We’re excited to share some of the wonderful activities and learning experiences we’ve had lately in Pikanini One! Every day, we strive to create fun and engaging methods to help our little ones explore the world around them while developing their skills.
Pikanini educators have been intentional about using flash cards during mat time. The idea of using flash cards is to support language development in a thoughtful and effective approach. Flashcards capture children’s attention and provide a tactile, visual element that reinforces language concepts in an engaging way. We also encouraged them to listen for their names to transition to handwashing, and to follow directions on where to wait after washing hands. To help with this, we sing a song, point and ask if they can say their names. Educators also used these strategies during mat time.
Integrating Christian values and stories enriches our learning environment. The children enjoy listening to Bible stories and singing worship songs. We also provide an activity related to each story to help reinforce the message in a meaningful and engaging way.
We love getting outside into the fresh air. With the cooler weather, the children have been exploring nature, feeling the breeze, getting their hands dirty, and chasing birds. It’s been lots of fun, and it’s wonderful to see how they interact with each other, sharing laughs and giggles.
Our construction toys keep the children engaged and are fantastic for developing fine motor skills and cognitive abilities. We have welcomed new children who joined our older group, and all have adjusted well to our routine. They eagerly participate in group activities, showing their enthusiasm through smiles, clapping and squeals of delight.
We also provide sensory play to keep the children busy and engaged. The variety of sensory activities on offer is fantastic! These experiences not only capture their attention but also encourage exploration and creativity.
Activities such as rice play, ice painting, and using tongs are great for fine motor skill development. We also periodically introduce new materials and tools to keep the children curious about these activities.
For Book Week, the educators and the children had the opportunity to come in dressed as their favourite book characters, and we had a special “ Under the Ocean” themed day. Events like Book Week and themed days foster creativity and create lasting memories for the children and their families. For Father’s Day, each dad received a special gift, and R U OK day was a fun occasion where we shared a special treat.
I would like to thank our Pikanini One for all the effort they put in as a team and for dedicating their time and care to nurturing our children with care and commitment.
Mrs. Laqere
