This article was copied from the June newsletter.
We are rapidly approaching the end of Term 2 and we cannot believe that the year is flying by so quickly! Once again we have had a very busy and exciting term with the children. They are now very familiar with the daily routine, and are well aware of room expectations.
It has been wonderful to watch the friendships that have formed in the room. Some friendships that were developed earlier on in the year have continued to grow, whilst we have seen other friendships change or even just begin as the children are now more aware of the individual personalities and interests of the children represented in the room.
As changes take place in the room, (for eg - new children starting, others leaving, children changing days, etc) the group dynamics are altered and we often see this impact upon friendships. Naturally as children explore social relationships there are many concepts/issues that arise. For example - what is a friend? how should we treat our friends? is it alright to have more than one friend (yes)? what if someone doesn’t want to play the same game as you, does that mean that they are not your friend (no)? how do we read the body language (including social cues) that we are sent from others? The staff address these with the children through numerous discussions, role plays, stories, songs, puppet shows, etc.
This term we have introduced a sign-in book for the children. It simply involves the children signing their name under the date when they arrive in the mornings. This gives them daily practise at writing their names. We have their name cards on hand if they need them to help recall the individual letters in their name.
It has been exciting to see several children really embracing the concept of having a portfolio. Many of the children have definite ideas of what they wish to include. It has been wonderful to see that quite a few families are contributing to these folders, afterall the family is the biggest influence on a child’s life and these personal contributions make each child’s portfolio so unique and relevant to their lives.
This term the children have been especially interested in - collecting sea pods in the yard, trying the new games that we have bought for the computer, drawing, listening to jokes, playing on the large plastic blocks outside, drawing, creating and flying kites, making ‘pirate’ craft, sharing music from home, dancing, and finding objects in rice.
Due to the change in weather we have observed many children with runny noses, coughs, temperatures and the like. If your child is unwell please let them stay home, sometimes a day of rest makes all the difference. Thankyou for your co-operation in this matter. We have had discussions with the children about covering their mouths when they cough, using a tissue when it is needed, and washing our hands frequently to reduce the spread of disease.
It was great to see a couple of Emu parents came to listen to the guest speaker at preschool last Tuesday night, 17th June. Jenny Kniepp is from the Department of Education and Training, and is very knowledgeable in regards to the transition to school process. The feedback that we have received was that the talk was interesting and that many parents were amazed at just how many skills children are using when they play. Play is actually ‘work’ for children, and engaging in various forms of play fosters skills that are crucial in later life.
Songs/fingerplays/dances that we have been learnt this term include - Singing in the Rain, Boots, Dr. Knickerbocker, the Robot song, the Ladybug, Do the Monkey, I am a Little Frog, Croc Hunt, and Mr.Clicketty Cane.
Bye for now
Rebecca, Judy & Ina
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Thursday and Friday Kookas
This article has been copied from the June Newsletter.
We have had such busy days it’s hard to believe that Term 2 is over! The children are well settled, friendships are formed but still open to new friends and each day brings something new to experience.
We enjoyed making a special afternoon tea for our mums, with the pikelets being eaten more by the children I think. Thank you mums for coming and spending the afternoon with us.
During indoor play the children have been showing interest in quite a few areas. Numbers and measurement have involved many of the children. From number rhymes and stories such as “Ten in the Bed” where the children count backwards and match the numerals to measuring and comparing lengths of toys, furniture and even themselves, all have participated and shown enthusiasm. We have also followed on the children’s interests in both kites and maps. Treasure maps, road maps, the street directory, the map of the world have been discussed and have provided stimulus for the children to create their own maps which we have often seen out in the playground being incorporated into their imaginative play. With the windy days starting the children have been keen to make and fly their kites. Working together with ideas and helping each other to attach strings and tails as well as encouragement to run fast so the kite stays up!!
We have been fairly lucky with the weather and outdoor play has not been too disrupted so far. On those wet days the children do enjoy jumping on our new trampoline as well as having the opportunity to visit the Emu room, and play with different toys and activities. On our sunny days looking for garden creatures is still popular although there are not too many around. The new sand in the sand pit is great! So much of it to bury themselves in!
We introduced the parachute game recently. The children have talked about it since – how much fun it was to run under it, how hard it was to make the balls bounce off the parachute and lifting it up high and then hiding underneath it. A good workout for our arm muscles too!
We would also like to farewell Alexander and his family as they move to Canada and wish them all the best for their future.
Looking forward to enjoying many experiences with your children over the next six months but for now…
Enjoy the holidays,
Robyn, Maria & Cheryl
We have had such busy days it’s hard to believe that Term 2 is over! The children are well settled, friendships are formed but still open to new friends and each day brings something new to experience.
We enjoyed making a special afternoon tea for our mums, with the pikelets being eaten more by the children I think. Thank you mums for coming and spending the afternoon with us.
During indoor play the children have been showing interest in quite a few areas. Numbers and measurement have involved many of the children. From number rhymes and stories such as “Ten in the Bed” where the children count backwards and match the numerals to measuring and comparing lengths of toys, furniture and even themselves, all have participated and shown enthusiasm. We have also followed on the children’s interests in both kites and maps. Treasure maps, road maps, the street directory, the map of the world have been discussed and have provided stimulus for the children to create their own maps which we have often seen out in the playground being incorporated into their imaginative play. With the windy days starting the children have been keen to make and fly their kites. Working together with ideas and helping each other to attach strings and tails as well as encouragement to run fast so the kite stays up!!
We have been fairly lucky with the weather and outdoor play has not been too disrupted so far. On those wet days the children do enjoy jumping on our new trampoline as well as having the opportunity to visit the Emu room, and play with different toys and activities. On our sunny days looking for garden creatures is still popular although there are not too many around. The new sand in the sand pit is great! So much of it to bury themselves in!
We introduced the parachute game recently. The children have talked about it since – how much fun it was to run under it, how hard it was to make the balls bounce off the parachute and lifting it up high and then hiding underneath it. A good workout for our arm muscles too!
We would also like to farewell Alexander and his family as they move to Canada and wish them all the best for their future.
Looking forward to enjoying many experiences with your children over the next six months but for now…
Enjoy the holidays,
Robyn, Maria & Cheryl
Monday Tuesday & Wednesday Kookas
This news article has been copied from the June newsletter.
It has been a very busy term and it is hard to believe it is nearly over.
With special events occurring, Jerusha, our student being here for 2weeks and
being away at courses or meetings, time with the children has been varied and changeable.
The two groups are generally settled with friendships well established. Working on projects with a friend has come popular for many children now.....whether reading a book, doing a puzzle, making something, painting or maybe creating a block building.....the experience is far more rewarding when shared with someone special.
We are saying goodbye to three of our Wednesday friends too.....Brendan, Courtney and Ethan....we wish them and their families well as they leave us to move on to new opportunities.
Many children are wanting to write their names now and appear quite proud of themselves once they have mastered this skill. Opportunities to draw and write are available at all times in all settings. Some Monday/Tuesday children are wanting to write and spell words, so words are written and pictures of the words put next to them to aid memory and recall of what each word says.
Our focus.....adding more detail/staying actively involved in tasks for longer periods of time now..... valuing the children’s ideas and talents, supporting them to grow and progress using the ideas and skills they have.....and they have great ideas!!
Monday/Tuesday group interests? using the computer, lego and cog construction, “things that spin?”(more to explore here), the gadget board, painting at the big easel, games played outdoors, making gifts for others.
Wednesday group interests? using the computer, listening to stories, what’s inside our bodies (after reading a story about an operation which involved the doctor cutting open a child’s tummy and sewing it back together), outdoor games, lego construction, making gifts for each other.
The children have “taken ownership” of their portfolios, some being more enthused than others. Stories/photos and work completed by the children are included. The family stories have been of particular interest and the children have enjoyed sharing their special moments with friends.
Remember, you are welcome to visit us during the day.....we’d like you to join us and also share any special skills you have with the children.
Please read our daily program to catch up on the day’s events. In amongst the busyness we’ll aim to set up more slide shows for you to view at pick up time.
We are hoping to start up a scrapbook too so the children can draw pictures about their favourite and most meaningful experiences of the day.
Looking forward to catching up at Parent/Teacher interviews.
Bye for now and happy holidays to all.
From Rhonda, Cheryl & Hazel
It has been a very busy term and it is hard to believe it is nearly over.
With special events occurring, Jerusha, our student being here for 2weeks and
being away at courses or meetings, time with the children has been varied and changeable.
The two groups are generally settled with friendships well established. Working on projects with a friend has come popular for many children now.....whether reading a book, doing a puzzle, making something, painting or maybe creating a block building.....the experience is far more rewarding when shared with someone special.
We are saying goodbye to three of our Wednesday friends too.....Brendan, Courtney and Ethan....we wish them and their families well as they leave us to move on to new opportunities.
Many children are wanting to write their names now and appear quite proud of themselves once they have mastered this skill. Opportunities to draw and write are available at all times in all settings. Some Monday/Tuesday children are wanting to write and spell words, so words are written and pictures of the words put next to them to aid memory and recall of what each word says.
Our focus.....adding more detail/staying actively involved in tasks for longer periods of time now..... valuing the children’s ideas and talents, supporting them to grow and progress using the ideas and skills they have.....and they have great ideas!!
Monday/Tuesday group interests? using the computer, lego and cog construction, “things that spin?”(more to explore here), the gadget board, painting at the big easel, games played outdoors, making gifts for others.
Wednesday group interests? using the computer, listening to stories, what’s inside our bodies (after reading a story about an operation which involved the doctor cutting open a child’s tummy and sewing it back together), outdoor games, lego construction, making gifts for each other.
The children have “taken ownership” of their portfolios, some being more enthused than others. Stories/photos and work completed by the children are included. The family stories have been of particular interest and the children have enjoyed sharing their special moments with friends.
Remember, you are welcome to visit us during the day.....we’d like you to join us and also share any special skills you have with the children.
Please read our daily program to catch up on the day’s events. In amongst the busyness we’ll aim to set up more slide shows for you to view at pick up time.
We are hoping to start up a scrapbook too so the children can draw pictures about their favourite and most meaningful experiences of the day.
Looking forward to catching up at Parent/Teacher interviews.
Bye for now and happy holidays to all.
From Rhonda, Cheryl & Hazel
Thursday, June 12, 2008
New website
The new website is running. You're probably already viewing it if you're reading this, however, if you want to bookmark it, the site is:
http://www.kellyvillepreschool.org.au
There is a variety of information available on the site. Have a look around and let us know if you have any questions or comments. You can send a message to the management team from the "contacts" page. If you have a technical question, you can use the "feedback" link at the bottom of the menu.
http://www.kellyvillepreschool.org.au
There is a variety of information available on the site. Have a look around and let us know if you have any questions or comments. You can send a message to the management team from the "contacts" page. If you have a technical question, you can use the "feedback" link at the bottom of the menu.
Monday, June 2, 2008
News from the Kookaburras
This is a template for news from the Kookaburra room!
In the future, this may contain a copy of , or something similar to, the activity book the teachers write in each of the rooms.
In the future, this may contain a copy of , or something similar to, the activity book the teachers write in each of the rooms.
News from the Emus
This is a template for news from the Emu room!
In the future, this may contain a copy of , or something similar to, the activity book the teachers write in each of the rooms.
In the future, this may contain a copy of , or something similar to, the activity book the teachers write in each of the rooms.
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