The end of Term 2 already - it has gone by far too quickly.

At the end of Term 1 we measured all the children on our Height Chart which is on the wall in our room - as we have as we have a years difference in ages in this group, we also have a variance in heights, but they had all grown sooo much when we measured them again this week. To discover how we all grow, we will measure all the children at the end of each term, and they will be able to chart their growth over the year, another science experience.

We also further explored shapes - we discussed and compared basic shapes, then looked around our room to see how many of these shapes we could find - the children were very observant, checking the building, the furniture, the decorations around the walls, their clothes, even the soles of their shoes - it was amazing how many shapes we found - we extended the looking into the playground as well.

The children have been very interested in looking up Reference Books - we have a number of Reference Books on display in our room, and the children have access to these at all times - the books we have had recently were about Reptiles, snakes, insects and Australian animals following our visit by Wild Action. They sit and look at these by themselves and with their friends, engaging in deep conversations about what they can see - this encourages their curiosity.

As Friday was the last day of Term, we decided to have a Pyjama Day, so in preparation for this the children made some Chocolate Crackles on Wednesday to eat on the day. So Friday duly arrived - the childen had been counting the days, and on Friday morning I opened the door to all these happy excited children in their pyjamas - it was a fun day, and a good way to end the term. Have a happy and safe holiday.

What will happen next Term ?

Margot, Ann and Lisa.
Group A Educators.

Indoors on Monday there was lots of communication and co-operation in home corner. Some amazing meals were cooked and the babies were well cared for. In the block area buildings were built next to the train tracks, there was even a zoo with lots of animals in it. Some of the craft experiences included painting with small brushes on brown paper, stay tuned for the reveal next Term. Some of the children have been practicing their cutting skills while other children were manipulating “Sludge” which is made from a combination of water and cornflour.  Before going home instead of reading a story we played a dancing game which encouraged listening skills. When the music stopped the children had to move to the nominated coloured circle.

Tuesday was such a lovely day so we spent most of the session outdoors. The use of trucks for some of the children along the wooden seat seems to be a favourite experience to participate in. They work together by communicating about which way they are going and which truck to use. In the sandpit many cakes were made and decorated.  Wow they were delicious!!!!!!!!!Of course running and climbing and jumping off the rocks continues to be fun. And as for the swings well many are building their skills when pushing themselves. Their friends also like to push them.   So many friendships are developing. “How the Kangaroos got their tales” was read again today. Some children are able to recall the story................................

Friday was our last day of Term 2 so we celebrated by wearing our PJ’s. The weather was so lovely we stayed outdoors where some of the children, did some weeding in the vegetable garden, while others spent time on the swing and others played games that involved lots of climbing.  Once the packing away had finished, inside we went for popcorn. Annette used her popcorn machine to heat up the popping corn until it POPPED. It smelt yummy and we could hear it pop. It made us laugh. Eating it was so so YUMMY. The whole bag of popping corn disappeared along with the other two bags that families had brought in. Thank you so much for that. We all said goodbye to Chantelle. Best wishes to her and her family. Please stay in touch.

Wishing you all a very safe and happy holiday, take care

Even though it was still rather cloudy/foggy we stayed outdoors as the children were involved with playing hide and seek, running and of course spending time in the garden. Last week Nikki (Harry’s mum) suggested we spray lemon juice on the broccoli leaves so the caterpillars would not eat them. So after helping me to squeeze the lemons we sprayed the leaves today. Now we wait to see how effective it has been. Don’t forget the scarecrow is in the garden so he can scare the birds. Indoors we not only had playdough to roll and manipulate we used a combination of cornflour and water to make “sludge” It’s not only a sensory experience but also a science experience.  When it is touched it is rather runny but it can be rolled into a ball. Once the rolling has stopped it becomes runny again. Try this at home but I would like to let you know to put paper underneath and wear an apron. It is easy to clean though, especially when it’s hard. To finish the session we read “Farmyard Hullabaloo” which was enjoyed by everyone.

Today we celebrated the last day of Term by wearing our PJ’s and exploring outdoors. We were able to run, climb and hide as well as swing and even show our family what we can do. Having music outdoors seems to be rather popular. It’s a great way not only to sing and dance but also to develop co – ordination and of course have fun. We not only had fruit with Sydney and her dad, who wore his Giraffe onesy (stay tuned for the photos) but we also had party food. This is always so much fun. We were very lucky to have many family members come to celebrate with us. Thank you to everyone who provided lots of discussion and support and laughter.

Please remember that we start back on Thursday 18th July. We look forward to hearing all your exciting stories about your holidays. Maybe write it down so they all can be discussed.

Karen and I wish you all a very happy and safe holiday. Take care

Karen and Annette
Koala Group Educators

Term 2 has flown by so quickly we can’t believe we are half way through the year already! It’s been a very busy term with many incursions and activities of interest.  The main two areas of interest have been recycling and space. Educators are conscious of setting individual goals for each child whether it’s kicking a football or learning to catch a ball, to start and finish projects, negotiate sharing or building confidence to attempt new or challenging things.  

The children have started show and tell. We have written up a show and tell schedule with each child having an allocated day a week. It’s already gone off to a great start! Niamh brought in a singing book and some favourite movies, Sam had a magnet kit (a great addition to our program), Alexia showed us her music player and Asher had a toy cat which moved. We will continue with our show and tell next term as it assists to build confidence and to begin public speaking in a very comfortable environment. We are encouraging children to communicate things they might have done outside kinder with family e.g. on the weekend or holidays. Alexia had a beautiful book with famous pictures by ‘Monet’ she went to the museum in the city that was showcasing his paintings. We have many of our own little artists in the room ‘our space display’ showcases some of their beautiful work.

In Term three we will begin Multiculturalism, travel and Indigenous Aboriginals. Many of the children have been lucky enough to see other countries and experience other cultures. I (Amy) am travelling to Vietnam and Cambodia over our break and will be away for the first week and a half of term 3! The lovely Christine will be taking my place.

On Monday we cooked delicious chocolate cupcakes, we also celebrated Matilda’s 5th birthday!

This Friday we are having our pyjama party we are really looking forward to popcorn and party games!

We hope you all have a safe and relaxing holiday

See you all next Term!

Amy, Tracey, Helen and Fiona 
Extended Hours Educators