Extended Hours Reflection 21

FARMER SUE
It was wonderful to have all the farm animals come and visit our kinder. Farmer Sue is always very good with the children and likes to have a small discussion about her animals on the mat. We were fascinated to see real eggs from all kinds of animals such as a hen, duck, goose and emu which all ranged in size. All the children were very knowledgeable about how and egg hatches after looking at the chicken lifecycle. 

‘They peck their way out’ said Lucy

‘The incubator needs to be warm’ said Roan

‘It takes time’ remarked Asher

Sue reminded us how we are gentle with animals and how we should hold them.  Sue brought in an old fashioned butter maker so we could all use the cream to make butter, this will be delicious on a bun or some fairy bread.  It’s important for the children to recognise animals are incredibly important and contribute to a much larger life-cycle by providing a range of foods such as milk, cheese, meat and eggs. 

Tom - liked daisy the cow

Niamh - cuddled the rat

Jack, Sam and Max - Fed the goat

Alexia - snuggled the rabbits

Lily - gave the cow milk

Metcan - observed the turtle 

Roan - Fed the chickens

As the children move towards the end of their kindergarten year, the preparation of DEECD (Department of Education & Early Childhood Development) Transition Learning & Development Statements are being compiled ready for parents to see in Term 4. More information will be provided to parents about these transition reports at a later stage. If you have any questions or concerns about your child starting school please don’t hesitate to ask educators in the room. 

In the year before a child is due to start school, providing additional opportunities for children to practice some “independent and self help skills” is a useful and reasonably easy process to introduce at home.

• Prompt children to carry their own kindergarten or child care bag
• Encourage children to dress themselves
• Encourage a child to express what it is they are wanting or needing
• Let children answer questions from others without the adult intervening or answering for the child because it is quicker
• Give children practise in conversation and thinking about things
• Give children practise at making some choices and following through with their decision
• Specific strategies in the lead up to commencing school
• Driving past on weekends and walking around the grounds helps children to see buildings and grounds, toilets and play equipment.
• Talk about school in a matter of fact way, not making it too much of a huge thing but being positive.
• Avoid saying “when you go to school you will learn to read”. Children are often disappointed after day one, when that doesn’t happen!

We are looking forward to a Teddy Bear picnic and Marie’s farewell...

Amy, Tracey, Helen and Fiona

Extended Hours Educators