Wattle Group

This term, the Wattle Group has been busy with a range of exciting activities and celebrations! 

We kicked off by celebrating Science Week, where the children were invited to watch and engage in various science experiments. We explored the wonders of science through the Walking Water experiment, Tea Bag Rocket, and Magic Potion experiments. These hands-on activities taught the children about concepts like volume, colour mixing, dissolving, chemical reactions, density, and more. The excitement and curiosity were apparent as they observed the magical transformations right before their eyes. We will continue to explore science throughout our program, encouraging the children’s inquisitive nature. 

Next, we had a fantastic time during Book Week! The children dressed up as their favourite characters, and everyone brought in a book to share with the group. It was heart-warming to see the joy and pride the children took in their books as they shared stories with their peers, fostering a love for reading and storytelling. 

We also celebrated the Olympics. The children participated in a medal tally and enjoyed obstacle course games that challenged their physical abilities and teamwork skills. It was a great way to introduce them to the world of sports and the importance of perseverance and cooperation. We will continue this interest by exploring the Paralympics with the group. 

A beloved part of our group, Gail the Snail, continues to be a favourite among the children. Gail, who is part of our Puppets for Learning program, often makes appearances to help introduce new topics, explore emotions, and promote communication within the group. The children frequently ask to see her, and she has become an integral part of our program, helping to make learning engaging and relatable. 

We also celebrated Family Day, where the children were thrilled to have a family member visit kinder. It was a special day filled with joy, connection, and a sense of community, as families got to experience a glimpse of what their children do at kindergarten. 

Looking ahead, we are excited about an upcoming Drama Toolbox incursion. This event will be an interactive and immersive experience where the children will get the chance to dress up and act, further enhancing their creativity, confidence, and communication skills. 

Cooking has been a delightful and enriching activity for the Wattle Group this term. Through making scones, muffins, minestrone soup, biscuits, and even play dough, the children have been actively engaged in a hands-on learning experience. Cooking offers numerous benefits, including the development of fine motor skills as the children mix, knead, and roll ingredients. It also enhances their understanding of math concepts like measuring, counting, and sequencing as they follow recipes. Additionally, cooking fosters language development as the children learn new vocabulary related to ingredients and processes, and it promotes teamwork and cooperation as they work together to create something delicious. Beyond these skills, cooking encourages independence and confidence, allowing children to see the direct results of their efforts. 

In Wattle Group supporting fine motor development through play in a crucial part of our program. Activities like playing with play dough, hand action songs, peg boards, Lego, and using tongs and tools are all a constant in the program. These activities help to strengthen the small muscles in the children’s hands and fingers, which are essential for tasks like writing, cutting, and buttoning clothes. 

Families can support this development at home by providing opportunities for their children to engage in similar activities. Encouraging your child to help with tasks like using tongs to pick up objects, threading beads, or playing with Lego are great ways to build these skills. Additionally, activities like drawing, painting, and even helping in the kitchen with tasks like stirring or kneading dough can further enhance their fine motor abilities. 

Fine motor development is crucial for pre-writing skills, as it lays the foundation for holding a pencil, forming letters, and writing with control. By engaging in these playful activities, children are developing the necessary strength, coordination, and dexterity they will need for writing and other important tasks as they grow. We look forward to another term filled with learning, growth, and fun! 

Emma