Boronia Group

We have continued to build on the children’s interests this term – travel, community helpers,  insects, role play and building using various construction sets. The children have been greatly intrigued by marble runs and have taken to building various marble runs using Duplo and magnets. One of the group’s highlights was creating a group marble run, working as a team to get the marble to cross over the various lengths of the bamboo. It provided an opportunity to work on our STEM skills – working out how best to hold the bamboo, moving them to get the marble to move across. 

As part of exploring and questioning, we have continued to incorporate various sensory activities – mixing paints to create new colours, making playdough, melting items that have been frozen in ice and kinetic sand play. Extending and expanding on their investigations from Term 2, simple observations and discussions about the nature we find in our kinder yard, we continue to introduce the ideas of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) to the children. Our creative skills have been continuing to emerge. Drawing, cutting, creating, pasting and painting using a range of provocation inspirations from both natural and man-made environments –masks, flowers, leaves, trees, flowers, storybooks, and community helper pictures. 

Taking the lead from the children we introduced the scavenger hunts as a way of solving the mystery of where things are within the kinder and working together with our peers. The cooler, windy and wet days have not stopped the children from embracing being outdoors. The children continue to gain confidence in taking part in riskier play and giving it a go. As part of their learning this term, the children have begun to share ideas, spaces and negotiate how to use the same play spaces, tools and toys with others. Sharing is a big learning skill, that is learnt through role modelling and taking part in play environments with others. 

During Term 3 we also welcomed some very special guests who joined us to celebrate Father’s / Special Person’s Day. The children were thrilled to share their special kinder room with their visitors – from reading books, to creating Kites, drawing, playing playdough, puzzles and outdoor play. It was wonderful to observe the excited moments between the children and their visitors. 

We were delighted to have the Drama Toolbox incursion Mini-Beasts. It linked to our interest in the insects and worms we had been observing in the yard area. The incursion was fun-filled with movement, music, dance, role-play and dress-up. 

Book week was another highlight this term. The children had the opportunity to dress up or bring in a book based on their favourite story. Storytelling through books, felt board stories, small-world play expands and develops the children’s listening skills, language and communication skills. The week was spent engaging in activities based on different books that we have read during the year so far. 

A few housekeeping reminders as we continue through Term 3 and into Term 4:

• Clothing: Layering is ideal. As the weather is still cool at the start of the term, please send adequate and appropriate clothing. 
• Illness – If your child is sick, please keep them home until they are well to return to kinder. 
• Stay and play – if you would like to come and stay for a short play with your child during one session, please let me know.

We look forward to seeing you all again in Term 4.