Spaces for children

The Early Years Learning Framework (Eylf) identifies and recognises that children should be shown and taught to become socially responsible to show respect for the environment.

The National Quality Standards introduced in January 2012 requires that the environment is inclusive and promotes competence, independent exploration and learning through play. (3.2)




Outdoor spaces are organized to engage children in quality experiences in built and natural environments.


Opportunities are provided for children to engage independently with tasks and play.

Tristan using the digger to load sand in the truck.

Nicola swinging on her own.

Kayla and Eva on the double swing.

Good decision making skills are learnt through real life experiences.

Outdoor spaces provide children with the ability to play in small/large groups and to enjoy moments of solitude.















 We have a variety of swings that allow children to practise their skills of being able to get up on the swing and swing themselves.

Some swings are designed for one only and others for two at a time.

Children feel a sense of achievement when they are able to do things on their own.























Climbing stairs and ladders assists with developing gross motor skills.

Taking turns and being mindful of our friends helps build relationships between each other.

The children have a strong sense of wellbeing when they are happy, healthy, safe and connected to others.

Stephanie, Angus and Pierson are painting on the brick wall. They are following and extending their own interests with enthusiasm, energy and concentration. They are confident and involved learners.

Jamil is exploring an aspect of identity through role-play.

Sophie and Prahana are washing babies. They are engaged and contributing to a shared play experience. The girls are under the shade of a sail and the water play is cooling on a hot day.

Teddy bear picnic

Please bring a teddy bear to kindergarten on Wednesday 2nd April for our Teddy Bear Picnic. We will sing teddy bear songs, ice biscuits and have a picnic together. 
Kathy and Pam.

Sun-Protective hats

From September to April, all children need to wear a Sun-Protective hat. The best hats should protect the head, face, eyes, ears and neck.
Please make sure your child always has a hat available.

Kinder happenings...

Three year-olds

Australia:
The children have learnt to name different Australian animals. We focused on the book, 'What made Tiddalik laugh,' and the musical story.

We have also learnt songs such as 'Home among the Gumtrees' and 'Koori Dreamtime' with rhythm sticks.

Colours:
The children have been encouraged to learn colour matching and sorting skills through various games.

Father's Day:
We read books about fathers, and the children made cards for their dads.

Four year-olds

The children were interested in snakes and other creep-crawlies after our recent incursion. Recent interest in worms was initiated by our gardening and children discovering how many worms were in the soil. We have brought some inside as part of a discovery table for children to learn about and observe further.

Woodwork has been introduced to the group as an outdoor experience.

3 year-olds outing

Three year-olds: Outing to Chesterfield Farm

This will be a chance for adults and children to visit the farm as part of a group (please note, children must attend with an accompanying parent).
We will meet at the farm at 10:00a.m. and have morning tea together. Our farm tour begins at 10:30 and finishes at 1:30p.m.
Chesterfield Farm

1199-1221 Ferntree Gully Rd, Scoresby
Date: Friday 15th November
Cost: $11 per adult, $11 per child

What's been happening at kinder

Four year-olds

The children have been:

• Using yeast to make pizza and bread rolls - observing the yeast and how it 'activates' to make dough rise
• Making cubby houses outside
• Going on 'Bear Hunts'!

Our Reptile Incursion was informative and 'hands on'.

Three year-olds

Some of the children have shown an interest in zoo creatures.
We have explored this topic using:

• literature - 'Dear Zoo'
• music - 'Going to the zoo'
• our Duplo set.

The children enjoyed trying to name and identify different zoo animals from picture discussions.

The children have enjoyed different musical games at mat time - 'The Music Train' has been very popular!

Hatching Chickens and Ducklings at Kindergarten

The children enjoyed patting the newly hatched chickens at Kindergarten.


We observed the eggs in the incubator and patiently waited for something to happen. This time we had success with our hatching program and the children enjoyed touching the chicks. Tomorrow we will let the duckings have a swim and talk about the differences between the ducklings and chickens.
 We will talk about the ducklings' webbed feet and water-proof feathers.

EYLF Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners. Children express wonder and interest in their environments.

Kathy

3 year old group

Program

The children are continuing to settle into their kindergarten environment. They continue to learn the routines and rules for safety. We are particularly aware of the need for safety in the playground as the equipment can be quite challenging for young 3 year olds.

The children are enjoying their group times with games, stories, musical experiences and using finger puppets to songs. For example; "Three Little Monkeys" and "Where is Thumbkin?" The children even enjoyed using bean bags to bean bag games at mat time.

"The Music Train"- We have been using the rhythm sticks to "The Music Train". This involves moving in time to the music and listening as a group.

Teddy Bear Picnic Wednesday, 27th March

The children will enjoy a Teddy Bear Picnic at Kindergarten with their favourite Teddy and kinder friends. This is a good social experience for the 3 year olds. We will sing Teddy Bear songs, enjoy the 'Teddy Bear's Picnic' story and ice Teddy Bear biscuits.

Many of the parents have given us a photo of their child with a small amount of information. This has been made into a book for the children. The children are enjoying looking at the pictures and becoming more familiar with their new friends. Could all parents have their photos in by the end of term please.



Thank You,

Kathy

Photos

Just a reminder that photos will be taken at the PreSchool next week by Max Amos Photographers.
Four year old group A + B Monday 18th March
                       group B + C Tuesday 19th March
Three Year old group Wednesday 20th March
Thanks Gina 

Kathy's report

Routines at kinder

This term the children will learn basic routines within the kindergarten program:

• Indoor play
• Pack-up time
• Group time
• Snack time
• Outdoor time
• Story time

When we follow a routine the children feel safe and secure.

 

Learning social skills

The children learn to co-operate with others in their play. Learning to share the equipment is a social skill that takes time to learn.

At group times, the children develop listening skills - listening to the teacher and to their friends, and waiting for their own turn to contribute. We have learnt two songs with the children: 'Roly-poly' and 'Bow to your partner.'

 Making a class book

Some of the parents have given us a photo of their child with a small amount of information. These will made into a book for the children. The children will be able to look at the pictures and become more familiar with their new friends.

Kathy