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What are Loose Parts?

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 02:45:00 GMT

What are Loose Parts?

Have you noticed that children often like collecting bits and pieces from the many different environments that they are exploring in? From rocks and stones, leaves and flowers to little, tiny intricate pieces or treasures. Why are children drawn to these pieces? And what benefits do they provide? The ‘Loose Parts Theory’ was devised by Simon Nicholson, in 1972, where he believed that these objects that can be moved, designed, redesigned, combined, taken apart and put back together a multitude of ways, allows for the growth of children’s imagination and creativity. These loose parts provide children with endless opportunities and promotes problem solving. Loose parts are open ended resources which can be explore with and arranged in a number of ways.

What are loose parts?
Loose parts can be anything and everything that is open ended and can be utilised for a several uses. Examples of loose parts include:

Boxes
Sticks

Stones
Blocks

Leaves
Shells

Pipes

What are the benefits of loose parts?

It supports children to develop their independence as they are supported and encouraged to explore different materials in their own way.
Promotes language development through the communication and conversations that children have with their peers, educators and parents. Children express their ideas, views and feelings as they explore with these loose parts.
Supports the development of a variety of dispositions of learning including sparking creativity, building upon their problem-solving, builds curiosity and thinking skills. This is through the construction of these loose parts, taking them apart and rearranging them.
Develops children’s fine motor skills as they use their fingers and grips to piece up resources and materials.
Allows for shared group experiences as children build on their collaboration skills with one another.
Fosters gross motor development as they move around to put together their creation.

Information sourced from:

https://extension.psu.edu/programs/betterkidcare/early-care/tip-pages/all/loose-parts-what-does-this-mean

The Graduating Class of 2022!

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 02:45:00 GMT

The Graduating Class of 2022!

Each year, we celebrate all the accomplishments and achievements of the school readiness children who finish their early childhood education with us. We acknowledge all the wonderful achievements that they have made and all the successes they have experienced in preparation for Primary School. At Junior Einsteins, we commemorate this special milestone with our Mariyang Graduation!

Our 2022 Mariyang Graduation involved an array of performances by the children. We started with a poem, ‘We Will Rock You’, a lovely song, ‘I’m on my Way’ and the ‘Commotion in the Ocean’ play! The families also had the opportunity to see all the wonderful activities and experiences the children had been involved in throughout the year as they watched a video compilation made up of snippets form from their day and all the children’s aspirations of what they would like to become when they grow up.

The event also includes the graduation certificate presentation and a cake cutting ceremony. This heart felt event gives the families, children and educators the opportunity to reminisce on their own personal experiences as we look back at all the amazing memories we have experienced together. Although this occasion is exciting for the children, it is definitely bittersweet for us as educators as we have shared some of the most important years with the children as we have guided, nurtured and cared for many of the children since they were toddlers.
Our Junior Einsteins graduation is a celebration of each child, and although we will miss each and every child dearly, we know that the children will thrive in Primary School and become confident and independent individuals. We wish the graduating class of 2022 all the very best as they begin the next chapter of their journey in life and hear about all their accomplishments!

Why is Play Important?

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 02:51:00 GMT

Why is Play Important?

Running around as superheroes, jumping from rock to rock, colouring in their favourite pictures and feeding the toy doll a bottle. What do all of these activities have in common? They are some typical play activities that children enjoy exploring! Play comes in many forms and is a right that all children have; to participate in and explore play. Play is crucial for child development and is an integral part of children’s lives and how they learn. Play gives children the opportunity to gain new skills and understandings that can’t be taught, only when experienced in play.

In early childhood education, we often talk about learning through play and great emphasis is placed upon why play is so important. But what is so important about play?

Fosters creativity and imagination: Play gives children the opportunity to explore their creativity and express their ideas. It allows children to explore their own concepts and create their own rules.
Builds upon communication skills: Play supports children to develop their language skills and provides children with opportunity to engage in shared interactions.
Develops their self-esteem and confidence: Play allows children to become more confident in expressing their views and learn how to share these views with others. It supports their sense of achievement.
Promotes social and emotional wellbeing: Play fosters the development of shared relationships and gives children the opportunity to learn how to negotiate with others. It supports children to learn how to problem solve in collaborative situations and work cooperatively with their peers.
Supports gross and fine motor development: Play enables children to practice these vital skills to strengthen their physical development and capabilities.

How is play used in early childhood education?
Learning through play is one of the practices within the Early Years Learning Framework which signifies its importance within children’s early development. Educators utilise play within their practices to build upon important and vital skills that children need to learn and develop as confident. Through play, children are able to develop and build upon their relationships with their educators. As these relationships evolve, children establish their security and bonds which allow them to learn and build upon new skills. As they become confident with their educators, children become willing participants in their learning as they open up their eagerness to learn.
Through play, educators are able to incorporate learning elements through the experience, from the conversations they engage in with the children to the social aspects of play. For example, a lego building activity may seem like piecing blocks together, but there are so many aspects of development through this simple experience; the children are able to strengthen their fine motor skills, build upon their colour recognition skills through the various colours that they see as well as express their creativity through the incredible creations that they make!
Play is a vital aspect of children’s development, necessary for their growth and understanding. Most importantly, play brings so much joy and happiness to children, and sparks FUN!

References:

Healthy Eating and Nutrition for Children

Sun, 01 May 2022 23:15:00 GMT

Healthy Eating and Nutrition for Children

What is healthy eating and why is it important?

Food and nutrition are crucial components in the growth and development of children. It allows for children to evolve into strong, capable, and healthy little humans through a balanced and varied diet. Healthy eating is ensuring that children are consuming foods from each of the food groups so that they are absorbing all the macro and micronutrients required. This gives them the energy to explore and play, build on their learning and understanding as well as allowing their bodies to function.
In order to consume a healthy and balanced diet, it is important to follow the guidelines set by the Australian Government. Within this guideline, the emphasis is placed upon five of the different food groups which work collaboratively together to keep our bodies functioning at its full potential:

A variety of different vegetables such as tomatoes, broccoli, carrot, beans, and corn, just to name a few! Vegetables are a high source of fibre which is important for our gut health. Vegetables can be eaten in a variety of ways including raw or cooked.

Known as nature’s lollies! Fruits such as strawberries, grapes and orange offer a wide range of vitamins and minerals. Fruits are the highest source of vitamin C which is important for children as it supports their body’s immunity.

Wholegrains such as bread, rice, cereals, and pasta are our body’s main source of carbohydrates; a macronutrient that our body uses for energy. Carbohydrates are crucial for growing bodies as it gives children the energy needed for their everyday tasks.

Protein sources such as chicken, red meat, eggs, and fish are important as they provide our body with the essential amino acids to grow and repair. Protein is vital for children as they make up each and every cell within us!

Dairy products such as yoghurt, milk and cheese offer our bodies the important mineral, calcium and vitamin D. Calcium and vitamin D work cohesively to strengthen our bones which is crucial in young bodies. Some fun ways to incorporate dairy into children’s diets include yummy smoothies or frozen yoghurt ice creams.

TIP: Try and offer the children a range of different coloured fruits and vegetables as each colour offers a different vitamin or mineral!

Although children’s diet should be made up of mostly foods from these five groups, including ‘sometimes’ foods is also important to create balance. This will also allow children to develop a healthy relationship with food as they recognise that these foods are consumed within moderation. ‘Sometimes’ foods include ice cream, cakes, and lollies.
The Australian Government also recognises water as the main drink choice for children and adults. Water is excellent for hydrating our bodies as it supports all the necessary functions such as holding moisture in our body and carrying nutrients around our body. It is recommended that children between the ages of 2-5 consume 4-5 cups (or 1L- 1.25L) of water daily.

Information sourced from:

Help! My Child is starting school

Mon, 31 May 2021 20:21:00 GMT

Help! My Child is starting school

What is School Readiness & Transition to School

School Readiness is the term given to decipher whether a child is “ready” for formal schooling. The transition process starts from the moment they begin attending preschool and continues through to their first year of Kindergarten. Positive early school experiences create strong outcomes for future learning,

School Readiness for children with additional needs. As your early learning service we will liaise with any specialists or professionals your child engages with to ensure a smooth transition for your child. We’ll also be able to assist you in considering the best environment for your child’s schooling experience.

Is my child ready?

Children are individuals who develop at different stages, however there are some key skills that will best assist your child’s transition to school. If you feel your child needs additional assistance in any of these 5 areas please talk to their educators.

Activities to practice in the lead-up to starting Kindergarten

Using the toilet independently and ensuring effective hand washing techniques. As well as other self-help skills such as understating how to regulate their body temperature i.e removing jumper when hot.
Depending on how your child will get to school you should practice walking to school or using public transport.
Set up play dates with a friend attending the same school (you can ask your early learning service for a suggestion)
Visit a local library and borrow a book to read.
Greeting community members and interacting with them e.g let your child order your coffee at the counter (with you)
Organise opportunities for packed lunches and encourage your child to open it themselves, eating the healthy foods first.
Encourage your child to practice dressing themselves including socks, shoes and jackets.
Encourage your child to pack their belongings away and be responsible for them. Explore readiness activities such as pencil grip, scissor cutting and concentration.

Lunch Box Tips

Pack food that is easy to open, cut small slits into any packaging making it easier for your child to open.
Cut fruit into pieces and place them into a small container.
Add vegetable sticks in resealable bags and put any dips into a seperate container.
Have variety each day such as wraps , pita roll or wholegrain breads.
You could also bulk cook foods, freeze and add to lunch boxes such as pizza scrolls, salmon patties or quiches.
Avoid too many pre-packaged snacks as they usually have a high sugar content.
Have a small frozen bottle wrapped in a tea towel to keep food fresh or use a cooler bag.
Your child will need a drink bottle filled with water for the day, show them how to refill it.

Ensure all lunch and drink items are clearly labeled with your child's first and last name!

Information sourced from

Local Primary school Principals and Kindergarten Teachers
Educators at Junior Einsteins
www.learningpotential.gov.au
Billy Backpack Program
NSW Government – Transition to School

Talking about COVID-19

Mon, 31 May 2021 20:21:00 GMT

Talking about COVID-19

Take your cues from your child: Invite your child to tell you anything they may have heard about the coronavirus, and how they feel. Give them ample opportunity to ask questions. Your goal is to avoid encouraging frightening fantasies .

Deal with your own anxiety: If you notice that you are feeling anxious , take some time to calm down before trying to have a conversation or answer your child’s questions.

Be reassuring & focus on what you’re doing to stay safe: emphasise the safety precautions that you are taking. “Kids feel empowered when they know what to do to keep themselves safe.” E.g thoroughly washing your hands, coughing into your elbow, staying home or in school when possible as the primary means of staying healthy. If kids ask about face masks, explain that the experts at the CDC say they aren’t necessary for most people. If kids see people wearing face masks, explain that those people are being extra cautious.

Stick to routine: Whilst schools are open it is ideal for children to continue their routine, providing a sense of security, however if this is not plausible make sure you are keeping routine as normal in your home. Structured days with activities & regular mealtimes and bedtimes are an essential part of keeping kids happy and healthy.

967d92f4

What are Loose Parts?

What are Loose Parts?

Information sourced from:

The Graduating Class of 2022!

The Graduating Class of 2022!

Why is Play Important?

Why is Play Important?

References:

Healthy Eating and Nutrition for Children

Healthy Eating and Nutrition for Children

What is healthy eating and why is it important?

Information sourced from:

Help! My Child is starting school

Help! My Child is starting school

What is School Readiness & Transition to School

Is my child ready?

Activities to practice in the lead-up to starting Kindergarten

Lunch Box Tips

Information sourced from ﻿

Talking about COVID-19

Talking about COVID-19

Information sourced from