Learning Through Play at Preschool

The Preschool Vegetable Gardens Replanted by the Experts in Gardening

After sharing and eating our previous vegetable crop of spinach, carrots, buk choy, rocket and an array of herbs, the children have been busy replanting so as to reap more produce. The gardens needed some weeding and watering in preparation, then in went strawberries, lettuce, cucumber, basil, corn and tomatoes. The garden was planted just in time to take advantage of the rain last week, which has seen the garden flourish already. 

Purple Group have also embarked on the journey of growing lettuce and tomatoes from seed. Elyse's sister, Lana picked up some seeds when in Bunnings recently, as she knew our preschoolers would use these in our vegetable gardens. Using small clear cups the children filled them with soil, poked a hole to place in a seed, ready to cover with soil. Using spray bottles, the seeds need regular watering which the children are dedicated to the task. Late last week we saw our first tiny plant sprout. We will continue to nurture these until they are ready to transplant into the vegetable gardens.  

Rain Brings Snails to the Playground

After the rainy weekend, Miss Mimmie shared with the children her photos of the snails that appeared at her house. This sent the children on the hunt for snails in our playground. Alexis was the first to find one. She quickly put it in a container with sand and found some food for it to eat. The snail soon became comfortable with the children and showed off its climbing abilities, eventually finding its way back to the garden. 

Making Lemon Balm and Mint Tea

Fascinated by the taste and smell of the mint in our playground, Pink Group explored the project of making tea. Using lemon balm and mint, the children helped to pick, cut and blend the tea using a tea pot. After letting it defuse and cool, the children were delighted by the smell and taste. They learnt that lemon balm and mint are herbs that help to create calm, contain healthy antioxidants and vitamins, and aid digestion. 

Further Extension of Motor Skills

Bottom, crab and knee walking, crawling, rolling, rocking, crossing and re-crossing legs. These skills build strength, co-ordination and allow proprioceptive and vestibular input, which support children to understand their own body within space and develop bilateral co-ordination. The children were having so much fun, they didn't realise the holistic benefits they were experiencing.