Hi everyone. we have been having such a wonderful time at kindergarten. We tried out our new bike, (thanks to Shiloh's family). We look forward to receiving a few more bikes which we have ordered. We have had lots of Super hero play, in and outdoor activities promoting balancing, sensory activities, turn-taking, sharing of ideas, literacy, numeracy, colour concepts just to name a few. Here are some photos for your enjoyment. Our learning journey at Concord Kindergarten...

LEARNING FUN WITH ICT

As part of our ongoing committment to keep up to date with ICT our children have their own digital camera and they are learning how to use it. We start with a few basic rules - clean hands, camera strap around your neck, keep clear of sand and water..... Next we demonstrate the basic techniques of camera use.... how to hold the camera, aiming at your subject......etc. After becoming familiar with these skills children are encouraged to think about why they are taking these images, as well as identifying the learning happening in them. The next stage is downloading the photos on to the computer to view them and then printing some out to keep or even put in their profile books. For many this is a very new experience while others have well developed skills already whether it be from kindergarten or using ICT at home. Peer tutoring is very evident as we see children pass on their skills to our newer 'photographers.' Have a look at the 'picture mosaic' composed of some images our children have captured. Happy snapping everyone!!!!

Friday 14th May

This term there has been a strong focus on recycling at kindergarten. Three large colourful recycling bins were purchased at the beginning of term, these have since been labelled as cardboard, paper and mixed recyclables. We are trying to re-use much of this in the programme with the remainder being put out at the gate in our blue recycling bin. We have been talking a lot with the children about what it means to recycle and why we should recycle. We are also using coloured containers at the lunch table, one for food scraps, one for yoghurt pottles and the other for general rubbish. The children are already very familiar with these often reminding one another what goes where. Our bokashi is again up and running and we have been making recycled paper also. Dramatic play has been a prominent feature in all areas of the programme over the past few weeks. From fire fighters to super heroes the children demonstrate vivid imaginations and have been using various tools and props in the environment to support their play. With all of the desktops in good working order the children have been actively engaged in ICT. We are also beginning to use skype to communicate with others, this is something new for the children. Last week whilst skyping a class at Fairfield Primary the children were more excited about seeing their own reflection in the video window than they were about who was on the other end of the video, very amusing. All-in-all it's been a busy few weeks!

Future Fire Fighters!

From little seeds, big things grow. An idea from one child becomes the focus of outdoor action over several days as the children build their own fire station. Through co-operation and communication, imaginative dramatic play enhanced with props (e.g. - hoses, hard hats, vests, ladders, water bags, ropes and buckets - to make monsoon buckets) and children making links to prior experiences the 'Concord Fire Station' is constructed and the crew are ready for action! And some great news - with one of our Dads, who is a fire fighter, we are planning a trip to visit the Dunedin Central Fire Station. Watch this space!!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all our mothers, grandmothers and all our loved ones. Here are some photos to add to your special day :). From everyone at Concord Kindergarten :)