Ready Steady Go!
The children have really being enjoying exploring the schema of trajectory fun!.
Teacher Tracy set up a string line with pool noodles. The trough was full of water and syringes for the children to aim and squirt the water at the noodle the aim to move the noodle along the string. Some of the children decided it was great fun to try and aim for the teachers! There was lots of laughter in the sunshine!.
Today we were very excited as we went in small groups for a walk up the the Village. We wanted to see what Christmas decorations we could spot. Our children are so friendly, saying cheerful good mornings and hello's to the people walking past.
We spotted some beautiful Christmas trees with different ornaments and colourful stars. There were even some Christmas flags on the light posts from the Santa Parade that the children were familiar with. What a great opportunity for the children to share connections with home and centre. The flowers on the Pohutukawa trees are blossoming and the Tui birds were spotted flying around.
Meri Kirihimete from us all at Uxbridge ELC
Observing how a kūmara grows in water provides children with an engaging way to understand plant growth and develop their scientific thinking. They begin by making predictions, using prior knowledge to guess what might happen, such as whether roots or leaves will appear first. Through careful observation, children note changes like roots growing downward, leaves sprouting, or how the kūmara responds to sunlight. This process fosters curiosity and encourages discussions about why plants need water and light to grow. As they watch these changes unfold over time, children deepen their understanding of the natural world and the essential elements of plant life.
Christmas is in the air and we are all very excited! The Carrols are playing, we are full of festive spirit and anticipating the return of Elfie! It was time to put up and decorate the tree!! Countdown to xmas is on!!
The children were full of energy and needed somewhere to put their focus! I hung the moonhooper up to use as a pinata. Children thought this was funny and the idea was to hit it with a pool noodle. That was too easy! We challenged ourselves even more by having a blindfold to cover our eyes. This proved to be more tricky, but lots of children wanted to participate. Children waited patiently for their turn, cheered on their friends, and they needed to rely on their other senses in order to get close to our pinata and hit it! They had to rely on their memory as well. For example, whenever they hit the wooden post, it SOUNDED different, it FELT different, and they had to move their body accordingly, to try and get in the perfect position to hit our hanging target! It was so nice to see children embracing a challenge and having fun too!
Uxbridge Early Learning is really lucky to be involved and participate in the new programme at our Marae and strengthening our connection with our Marae - sometimes known as Matariki Marae. The kindy Tamariki experienced a rich immersion in Te Ao Māori and Te Reo Māori , deepening their understanding of our cultural heritage as Tangata Whenua .
The Marae , serving as a living classroom , provided an authentic environment where the children could engage with traditions, values and language. We participated in a Karakia, Waiata (song), and The Legend/story of "The Fish of Maui".
The children enjoyed creating their own Waka, and learning some new words in Te Reo relating to the map of Aotearoa.
They learned simple greetings, songs, as well as fostering a sense of belonging and identity. This experience enhances Whakamana - Empowerment, Whānau Tangata - Community and overall fostering their growth as confident, capable learners out in the community.
We cannot wait until our next visit in the new year to get out and about in the community and learn some more.
