Field Room - Kindergarten

We have made it through a whole term without any disruptions, YAY!  Let's have a look at all the learning we got up to in our first term together. 

Routine, Routine, Routine! 

A new environment can be a little scary but, it also brings change and new memories. Routine is so important to me as a teacher as it allows the children to gain an understanding of what their day is going to look like and takes away any fear of the unexpected. Routine enables children to feel safe and secure within their environments which is important for them to be able to feel at ease and explore their world. In saying this, throughout term 1 we focused on routine and rules as a group. The children grasped an understanding of the expectations in the kindergarten program whilst also being reassured of their day and what it was going to look like. Within the kinder curriculum we embed a kind and friendly manner right from the start which is carried on into the children's vocabulary and assists with their learning here at Haven. 

Sharing is caring right?

But what about when it comes to germs?

That's right, we focused on germs as a group through a fun and inquiring way. We discussed how you can’t see germs and explored this in a more visible way so the children could gain a better understanding and insight to germs. We had 2 pieces of bread. One which is nice and clean and the other one has been shared around the room collecting germs. The children  hypothesised what they thought  would happen to each piece of bread. Over the 2 weeks the children would investigate and observe both pieces of bread. Just when we thought we had been unsuccessful in the experiment, a child came in shouting "THERE ARE GERMS ON THE BREAD". Success! the experiment worked. The one the children passed around had started growing mold whilst the other piece stayed nice and clean.  We also explored this concept in other visual ways such as: freaked out pepper, pom poms and a spray bottle! 

Differences, it’s what makes us who we are.

What a curious bunch we have within the kindergarten group this year. A parent bought it to our attention that their child was noticing the differences within their family and peers. With this feedback we were able to use this within our intentional teaching. We read a few books that explored this topic. One book that was popular amongest the kinder children was ‘Elmer -  by David Mckee’. This booked allowed us to explore the importance of acceptance and respecting our friends and those within our community. Elephants are big, have trunks and are grey. But what about Elmer, whose skin is covered with colourful patchwork? The story of an elephant who sticks out, both with his patchwork and his sense of humour, and how he and his community learn to accept and value his unique characteristics. We discussed the physical differences amongst our peers here in the kindergarten program but, also highlighted that no matter how different we are. We must always be kind and friendly. This topic allowed us to dive deeper as we looked at the world in which we live. The children learnt about Australia, the states, territories and cities as well as learning that their are many different family dynamics. 

Incursions and Excursions

Swimland

Here in our funded kindergarten curriculum we look at ways we can further fill the children's toolboxes with as much knowledge as we can, in a range of different fun and engaging ways. Over term 1 we have been lucky enough to have a few incursions and an excursion! On the 11th of March, we had 2 people from Rowville Swimland come and teach us all about water, sun safety, beach safety, swimming tools and how to call out for help. We even had a special visitor … Puddles the puppy :) 

DID YOU KNOW … When calling out for help, we need to make our hands into a fist and use a loud voice to yell out HELP! If we use our hands the lifeguards might think we are waving to them.

Reptile Encounters Wildlife

We had Dan and the reptiles from Reptile Encounters wildlife also come out. Dan was amazing in the way he delivered the information about the Australian animals to the children. He enriched the children with facts whilst they interacted with the animals. The children were so captivated by this experience and were able to answer Dan’s questions and repeat the facts that they had just learnt. The children got to meet, pat and even hold the following: - Tortellini - Murray Rover Turtle, Boof - Frilled Neck Lizard, Charle - Saltwater Crocodile, Freddo - Green Tree Frog, Russel - Shingleback Lizard, Tiny - Olive Python, Cheryl - Spiny Leaf Stick Insect &  Vikki - Woma Python

Healesville Sanctuary Zoo

On the 17th of March the kindergarten room went on their first excursion to Healesville Sanctuary Zoo. The excitement level on the bus ride there was amazing and all the children were telling each other which animals they most wanted to see. After travelling there on the bus the group had a snack before going on a tour with Rebecca, one of the zoo staff members. On the tour the children were able to to see many different Australian animals, including koalas, an echidna, kangaroos, dingoes and reptiles. As a class we also got to enjoy the ‘Spirits of the Sky’ bird show, where the children were mesmerised by the birds flying over them, before having a picnic lunch. After lunch we ventured in the ‘Dino’s at the Zoo’ exhibit, which the children were amazed by and it felt as if we had travelled back to prehistoric times! After a big day of exploring the zoo we hopped back on the bus where some children fell asleep. What a fantastic day! We will be looking at another excursion throughout the year for our funded children! 

We have so much in store for the children in term 2 and look forward to sharing it with you all :) - Kindergarten team