Balancing, heel to toe walking along the line.

Each week the experiences will become more challenging as children learn and practise . . . → Read More: Kindergarten Physical Education Program]]> Gross Motor skills We use the Kindergarten Physical Education Program designed by Occupational Therapists.

Balancing, heel to toe walking along the line.

Each week the experiences will become more challenging as children learn and practise new skills.

Our solar water fountains help us learn about solar energy, we play with them on a sunny day.

We use the water from our rain water tank so we are not wasting water and then put it on the plants.

The water needs to cover the pumps, then we connect the solar panel.

When the children hold the connected solar . . . → Read More: Solar Power]]>

Our solar water fountains help us learn about solar energy, we play with them on a sunny day.

We use the water from our rain water tank so we are not wasting water and then put it on the plants.

The water needs to cover the pumps, then we connect the solar panel.

When the children hold the connected solar panels up to the sun …

water spouts out of the fountains.

As soon as they turned them away or placed them in the shade, even a shadow, the water stopped – talk about instant energy!

We ask questions what if…? and tell our friends, then show them how. This is enquiry based learning through play. We also like to make tracks for our solar cars, a story for another day.

The children  also have heaps of fun with a fountain next to the sandpit, which recirculates its water.

A Learning Journal records the children’s learning and development and it follows individual and groups of children’s interests and learning development. It is a way to document the story of the children’s learning and develop the curriculum according to the children’s wonderings and interests. It will include observations of children’s learning, with a teacher’s reflection . . . → Read More: Learning Journal]]> Our Program

A Learning Journal records the children’s learning and development and it follows individual and groups of children’s interests and learning development. It is a way to document the story of the children’s learning and develop the curriculum according to the children’s wonderings and interests. It will include observations of children’s learning, with a teacher’s reflection and projection and planning or what next?  ie. where to from here? or how to extend the children’s learning?   It may also include provision: what materials we will use or adult involvement needed. It will be displayed near the sign in book everyday, please take an opportunity to see what we are learning.

From Learning Jounal to Portfolio. The individual Portfolios also include learning stories with photos, observations, reflections and projection and planning. An observation of a group of children experimenting with new materials will be copied into each child’s individual portfolio from that group learning experience.

Using the Early Years Learning Framework and the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework. The Learning Journal and the Portfolios will show links to these frameworks and their outcomes. The outcomes are displayed in the foyer.

The children will be encouraged to discover, gain knowledge and solve problems using that knowledge and demonstrate their understanding. To begin with here are some opportunities for learning in different areas throughout the pre-school indoors and outdoors that we will make available for the children.

Literacy  A range of books are always available and opportunities to discover books individually, in groups and with adults.  Group experiences including rhyming, identifying name cards and sound games.

Numeracy  Children learn maths in many ways, including with their hands. Puzzles that range in interest and difficulty. Create and play with blocks, trains, games and constructions sets to develop understandings of  size, order, position, volume, mass, number, counting, symbols in play and pattern.

Science  Opportunity to experiment and hypothesise what might happen if? Or I wonder why? Many hands on  experiences to see what happens.

Information and Communication Technologies  Opportunity to try different programs in the IBM kidsmart software and to use the pre-school digital camera. Children of this generation are digital natives, we are often learning about technology with and from them. We will incorporate this into their imaginative play with props such as phones or a cash register. Listening post with stories on CD’s.

Physical Skills Opportunity to practise and refine body coordination in our ever changing obstacle course. Participation in the Kindergarten Physical Education Program with small groups of children. Opportunity to practise and refine hand coordination to use implements such as; scissors: textas; pastels; threading; paint brushes and playdough.

Imaginative Play  Dramatic play helps children to take on the roles of others and interact successfully. We will offer a range of props to develop this play and introduce the children to new ideas. It will incorporate numeracy and literacy with play symbols for shop keepers or a restaurant.

Sharing is about division and counting

Creativity Many different experiences will be provided to extend the children’s abilities with open ended creative opportunities. Chance to explore a range of artistic mediums and how we can use them. Opportunities to problem solve and express their ideas. We encourage the children to draw using a range of pencils, oil pastels, texta pens and paints.

Communication and social skills  Many varied opportunities to practise and develop ways to share ideas and interact successfully with peers and adults. Experiences to develop trust, confidence and independence.

Emotional Development Opportunities to identify and develop how to use our emotions successfully. Children will practise controlling their emotions. Adults will support children in learning how to deal with a variety of situations that arise through participation in small and large group play experiences.