Learning Across the ELC

Learning in the Preschool

Our Preschool's Term 2 inquiry 'We are all storytellers' is in full motion. We have been engaging the children in Author/Illustrator studies of Eric Carle and Pamela Allen, and they have been noticing similarities in illustrations, the beginning of stories and patterns in rhyme, alliteration, characters, settings and text. Children have been recreating stories in play and enjoying exposure to these stories through different media (song, animation, rap, AusLan and performance art). The puppet theatres and circus tent have fostered creativity, imagination, and self-expression. It's a great way for them to explore storytelling and communication skills in a fun and interactive way. Some children have been creating their own illustrations for Eric Carle stories and exploring the concept of sink/float through Pamela Allen. Investigating their own ideas of floating materials and weight, by making boats and testing them out in water. It was a great opportunity for creative construction, trial and error, and problem solving.

Ms Lauder, Ms Cocca and The Preschool Team

ELC Banksia Room

The Banksia friends have been engaging in Earth Science by exploring weather changes during the season of Autumn. Through hands-on activities such as collecting leaves and throwing them in the air, embarking on scavenger hunts, creating leaf autumn artworks, and investigating changing colours, children not only connect with nature, but also develop vital cognitive, sensory, and motor skills. These experiences foster curiosity and a deeper understanding of the natural world, encouraging a sense of wonder and appreciation for the environment from an early age. Furthermore, engaging in such activities promotes language development as children describe their observations and experiences, while also nurturing creativity through artistic expression.

Over the last week, the educators observed the children's growing curiosity about the weather and the shifting seasons. As part of our ongoing theme, "Children connect with and contribute to their world," they were introduced to an engaging song aimed at teaching the students about different weather patterns. In addition to this, the children conducted a simple science experiment called “Rain cloud in a jar” and created weather sensory bottles. Through this learning experience, the children developed a range of skills such as problem-solving, inquiring, experimenting, hypothesising, researching and investigating.

Ms Alicia Carr

Early Childhood Teacher