The children and educators in Kodomo have had a blessed Term 2 together. We supported some of our older children transitioning to the Koorlongka room and welcomed new friends from the Pikanini room. All the children have settled into Kodomo so well! 

The children have shown so much interest in animals, so this has been a continued focus area. We had a wonderful incursion from “The Wiggly Wagon,” where the children were able to see reptiles and bugs up close and even hold or touch them. 

In May, we learned about bees for World Bee Day. The children used yellow playdough, bee stamps, flowers from the garden, and bee stones to create their own playdough hives. We also created a beehive in our room by painting a large piece of bubble wrap in yellow and orange. The children wrapped yellow wool around pinecones to make “bee pinecones,” which we hung around the room. The children love reading The Very Busy Spider, so we created stick-and-wool spider webs and made some cute spiders too. 

We have been talking about the weather during mat times and learning about the different seasons. In autumn, the children and educators worked together to paste boxes into the shape of a tree, which the children painted brown. Throughout the month, the children painted leaves in autumn colours, which we displayed around the top of the tree. We also cut holes into the tree, creating a fun way to learn about how animals hibernate in colder weather. The children placed soft animals into the holes and moved them around. 

For winter, the children painted winter colours onto a large sheet of paper and added tissues to create clouds. Painting and creative experiences are a great way for children to develop fine motor skills while learning about the world around them. 

In June, we recognised World Environment Day by engaging in activities that promote play in and with nature. The children watched as we made paint from beetroot by pureeing it. They were so interested that we took them into the piazza to explore and taste the beetroot. Some children loved it! Later, the children used the beetroot paint to create beautiful artworks. We also provided real spices in the outdoor mud kitchen. The children enjoyed mixing spices with soil, water, and natural materials to create their own “food.” They collected sticks in the yard and, with educator guidance, discussed which were big or small and counted them, supporting their numeracy development. 

Our cooking experiences which we do once a month have been going so well, the children show so much enjoyment doing these. This term the children have made ANZAC biscuits and Milo balls. 

For our physical literacy/Kidd sessions, the children have been exploring various obstacle courses and playing ball with a basketball net and a footy net. We have also been learning songs and action songs dancing, moving, singing, and even practising balancing on one foot. 

Our Thursday devotion times are very special. We learned about Psalm 1 through the book Strong, reading together outside under the trees and discussing their strength. Some children even tried to push the trees to test how strong they were, no trees were push over. We talked about how we grow strong when we draw near to God. The children also heard the story of the Good Samaritan, which the educators acted out. When one educator pretended to be hurt, the children showed great care and empathy by helping and placing band-aids on them. This is a meaningful way for the children to learn kindness, empathy, and love for others. 

We look forward to another wonderful term of learning, play, and special moments in Term 3. 

Mrs Drennan 

Kodomo Curriculum Room Leader