Kharisma Kids - OSHC 

In the past week the children at After School Care have continued to work on their fine and gross motor skills, creativity, balance and social skills.   Each day the children get a quick yummy snack before heading outside for a play, visit the chickens and check on our garden plots.   

A request to make a  dream-catcher was made, so we collected the craft equipment and the children each made their own dreamcatcher.

We started with a paper plate, (cutting the centre out)

The children then made holes with a hole punch around the inside of the plate, some at the bottom and one at the top.

The children threaded wool and tied beads and feathers.

A nice quick activity that you can try at home.

The weather has been on our side, Monday the children made a “Super Obstacle Course” which started off as a couple of Hopscotch courses.  Then they added to it, and added to it, and added to it.  It kept them occupied for over an hour.  Some parents also tried out the course with their children on pick up. 

Children playing hopscotch can benefit in a range of ways.  Learning to follow instructions, waiting for their turn and learning to be a good winner or loser are all important social skills.

Children develop motor skills, balance and agility playing hopscotch.

Did you know?

Hopscotch dates back to the Roman times although some believe that the Chinese created the game.

The earliest recorded reference to the game of Hopscotch was in Poor Robin’s Almanac in 1677.

There are many variations of patterns and some are single lines of squares that circle like a snail into a centre square.

Other variations are shown below.

Spring is just around the corner so we have started looking at butterflies and what happens at this time to nature.  The children did some great work colouring in some butterflies which led to a conversation of the Ulysses butterfly.

The Ulysses butterfly is found on every continent except for Antarctica. It is found in most tropical areas like Northern Queensland, Northern islands of Australia and Papua New Guinea. They live below the Canopy in a Rainforest.

They eat Nectar from flowers, when they are feeding they also pollinate the flower.

Did you know?This butterfly can see something blue 30m away. 

The Ulysses Butterfly is the symbol for Tropical Queensland. 

The Ulysses butterfly is one of the largest butterflies in Australia. 

Its common name is Blue Mountain Butterfly.This butterfly has thousands of lenses in each eye. 

It has no lungs but instead it has little holes on each side of its body to breathe through. 

It has green blood. 

It uses its feet for tasting and its antennas for smelling.

Cooking Activity  -   Mars Bar Slice

The children helped make Mars Bar Slice. They donned up with masks and gloves to ensure everything was made in a clean environment.

Measuring, mixing, spooning and decorating were all some of the activities involved to complete a yummy snack. 

 Everyone's favourite no-bake recipe couldn't be easier to make.... with just 5 ingredients and 10 minutes prep time.

Prep time:  10 minutes

Chilling time:  4 hours

Author:  Lucy - Bake Play Smile

Try the recipe below (taken from https://bakeplaysmile.com/)

Equipment

• Microwave, Thermomix or Stove-Top

Ingredients

• 75 g butter
• 150 g Mars Bars chopped
• 1 tbs golden syrup
• 3 cups (90g) rice bubbles or any puffed rice
• 250 g milk chocolate
• 20 g coconut oil or vegetable oil (optional)

Instructions

Conventional Method

• Grease and line a 18 x 22cm rectangular slice tin with baking paper and set aside. 
• Melt the butter, 100g of the Mars Bars and golden syrup on low heat in a saucepan (or in 30 second bursts in the microwave on 50% power). Please note: the Mars Bars will not completely melt. Mix until the butter and golden syrup are smooth.
• Stir through the rice bubbles and the third Mars Bar (chopped).
• Press mixture very firmly into the prepared tin. 
• Place milk chocolate and coconut oil/vegetable oil in a heatproof bowl. Microwave on medium for 3 minutes, 50% power, or until just melted, stirring every 30 seconds with a metal spoon. Stir until smooth.
• Spread over slice and refrigerate until firm (a minimum of 3-4 hours - or best overnight).
• Remove slice from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cutting into squares with a warm knife.

Thermomix Method

• Grease and line a 18 x 22cm rectangular slice tin with baking paper and set aside. 
• Place 100g of the chopped Mars Bars, butter and golden syrup into the Thermomix bowl. Melt on 60 degrees, Speed 2 for 3 minutes.
• Add the rice bubbles and the remaining Mars Bar. Mix on Reverse, Speed 2, 15 seconds or until completely combined.
• Press the mixture very firmly into the prepared tin.
• Place the milk chocolate into a clean TM bowl. Melt on 50 degrees, Speed 3 for 2-3 minutes (scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally).
• Spread over slice and refrigerate until firm (a minimum of 3-4 hours - or best overnight).
• Remove slice from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cutting into squares with a warm knife.

Recipe Notes

Setting time - Leave in the fridge to set for a minimum of 3-4 hours (overnight is best). 

Storing the slice - Mars Bar Slice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. It can also be frozen for up to 1 month.