Under the microscope

Our Digiblue microscope is wonderful because it allows the children to observe objects, insects, spiders and other creepy crawlie creatures in minute detail. It is interesting what children do notice and how they perceive things. Living and moving creatures under the microscope have the ability to capture children's attention for longer periods of time than inanimate objects. Our seemingly lifeless bald caterpillar came to life and Elijah, being familiar with 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' story by Eric Carle, was able to use his knowledge of what caterpillars eat to excite the wee fella into moving.

Remember our links!

Just a wee reminder to you that we have 6 other useful blog sites attached to our main blog that we have constructed. These can be found on the right-hand side of our home page under the heading Curriculum Links. Click on the green links to get to the curriculum blog of your choice.

Please take a look and feel free to suggest other ideas for these sites either by leaving comments or by talking to staff.


Curriculum Links

• Adventure Bear
• Creative Expression
• Habits of the Mind and Your Child's Learning
• Literacy
• Numeracy
• Transition to School
  

We love your feedback and want to make these sites work for you and your child.

Kia ora
Staff

Kia ora everyone

I just thought I should write to you all to explain the process I have gone though while doing this blog on the children and their adventures with Adventure Bear (Addy).

Three times a week I have been choosing a child that has been displaying 'being a good friend', helping to tidy up without having to be asked, or just something that reinforces being part of a team at the kindergarten.

When the children come back in the morning with the camera and Addy, I take the time to sit somewhere quiet and listen and document the child's voice. Once I have all the information I need I then move to the next step. I print the photos out and put them all into a scrap book that the children have decorated. The scrap book is accessible to the children so they can be looked at whenever they want to. This is all then posted onto Adventure Bears Blog that you can access from the kindergarten blog. Check it out. Thanks for your support.

Bye for now Tiffany (student)

Allie and Juno Visit

Today we were lucky enough to have Kaia and her mother bring in their much loved family pets, Allie the lop eared rabbit and Juno the guinea pig.
Claire, Kaia's mum talked to us about what Allie and Juno eat, and showed us how Allie likes to be held - Upside down with her feet in the air! She likes to be held tightly like a baby on her back, then she closes her eyes and goes to sleep. She is such a beautiful rabbit and so placid, letting all our children give her a cuddle while she lay on her back. Juno was a bit more timid, Jo held on to him while the children gave him a little pat so that he didnt get to frightened being introduced to so many children at once.

Thank you very much Claire, Kaia and Che for bringing in your very special family members, we enjoyed having them here and all the cuddles we got to give them.

Abby.

Adventure Bear

Hi my name is Tiffany Hedges I am a student from the University of Waikato and will be at Grasslands kindergarten for seven weeks starting last Monday.

I have a project that I hope you will all enjoy reading about. My project is about strengthening relationships between home and kindergarten. I have decided to introduce to the tamariki Adventure Bear (Addy). He is a delightful bear that will be coming home with the tamariki. He will come with a digital camera so you and your tamariki can take pictures of Addy having fun at your place.

I hope you all enjoy your time with Addy. I cannot wait to see his adventures in the future.

Cold Day? Hot Chocolate!!!

The weather has been so cold lately. Yesterday afternoon I tried warming up with a milo. Elijah mentioned how good it smelt and how he wished he could have one to keep warm. I felt like a meany drinking it in front of him, but made up for it today with bottomless hot chocolate and marshmallows all morning!
Several of our children utilized this offer to its full extent, not just having seconds but going back for 3rds and 4ths!! Its a great way to stay warm and enjoy each others conversation on a cold Autumn day.

Abby.

New Link!

Check out our new link called 'Creative Expression'. You can click on this link to go to the site. It is found under Curriculum links on the right hand side of this blog. Abby has created this new site to show case the children's work on display in and around the kindergarten. It also shows you the everyday masterpieces/treasures made and the creative talents your beautiful children have. We are very proud of the children. We hope you enjoy their work.

Thanks the Staff

Jodie's Graduation

To share Jodie's special day click on top of her story. It will enlarge into a full page. Use the back arrow at the top left hand side of the screen to go back to the blog.

Congratulations Jodie! We are so proud of you.You look very clever in your gown and mortar board!

Love all the staff and children at Grasslands Kindergarten.

Farewelling Dad

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Recently I have taken some time out from work because my dad lost his battle with cancer in the holidays. I have been spending time with my mum as we come to terms with not having Dad with us. We are grateful that we have so many wonderful memories to carry with us and of course Dad is ever present in our hearts. He was a great man and I shall miss him forever.

Jo

Caring for our Axolotls

Our Axolotl tank was looking rather grim after the holidays. I decided to clean it out with the help of some friends who have a strong interest in our slippery friends.
The learning that's happening...
We learn lots of things when we clean out our tanks; such as encouraging the proper care of living things, educating children on the correct handling of our Axolotls and our fish, how to feed them, the way in which we clean out the tank, and how we change the filter and add water ager to protect their skin.
By having hands on experience and contact with our animals here at kindergarten our children are able to develop healthy attitudes and interests towards animals, that has the potential to become a life long passion.

Tyne and Elijah have a strong interest in our Axolotls. Tyne handles them with great care when we clean them out and is now very good at feeding them especially when i am away - this is great because nobody else will touch them!!

Abby.

Jibidi Update

I mentioned during the holidays that i would keep you updated with our new Jibidi song. The children are full of enthusiasm for it and it is requested and danced everyday! Here the children are joining in on the song and it's actions during the session. They are very competent and confident with the actions and rhythm of the song. On this particular day it was played over and over by a group of children unassisted by any teachers.

Abby.