Extended Hours - Reflection 3

What a busy week in the Extended Hours Room. The room has been set up to reflect the interests and ongoing projects we are looking at. The children have started to use drawings and writing to capture what they are thinking and learning. We have learnt all about the lifecycle of frogs and how they change over time; a table has been set up for imaginary play which supports creativity and imagination as well as sharing and negotiating. It’s great to see the children working together, supporting each other’s learning when sharing personal thoughts, ideas and experiences with one another.

‘Ive seen a real a real volcano with smoke coming out of it in Malaysia’ said Daniel

‘Hot Lava comes out of volcanoes’ said Ashton

‘That’s how the dinosaurs went away’ said Roxy

Outside all the children helped to make a big volcano by piling all the sand into a huge cone shape. We then made a big hole on top where the lava would come oozing out of the top by using; bi carb soda, red die and vinegar! All the children watched in amazement- what a great science experiment!  

We have also played out the story wombat stew by using props. Nandini has been the ‘narrator’ and tells the story as we play it out using different characters. ‘Wombat stew, wombat stew, ooey gooey yummy chewy wombat stew’ The children walk around the hot the billy can and also added the ingredients; ‘bugs and slugs’, ‘feathers’, ‘gumnuts ‘and ‘flies’, the re-enactment of the book gives the children the opportunity to play out the story in a more physical way, where they are more involved and get more ‘hands on’ using song and props to guide them. We’ve also enjoyed some puppetry ‘The old Lady who swallowed a fly’ came to visit us at kinder, and the children were able to put all the animals and insects in her gigantic mouth! We have continued with ongoing sing-along including ‘In the Jungle the mighty Jungle’ and ‘Puff the Magic Dragon’ ‘Ten in the Bed’ and ‘Five Green Speckled Frogs’. 

The children have been introduced to some new games! The ‘snail game’ helps is to identify colour, learn to take turns and follow rules. It’s also important for the children to understanding the concept of ‘winning and ‘loosing’ which is not always easy. It has also helps children’s communication skills and negotiating roles and responsibilities.  We have a ‘spontaneous table’ which means anything might pop up or the children can request something they might like to do.

Did you know the children could make their own magic? It’s been a real topic of conversation where children have brought their own magic to share with their friends! Tommy made things disappear, Marcus brought in a magic wand and Leo had a magic book!  I wonder what other magic we can find at kinder?? Children’s imaginations run wild…..it’s hard to keep up with them, but that’s the beauty of being a child……

Thank you for the bringing in more fruit every day - the children are enjoying the ‘variety’

-        Please bring in1-2 family photos for our display board  (we have received only 1)

-        We have the ‘Responsible Pet Education’ visit this Friday at 10.30am)

-        Thankyou to Kate Rafferty for organising the very successful family BBQ on Sunday!

Amy, Tracey, Helen and Fiona
Extended Hours Team