Category Archives: learning dispositions

A blank page and a gold pen

Posted on by under Early Learning, Emergent Curriculum, Language & Literacy, learning dispositions

The Memory Book is the group’s archives: what happens, who does it, why and what next. It’s a special connection between kinder and home because it’s a physical object that children and families can contribute to and peruse together. Sometimes there is a dedicated page for families and children  to add to. A blank page is a wonderful invitation, especially when there are special pens  to use. Eliza, who is stretching her writing and reading muscles daily, wanted to write down what her family did on the long weekend, and she used invented spelling and known words to help her. This sort of play/ work  takes perseverance to problem solve the conundrums of how to write a word like “Adelaide”, it takes sizeable chunks of  time, and some focussed adult support. It also builds on the prior learning that has grown  when a child and adult share interest and enjoyment together, as Eliza and the adults in her life have clearly done.

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Back to work

Posted on by under Early Learning, Emergent Curriculum, Language & Literacy, learning dispositions, Learning through play, The Natural Environment

Just a few weeks into term – a bit late with this because a lot has been happening, but the children are already on fire, especially with interest in writing and drawing. One mum told me that she has seen the change from complete non- interest to a huge focus on writing in just a week! it’s so exciting when you witness that step – or leap – forward. Suddenly there are possibilities everywhere. The natural environment seems to spark some children’s interest in role play with writing as well.

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Pin Pricking

Posted on by under Language & Literacy, learning dispositions, movement & physical learning

Such an oldie but still good! We don’t actually use a pin, rather a toothpick, or better still half a bamboo skewer (bind the broken top with some masking tape) and place the paper on a cork mat ( pins being best left to when the children are older…) When we offered this to the children they loved it! very quickly, Brooklyn moved from drawing a pattern to writing her name and pricking that – so we showed the others and everyone wanted to do it! It builds fine motor skills and persistence; physical endurance and hand strength to continue to pierce the paper. Grace worked out a technique where she used her other hand to push harder. This was a task that took concentration and perseverance, especially for those with a long name, like Tanner.

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John Deere artists

Posted on by under learning about our community, learning dispositions, Learning through play

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With harvest coming up, we have had lots of conversations about the machinery being used. So the heavy farm machinery has had to come out and the farmers have swung into action. Today we asked if they would like to draw their machines and Ollie, Bayley and Boden had a go.   This was quite challenging and Bayley said – he thought it would be hard. Mrs Bell said, “well maybe start with the wheels” and that made it easier – he ended up putting in more details as he looked harder.

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