Happy 5th Birthday Acacia

Ainslee

Happy 2nd birthday Anika

Ainslee

Welcome to KIDSPACE Brayden

Welcome to KIDSPACE Brayden! Brayden has had a good first week at KIDSPACE. Although he misses his mummy dearly, he has enjoyed exploring the new envrionment and engaging in some activities. Brayden has enjoyed stories on the couch with teachers. He also loved getting his hands in the messy play... he appeared to enjoy the texture and kept going back for more!

We look forward to getting to know Brayden and and his whanau more.

Ainslee

Fun with Slime

Last week I made a large batch of pink slime, and upon pouring it on the messy play table, I watched to see who would be the first to explore this gooey mass, and it happened to be Scarlett.

Initially she approached the table with caution, looking unsure as to what it was.

First she poked the tips of her fingers in to it. After repeating this several times, she then summoned up courage and put her whole hand in. She then took the next step and placed her other hand in as well. What fun.

Once she realised it was nothing to fear, she became really involved, even exploring the taste before spitting it out after discovering that it was made from soap flakes.

It was wonderful to observe the enjoyment she gained from exploring this unfamiliar medium, and I intend to introduce her to some other forms of messy play in the future.

Scarlett is developing the knowledge that trying things out, exploration, and curiosity are important and valued ways of learning, as well as the attitude that not knowing and being uncertain are part of the process of being a good learner. Monica

Welcome Jack

We have a new member to our KIDSPACE whanau, Jack, who has settled in very well. On Jack's very first visit, he showed a real interest in the sandpit digger, scooping up loads of sand and placing it in a large pile. Yesterday, on Jacks first full day, the sandpit is where he chose to play once again, and upon seeing the digger in the shed, requested that I get it out for him.

Well what fun he had, and he spent a very lengthy period engaged in his work.

Jack is already developing a feeling of belonging, and having a right to belong, in the early childhood setting, as well as the knowledge that trying things out, exploration, and curiosity are important and valued ways of learning.

Monica

Early literacy skills

To encourage the development of early literacy skills we have placemats that the children use to put their lunch box on at lunch time. Each child personalises their placemat and then their name is written top left with a photo alongside. This is then laminated. When the children get their lunchbox they then identify which is their placemat and sit down. Yesterday, while I was making a placemat with Charlie, Donnagh asked if he could make a new one. He drew a picture then wrote his own name at the top. Donnagh proudly showed me his mahi and identified each letter in his name. Through active exploration Donnagh is developing a concept of letter sound, sense and shape which are pre-requisites for reading and writing.

Rie

New teachers at KIDSPACE

Mollie and Libby took the initiative and organised the children for group time yesterday after lunch. This demonstrates that Mollie and Libby feel comfortable with the routines of the centre and are confident taking responsibility for their own learning and care. I was impressed with how respectful the other children were as they listened and supported when required. When I got to the mat Libby told me that they were the teachers and were going to read a book to the children. Libby and Mollie understand that words and pictures convey meaning and can be used to entertain others. Rie helped with reading the words and Libby would point out different things in the pictures. It is great to observe how confident Libby is becoming and how able she is at taking on a leadureship role in the centre.

Rie - June