As we reach the end of Term 3 we reflect on what an eventful, exciting and lively term it has been. Over the last week and continuing over the next few weeks I will begin preparing Transition to School Statements for individual children. This is a process that involves the children, families and educators and provides in-depth information to school teachers so that they can support children’s learning further. I have already begun spending time with individual children to begin compiling their section, and families have received their sections to be completed.
Heading into term 4 the Koala group have already got to exciting excursions to look forward to; Melbourne Museum on the 16th of October where we will be viewing the Bugs Bugs Bugs exhibition and also exploring other displays at the mueseum. A few weeks later we will then be heading to the Collingwood Children’s Farm! The opportunity to have such amazing excursions incorporated into our program is great and we look forward to sharing all the learning that occurs at both of these next term.
We finished term 3 with our last Bush Kinder session for the year. It is without a doubt that the Koala children will miss their weekly BK session. The group have continued to show a great sense of curiosity, wonder, imagination and responsibility within this environment. As Early Child Educators we recognise that children need the opportunity to engage with the natural environment freely and the Bush Kinder environment at Braeside Park has been ideal learning space for us to provide children. Children are natural learners and in this environment they have had the opportunity to splash in mud puddles, create teepees using sticks, roll on the grass, explore the terrain, find bugs and insects, go on bush walks, use natural materials as they wish, climb trees and much more. All of these are invaluable learning opportunities’ that supporting children’s learning and development. This week I asked children what they have enjoyed best about Bush Kinder with these being a few of the responses that really captures the simplicity of the learning environment how often these learning experiences are the most appreciated.
- “climbing trees”
- “We can climb on stuff”
- “Balancing on the logs”
- “Explore and find good stuff”
As Bush Kinder concludes I would like to take the opportunity to thank Jo and Gina for their support and assistance in the running of the program. Their knowledge, ideas and experience have worked toward creating a great Bush Kinder program and I am extremely appreciative of this.
