Play and Learning

With SJPPS Preschool

At preschool the children have been exploring text during group experiences. We have been predicting what a story is about by looking at the pictures on the cover of the book, reading and acting out stories and recalling the characters and storyline of books we have read. The children have experienced a variety of stories; including books, felt board stories, puppets, dramatising the story ourselves and watching it on the smartboard. Some stories such as 'Going On A Bear Hunt' and 'The 5 Little Ducks' also involve music and movement. 

'The Giant Turnip' and 'The 3 Billy Goats Gruff' were acted out and allowed children the opportunity to explore the story further and to have the opportunity to take on the role of a character within the story. 

Exploring Art

Many children at preschool have shown an interest and appreciation for art. This week the children created their own drawings with a black texta, then using water colours, painted their pictures. The following day Miss Susan picked a bunch of bottlebrush and greenery and placed them in a vase. This became the model for the children's artwork. 'Every child is an artist' (Picasso), it is important we allow them to develop their own style and creativity, allowing self expression of the world from their eyes. 

The children in purple group also created a group piece of artwork, using the fence as a backdrop. 

Children are confident and involved learners; they use art and other medias to create and express their view of the world. ( Early Years Learning Framework V2 Outcome 4)

Body and spatial awareness are skills children develop through 'being' during their early years. This involves gaining understanding of their own body, what it looks like and how it works. Building an awareness of themselves in relation to their environment and others also builds spatial awareness - where they are in relation to their world. The preschool children have had opportunities to develop these skills through experiences such as chasing bubbles, parachute games, music and movement, the tunnel and hula hoops. One of their favourites has been singing 'Row Row Row Your Boat' in pairs. This requires children to sit, holding hands and co-ordinate their body (in unison with their partner) to row backwards and forwards and then rock from side to side - not any easy task when you are 3 and 4 years old.