periods of time in pouring, filling, squeezing and scooping. The children have tried out lots of different utensils and tools to juice the lemons or in transfer play (such as using small spoons or tongs). This has been such a rich pre-writing activity for developing finger strength, and has helped the children feel calm, relaxed and focused as they begin their day.

Managing tasks and being independent is something the Koala Group are working on this term; they've had a ball making a huge mess with paper confetti and sweeping it up... then doing it all again! On Tuesday the children were provided with a dispenser filled with water and lemon slices, and cups. The objectives were for the children to continue their interest in doing things for themselves and continue their sensory exploration of lemons - this time using their sense of taste. 

They loved helping themselves to the lemon water and using the little tap to control the amount they wanted in their cups. The children observed that as the water level went down, the lemony taste increased. They did a great job of sharing and taking turns, and encouraging others to try the lemon water for themselves.

The Koalas also visited the gym for the first time this fortnight, and impressed their educators with how well they listened, followed directions and tried new activities! We have focused on ball skills like catching and throwing, listening as music stops/starts in games of Musical Hoops, enjoying some familiar parachute games in the new gym environment and sharing some running races.

Nic Walker has been studying early childhood and completing his student placement with us this year. Nic is a big favourite with the Koala children! They were excited to celebrate Nic's birthday together this week; the children had the opportunity to decorate their own party hats. We look forward to seeing Nic back at Kinder in Term 3.

Sian Duggan

Early Learning Educator