Haven Newsletters

Forest Room

Hello Forest Room Families and Friends, 

 

I can't believe we are halfway through the year! When we were writing everyone's Mid-year Summative Assessment, we were amazed by how much the children have grown and developed in the last six months, it's very impressive! They are all happy and settled, confidently exploring and engaging in their social and physical environments. H

ere are some of the highlights from Term 2. 

 

Numeracy Focus: Learning About Shapes

Throughout the term, we have been learning and exploring shapes. We used a book called 'Walter's Wonderful Web' where we learned some main shape names (circle, square, triangle, rectangle, and oval). 

 

In the pasting and painting activities, we tried to combine different shapes and made 'shape city'. We went on 'Shape Hunt' in the yard and created our shape book. 

 

We also enjoy playing the 'Shape Bingo' game The game gave us, teachers, an opportunity to closely assess everyone's knowledge of shapes and social & emotional understanding. 

 

Rainbow Fish Friendship Program  

It is so important to help children develop their ability to recognise fairness/unfairness and the capacity to act with compassion and kindness. We chose to use Rainbowfish the book character to encourage children to reflect on their actions and consider the consequences of others in different play episodes. 

 

We have been continuing to read the book Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister during group times. We used CD made our own rainbow fish and displayed them on the wall. We also had a lot of conversations about "How to be a good friend?" 

 

Sports & Yoga Program 

During Term 2, we have Trish lead the Sports & Yoga Program. Each week we focus on a theme, so each time is different throughout the term. We did Australia Animal, Farm Animal, Shapes, Camping, Outer Space, Beach, weather Circus, and Dinosaur. Children were able to follow Trish's instructions to practice breathing and do all the tricky yoga poses. Through the Sports & Yoga program, children have been enhancing their language development, motor coordination, and play skills.

 

 

Science Program 

Same as the Sports & Yoga Program, every Tuesday is time to do the science experiment.  For Chemical Science, we mixed baking soda and vinegar to make our volcano 'erupt'. For Physical Science, we tested flat or sink in the water tub. For Earth and Space Science, we used a balloon to learn 'rocket blaster'.  

 

In the process of the science experiences, children are encouraged to use scientific thinking all the time, such as asking questions, conducting investigations, collecting data, and looking for answers.

Park Highlight 

At Haven, we are super lucky to have Acadia Reserve right next to us. You must hear your child share all our park experiences with you. They really enjoyed going to the park and playing with all the equipment there. Children's gross and fine motor skills have been developed through all this play. 

 

We also had the new orange vests to wear when we went on excursions. Children can be easily spotted from any of the positions. It helps us to supervise and make sure they are safe at all times. 

 

We will continue to have regular park excursions in Term3. Stay turn with us for all the fun photos.

Incursion

  • Librarian Vist 

We had Michelle the librarian from Rowville library come in to visit us. She bought her bear friend Rusty and read a few storybooks to us. Michelle also showed pictures of Rowville library. Some children shared they went there and borrowed some books with their mum and dad. In order to continually build connections with our local community, we plan to visit the library in Term3. 

  • Collaborative Art with Aboriginal Elder

We were so lucky to have the Aboriginal Elder Greg come and do the collaborative art with us. Greg prepared a dot painting and allowed our children to add the handprint on top. He named the painting 'Water Trails'. Greg explained to the children the painting is about the animals following the ancient trails to the water holes and it's a daily ritual of survival in the Australian bush. Greg also gave us permission to use dot paint in any of the artworks.  

  • Visit from Jeff (Lena's Dad)

Lena's dad came to visit us with his work car. Children noticed there is a special pink and white light on top of the car. It's special light for  Commercial Passenger Vehicle safety compliance Officer's cars. Each child had a turn at turning the lights on. 

Focused Events in Term2 

  • ANZAC Day (25th April) 
  • Mother's Day (8th May) 
  • National  Simultaneous Storytime ( 25th May 11:00AM) 
  • National Reconciliation Week (27th May- 3rd June)

Upcoming Events and Excursion/Incursion 

  • NADIOC Week ( 4th July- 8th July) 
  • Pyjama Day (22nd July) 
  • Road Safety Incursion (26th July)
  • Library Visit Incursion ( 3rd August) 
  • National Science Week (13th August-21st August) 
  • Book Fairy Incursion ( 15th August) 
  • Book Week ( 20th August-26th August) 
  • Library Visit Excursion( 1st September) 
  • Father’s Day(4th September)  

Thanks again for your ongoing support! See you all at Term 3. 

Ginna, Lena, Sikha, Trish, Jesy and Kristyn