Family Learning Centre Update

THE FAMILY CENTRE

Hello Playgroupers and Family Centre friends 

Welcome to Spring 2021!

Well done, you made it!   And there is more than a hint of positivity and happiness in the air as we approach the end of a very changeable term 3 and look forwards to a much more interactive and active term 4.

In term 4 we hope to re-group here at playgroup or meet up at the local park with friends, and gather again for that ‘real time’ social connection that we are all missing. We are happy to refer to the updated CoVID-safe practices and rules in place for you and your child and family to feel safe and welcome. Check with either myself, or your playgroup or activity facilitator for this information.

Easy flower crafts @ home: Daffodils!

If you are looking for a fun way to craft up some daffodils this spring season look no further! This daffodil craft is easy peasy to make– with a little supervision your child can create with you this stunning for your family home – or make a perfect ‘happy days’ gift for a special person!

Materials you will need – 

• yellow cupcake liners (mix of medium and large sizes is fun)
• mini yellow and/or orange cupcake liners,
• light blue (background) cardstock paper, and
• green (cut for the stems and leaves) cardstock paper,
• small yellow pom-poms
• glue stick and scissors (childsafe of course)

And start to layer and stick the shapes and materials onto the blue paper

https://iheartcraftythings.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/daffodil-craft-1.jpg

See video tutorial on this site, it may be helpful before you get started on your craft project!

Let’s Read! The building blocks of early literacy begins at birth 

•  Literacy development is a vital part of your child’s overall development.
• Activities like talking, singing, reading, storytelling, drawing and writing help to develop your child’s literacy.
• For babies and younger children, try nursery rhymes, sound games, ‘I spy’, and books with rhyme, rhythm and repetition.

Rhyme and its importance in literacy development

Rhyming is a great way to help babies hear and identify different sounds in words. And when children start learning to read, rhyming helps them learn the connection between the sound of a word and how it’s written.

• Play games that involve rhyming. Rhyming games help children appreciate beginning, middle and ending sounds – for example, ‘cat, pat and mat’. You can play them at any time – in the car, while shopping or at the dinner table.

What parents and carers can do at home – or anywhere!

Talking, singing, storytelling and reading daily with your child – it’s never too early or too late – the time is now and it is always perfect!

• Babies, toddlers and young children all love books with rhyme and rhythm, tickles and giggles, and repetition.
• Play games that involve the sound and rhythm of words. You could try tongue twisters like ‘She sells seashells by the seashore’, ‘Round and round the Garden’ or ‘I Spy’
• Love books together, or make your own personal book with your child from pictures and shapes, family photos, textures or nature items collected from the beach or park
• Read rhyming books like Ten little fingers and ten little toes by Mem Fox or anything in the Pig the pug series by Aaron Blabey.

Visit your local library – its free to join and borrow lots of types of books and activities for everybody. Join in person or online  https://www.grlc.vic.gov.au/services/join-library

And keep on reading – make happy memories and have fun during this time together 😊

For more information, ideas and advice on reading and with babies and children from birth  - 8 yrs old -  checkout the Raising Children website – 

https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/play-learning/literacy-reading-stories/literacy-activities

Story Box Library 

Story Box Library is the best place to watch celebrated stories read aloud by our favourite storytellers. A fantastic resource for pre-school through to primary aged children where a range of actors, sportspeople, authors and illustrators share their unique voices in an ever-growing library of stories.  

Story Box Library engages children from pre-school to primary ages in reading to inspire their imaginations and improve their language and literacy skills along the way. It’s storytime, anytime!

Interested in joining a playgroup in term 4?   

Check out “What’s on at the Family Centre” calendar 

Playgroup Victoria Family Membership gives you and your child everything you need to join and be part of the playgroup community - and its free! 

Yes, FREE Family Membership!  

Bumps 2 Bubs 

every Wednesday 

1:30-3pm 

Bubs to Toddlers 

every Tuesday 

1:30-3pm

With warm wishes, smiles and happiness to you and your families as we approach this spring break. 

Stay safe and happy

Sincerely, 

Helen O’Connor

NBC Family Centre Coordinator,

3-25 Goldsworthy Rd Corio, 

Entry and free parking at Gate 6

ph. 03 5224 9791

Early Learning Centre

Childcare Service

We provide a caring and nurturing long day care program for children from 6 weeks to 6 years old. Our hours of operation are from 8:00am to 6:00pm. We have a beautiful outdoor space featuring gardens and chickens where each child is supported to develop into a contributing member of their community and takes responsibility for care of their space.

SCIENCE WEEK 

Children are little scientists naturally.  They often wonder about the world they live in. During Science Week we had so much fun engaging with some experiments.  The children were able to critically think and able to form their own opinions & conclusions through decision making and problem solving.   They were resilient, patient & persevering.  

RUOK

We at NBC ELC acknowledged our national day of action on the 9th of September.  We were reminded that every day is a time to ask others “R U Ok?” 

We learned about supporting each other in dealing with life’s ups & downs.  We wore our hats with R U Ok throughout the day. We made learning packs to go home to our friends that could not join us and we sent them cupcakes that we decorated to let them know we care. 

Footy Day

There were magpies, lions, cats and bulldogs and giants at day care today!  We celebrated all the footy teams.  We learned how to handball through a target that we made 

ourselves. We kicked the football and sang footy songs.  We ate pies and sausage rolls – sometimes it’s ok to have party food, as long as its not too often!

Programming and Planning

The educators have been learning a new planning tool.  They use a mind map to help us to extend our learning.  They observe our interests ask us what we want to learn, then see how much we know now, and then they help us to build on our knowledge and skills. This ensures our learning is individualised and relevant to each one of us.

Amy Vasher Cockle

Director

Early Learning Centre

03 5224 9784