Early Learning
It has been lovely to return to our Early Learning Centre after the holidays and hear all about what children and families got up to. Hearing about holidays to Queensland almost made us forget how cold we were!
On our last day of Term 2 we farewelled Mrs Leanne Ward. Leanne worked at our Kinder for 23 (and a half) years that were characterised by love, service and devotion. Leanne's family were able to come and help the Early Learning team celebrate their Mum and Nana. We have a special seat which commemorates the years of service Leanne has given to our kinder, and the many many many stories she has read to children! It was a real joy to see all of Leanne's grandchildren sit on the seat with her.
Bee Group
Last term, the Bee group were interested in anchors. They made some anchors to play with, and built a boat out of big blocks. We were also learning and thinking about trees, and how roots act as anchors for trees. These two areas have continued to be extended on and intertwined as we have returned to Kinder.
Children have been learning map symbols and creating treasure maps. Working in groups, children have created maps of our Kinder yard, which we will use to hunt for real treasure! After learning and talking about all of the different things we need trees for, children were keen to make their own recycled paper out of old scrap paper. Children have then used their handmade paper to make more maps.
Children continued to play in the boat they had made last term. We learned the sound 's' as we acted out a story of Jesus calming the storm. Children have also been exploring scientific concepts of balance, floating, and buoyancy through play with boats.
In a play scene of the book Alexander's Outing by Pamela Allen, children used problem solving and engineering to rescue Alexander the duckling from the hole. Before reading the book, children worked out that filling the hole with water would help Alexander float. Children acted out the story, then created their own story maps of Alexander's outing.
Monday Wombat Group
The Monday Wombat group have been enjoying playing in the boat that the Bee group children made, and pretending to catch fish. The Wombat children practiced their fine motor skills by drawing their own fish in crayon, and painting watercolour relief over the top. Children spent a long time adding details such as bubbles, and described different parts of their fish; tails, fins and scales. Our next step is to add metal paper clips to their fish and make some magnet fishing rods, building on a current interest in playing with magnets. We will also be able to use our fishing rods to test what other things around our kinder room are magnetic.
Beth Parker
Head of Early Learning
