Extended Hours Reflection 11

THE DENTIST CAME TO VISIT AND OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THE ROOM
The dentist came to visit us at Kinder to demonstrate how we brush and look after out teeth. While some children thought we brush teeth in a horizontal line or circular motion we actually should brush ‘the way our teeth grows’ (from the top down and from the bottom upwards). We were able to practise on a large set of rubber teeth and a huge toothbrush; hopefully the children will practise when they are brushing their teeth at home. On the mat we spoke about Plaque which collects between the teeth ‘cleaning teeth with a toothbrush and dental floss helps to remove plaque’ said the dentist. It should take at least three minutes to clean the whole mouth - the front, the back and the top of every tooth. Lucy told us she is teaching her brother and sister how to brush properly at home because they are doing it too quickly’ she remarked.

‘I brush my teeth every morning and night’ said Thomas

‘You shouldn’t eat lots of chocolate or cakes’ said Sienna

‘Otherwise you have to go to the dentist’ said Matilda

‘The best kinds of drinks are milk and water’ said Roan

‘Fizzy drink is bad like lemonade’ said Nicholas

Making healthy pizzas Thursday morning was a popular activity. We had a wide variety of vegetables to choose from such as capsicum, mushrooms, onions, spinach, tomatoes and olives.  Many of the children were ‘meat lovers’ adding salami, ham with plenty of cheese. The pizzas came out of the oven warm and delicious! We would like to thank brumby’s bakers in Elwood for donating the large amount of dough.    

The doctor’s corner has been set-up with a range of nursing outfits and medical utensils.  The patients have been lying on the mattresses with all kinds of problems ranging from broken bones and sore tummies.  We can listen to each other’s hearts with stethoscopes and give injections when needed; bandages are often useful for broken arms/legs and it’s important to be understanding and nurturing towards patients. Children incorporate real life issues and already learnt knowledge about the role of doctors, nurses in their imaginative play. They are sharing ideas and reflecting on community services which exist in our society to keep us healthy and alive.     

On Thursday we had dancing with Karen where we danced with soft star pillows or ‘shooting stars’. ‘When the stars are together it’s called a constellation’ said Matilda. The children have decided they would like to explore space a little further and wonder what else might be high up in the sky??? 

We are looking forward to Wild Action next week where we might see some real reptiles and Australian animals.

Have a lovely and safe long weekend

Amy, Tracey, Helen and Fiona 
Extended Hours Educators