Family Learning Centre Update

THE EARLY LEARNING CENTRE

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from the Early Learning Centre and Kindergarten.     

Well, we made it through! 

Reflecting on the year; we have gained lots of experiences and skills despite a crazy year. We practiced cutting, counting, our colours, and making friends.  We celebrated the cultures and customs of our friends and families.  We learned to say goodbye to old friends as well as hello to new friends.  We hope everyone has a safe and relaxing break and we will see you in a shiny new year! 

Love from Amy and the ELC Team

IMPORTANT DATES

14th -17th December: Photographer at centre

18th December: End of Year Party, centre closes 1pm

4th January: Early Learning Centre re-opens

1st February: Orientation Week for Kinder 2021

THE FAMILY LEARNING CENTRE

Hi everyone

Hello and welcome to all our Family Learning Centre playgroupers and families. What a year 2020 has been!  Is it time to get jolly yet? It sure is! 

The ELC children have had fun decorating this year’s Family Centre Christmas tree. What a treat! They made lovely ornaments to hang and all took turns to place these with great care on the tree, along with candy canes, (pretend) snow and topped off with the Santa’s Hat – I think you will agree, it’s perfect!

FREE Video by The Mik Maks on youtube  - check it out! I think you will love it! 

Welcome to our Makers Corner

A ‘makers corner’ is a perfect way to keep young children busy and creative over the holidays.  It’s easy to set up at home – or set aside a box of fun recyclables for art play using different materials, containers of items of all colours, shapes, and paper textures to glue, cut, paste, colour and paint – your recycle bin is full of  potential activities- and BONUS ….Your child is learning AND having fun! 

FYI --- adult supervision is as always essential to messy play!

4 Christmas themed activities  

to keep little minds and bodies active and engaged, as the excitement builds each day as we get closer to Christmas! And while there are plenty of amazing and fun projects that are flat, why not go 3-D to take the creative fun up a notch.

• Christmas colours - Go outside and find as many RED and GREEN natural items as you can – sort them into separate boxes or glue onto pages
• DIY nature tree - Draw a Christmas tree with chalk on your outside steps or paths - or create the shape with sticks, then decorate it with leaves you find outside
• Reindeer antlers- Hold sticks above your head and pretend to be a reindeer – and don’t forget to feed your little reindeer lots of carrots!
• 3-D Paper plate Christmas tree!  This Christmas craft is so easy to make and you probably already have all the supplies you need. You can even make your own Christmas tree forest!

Supplies Needed

1 X Paper plate   (1 per tree) fold this over to make a cone shape

Clear tape or stapler – tape or staple together for your tree

Green paint –use fun colours and child friendly paintsGlue (either school glue, pva glue, or stick glue) to decorate with Multicolored pom poms* 

*Note: While I love the look of the pom poms, don’t let a lack of these stop you from doing this project.  Take your project to the next level with Christmas Stickers, beads, gems, buttons, or sequins. Use whatever you have on hand.

Checkout the Raising Children Network website and link for planning holidays – this site has lots of ideas and activities – and crucial child development information for all parents. 

Bushwalking activities with children – 

Planning is key! Be aware of weather patterns, bush fire ratings, burning off etc to avoid dangers.

Walking trails- PLANNING AHEAD Check out local guide books and park websites before deciding on a spot for your bushwalking activities on the holidays. These guides describe walking trails in the area and can help you decide whether they’re suitable for nature walks with children. Many national parks have paths designed for wheelchairs and prams.

If your walks will be longer than half an hour, make sure you pack a first aid kit, sunscreen, long sleeve shirt, long pants, sensible shoes for protection, nappies, a towel and insect repellent and some extra snacks and plenty of water.  And an extra bag for collecting special leaves, twigs and precious stones. Always tell someone where you’re going, and carry a fully charged mobile phone.

You can also find up to date advice on your Bushfire Safety Plan and COVID-19 or on the Coronavirus Victoria website  https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/burning-off

Merry Christmas to all and best wishes for a very safe and happy summer holiday. See you February 2021!

Helen O’Connor

Coordinator, NBC Family Learning Centre