Reddam Early Learning School Newsletter Vol 22 Issue 37

REDDAM EARLY LEARNING SCHOOL ST LEONARDS NEWSLETTER

Principal’s Message

Dear Parents,

By Mrs Simone Cooke

We are very excited to be able to resume our face-to-face Christmas concerts this year. No doubt you have been treated to many impromptu singing practices at home over these past few weeks as the children rehearse and prepare for their concerts and so will know how excited our children are by these upcoming events.

Performances are a special time for parents to visit the school, watch their child on the stage and meet with other parents. It is also a very important opportunity for our children to build their confidence and self-esteem and develop emotional resilience as they stand in front of a large crowd to perform.

As we know it is never easy to take ourselves out of our comfort zone but providing children from a young age with the opportunity to overcome shyness and anxiety is very beneficial in building our children’s courage and self-esteem.

Whilst our children are extremely excited to be sharing their little performances with you. We must, acknowledge that they are only young, and not all children are natural performers and may find this challenging.

It is important that we manage their fears and support them in being able to respond to different situations from a young age. By supporting and encouraging our children in a gentle way we assist our children in developing resilience and building social skills.

REDDAM

Principal’s Message Continued…

REDDAM EARLY LEARNING

Both the teachers, and specialist teachers, as part of our weekly Drama and Music classes have been working throughout the year to build the children’s self-esteem and willingness to perform in front of others, to participate in front of an audience and learn how to overcome stage fright and feel more comfortable in large crowds. Patience and encouragement is an important element in this process. Our children are still very young and not everyone feels at ease participating in these situations. It is best that they are encouraged but not forced to join in. Please remember that it is completely fine and normal if your child decides not to participate in these events on the day, they will do so in their own time. A child who this year decides to leave the stage mid way through the performance for a hug may, well be next year’s star performer, so please do not worry if this occurs. The teachers are well prepared for this eventuality.

SCHOOL ST LEONARDS NEWSLETTER

1st April 2022

As we have some children heading off on holidays early and relatives that are unable to attend these events, our teachers will be videoing a dress rehearsal for you. This also means that you can all enjoy your child’s performance without the worry that you may miss getting that all important photo or video of their performance. Thank you in advance for dressing your children in their costumes and bringing them in for special rehearsals, so that all our children can be included in these important events and you can share this video with your family members around the world.

A reminder that the Christmas Concerts will be held on the following times . ( Please look out for emails from your class teacher in relation to specific dates and concert requirements such as costumes, picnic details etc )

12th December 1R (3.30 – 4.00pm)

1E (4.00 – 4.30pm)

1E (4.30 – 5.00pm)

13th December 2R (3.30 – 4.00pm)

2R ( 4.00 – 4.30pm)

14th December 2/3 ( 3.30 – 4.00pm)

3R ( 4.00 – 4.30pm)

15th December 3E (3.30 – 4.00pm)

3/4 (4.00 – 4.30pm)

16th December 4D (2.00 – 3.00pm)

4R (3.00 – 4.00pm)

4E ( 4.00 – 5.00pm)

Following the concerts we invite you to bring along a share plate and rug and join us for a picnic. The teachers will be in touch in the upcoming week to provide you with all the details for this.

We are most excited to share these end of year celebrations with you and watch our talented children do us all proud!

REDDAM EARLY LEARNING SCHOOL | ST LEONARDS NEWSLETTER

By Ms Emily Brazel

Getting ready for kindergarten

Why are school readiness skills important? The development of school readiness skills allows school teachers to expand and further develop a child's skills in the specific areas of social interaction, play, language, emotional development, physical skills, literacy and fine motor skills. School readiness can be actively facilitated with a little forward planning to ensure that children regularly participate in activities that develops the appropriate skills required to help optimal learning when they start school. While many people think of academics (e.g. writing their name, counting to 10, knowing the colors) as the important school readiness skills, school readiness actually refers to a much broader range of skills. In addition to some academic basics, school readiness skills also include self care (independent toileting and opening lunch boxes), attention and concentration, physical skills (e.g. having the endurance to sit upright for an entire school day), emotional regulation, language skills and play and social skills.

Some ways in which parents can promote school readiness include:

• Start talking to your child about school

• Teach your child important social and communication skills

• Help your child build independence and self-esteem

• Encourage reading at home

What do I need to pack in my bag for big school?

During the week the children had group discussions on what they felt they needed to pack in their bag for kindergarten next year. It was lovely to hear all the different objects that the children thouht they needed for big school. Afterwards teachers set up an experiece that allowed them to practise their cutting and scissor skills.

All the children set themselves up in a circle for this activity, using their language and communication skills to talk to their friends next to them. In their activity book, teachers glued in a large backpack and gave the children a number of objects that they can decide if they need for big school. Each child was asked to cut out the objects that they feel was needed in their backpack before gluing it in. This experience encouraged each child to use their hand-eye coordination and fine-motor skills. Once they had finishd their cutting and gluing they were given textas to colour in their backpack. Great job Stage 4R!

Practising

gross motor skills.

This week the children were given a trampoline to jump, hop and play on. During free play the children were asked to share and take turns, developing their gross motor skills. It was a lot of fun!

REDDAM EARLY LEARNING SCHOOL | ST LEONARDS NEWSLETTER

By Ms Sarah Ross

On Monday Stage Four was left with a curious package wrapped in Christmas paper and labelled “To Stage 4, From Santa”. The children were very excited by this mysterious delivery and spent the week trying to guess what could be inside as they eagerly waited for the 1st of December to arrive. Some of the children’s guesses included; dinosaur toys, Christmas cookies, soccer balls, and a reindeer.

On Thursday the children grouped together to open the present and see the special surprise that had been sent to them…a Christmas Elf! The Elf came with special instructions and an explanation for its visit in the form of a story book which informed the children that the Elf came to Reddam to look for good choices and acts of kindness. The presence of our new class Elf has put the class excitement levels at an all-time high with lots of giggles, surprised faces and delight as they find the Elf has moved and is beginning to get up to mischief.

Upon the Elf’s request Stage Four began brainstorming some ideas for a name for our new Elf and it was unanimously decided that it will be called Popcorn!

As Popcorn the Elf is good friends with Santa Clause the children decided it would be a good idea to write letters to Santa with their Christmas wishes because Popcorn can easily pass the information on for us.

Some of Stage Four’s Christmas wishes included;

“Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like a music box. Love, Helena”

“Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like a snowman toy. Love, Henry”

“Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like a baby girl. Love, Ethan M”

“Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like a pair of ballet shoes. Love, Winnie”

“Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like an ice cream truck. Love, Meili”

“Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like a dinosaur. Love, Albert”

The children’s excitement and interest in the festive season was extended with a range of activities where they created portraits of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, made Christmas trees out of playdough and a writing activity where the children used their fingers to write the letters of the alphabet in glittery sensory trays.

“My job’s an assignment from Santa himself. I am his helper, a friendly Scout Elf”

Stage 4E: Christmas Craft

Stage 4E: Popcorn the Elf

By Ms Emily Chacon

This week the children focussed on their creativity development and imagination skills. During our group time the children were given a plain piece of paper, several coloured paints and paint brushes. Their goal was to use either their hand or brush to create a shape with the paint. Once it was dry the children then used a black pen to create their shapes into something new.

Art encourages creativity and imaginative thinking, two skills that are increasingly linked with long-term professional success. Art forces children to engage in out of the box thinking and can help them hone their creative problem-solving skills

As the children are getting ready for big school, we came together to discuss items that they may need to pack into their bags.

Following our class discussion, the children were encouraged to find their activity book and open it up to the empty backpack. On a separate piece of paper were several items that the children would pack into their bags. The children were then encouraged to colour in the items, then cut and paste them into the school bag.

Cutting gives young children independent movements of each finger and cutting with scissors works on the separation of two sides of the hand, and strengthens hand muscles. Bilateral coordination is also addressed when the children have to hold the scissors in one hand and paper in the other. Learning to use glue develops hand-eye coordination and fine motor planning skills. It also helps children understand the sensory concept of stickiness.

“Children are naturally creative. It is our job to give them the freedom, materials and space to let their creativity blossom to its full potential”

- Jean Van’t Hut

By Ms Riina Andrew

All Things Christmas!

This week the children all had the opportunity to participate in Christmas themed experiences. The whole class have already noticed the Christmas decorations that they have seen in the shops and are full of wonder at this time year!

To celebrate the festive season, we have offered the children the Christmas themed activities. The first activity was a fine motor and cognitive experience. The activity had us drawing a line for the quickest way for Santa to deliver the presents. Some children took the long way and some the quickest! We also enjoyed a Christmas themed stamping activity. Using Christmas coloured paint of red and green, the children chose a stamp and created a pattern using each stamp. We had stamps of trees, holly, stockings and wreaths. Some children loved this activity so much that they requested to revisit it a few times over the week.

The next experience was writing a letter to Santa. Each child had the opportunity to write a letter consisting of a gift that they would like to receive. Tianze asked for a sword. Mark asked for a shield. Valentina requested an Elsa dress. Leo G would like train tracks. Jane would like an Ana dress. Lucien wants a train. Emma would like an Elsa dress. Matthias requested a Nerf gun. Wesley would like a sword. Sarah wants a princess dress. Elizabeth L would like a crown. Junso wants an aeroplane. Megan would like some Elsa makeup. Leo Z would like lollies. Ashton W would like some cars. Annabelle B requested a guitar. Milo requested a giant, giant, giant fire truck. Samuel would like a big Monster truck. Marcus would like a toy Elf and a car. A red light up sword was requested by Jack and Joshua would like a yellow school bus. As all the children have been nice during the year, I’m sure Santa can make these requests come true!

The final Christmas experience was a Christmas themed ‘Card Matching’ game. Each card had a matching one and the children had to use their memory to choose the matching card that was face down. This activity was played in small groups which fostered social interactions and turn taking skills as we took turns in choosing which card was the matching one!

Please continue to bring in your child’s Christmas Concert outfits if your child attends school on a Tuesday (for the filming day Tuesday 13th December, 10am).

Another happy week had by all!

Stage 3/4: Christmas Card Making

By Ms Brooke Fox

Christmas

This week Stage 3 have been extremely excited with Christmas coming soon! We have been discussing with the children all the activities we could do and deciding which ones they would like to do. It has been lots of fun hearing about some of their ideas.

How would you like to decorate the class for Christmas?

Franco “I want to have a Christmas tree in the class”

Lia “Drawing some elves and sticking on the wall”

Henry “Santa brings present, I want Santa in our class”

Owen “I want to put on the wall a Christmas sock”

Sofia “I want to decorate our Christmas tree“

Summer “I want to make a Christmas tree”

Leo “I want to make my mummy a bauble”

Caelie “I want a start on the Christmas tree”

Sophie “I would like to do an elf” Aneilia “I want to write a letter for Santa” Gisele “I want baubles in our class” MyLan “I would like to draw Santa”

George “I want a bauble on the tree” Morgan “I want to write a letter for Santa”

James “I want lights”

Claire “I want a bauble’

Jake “Baubles” Alexandra “I want Santa”

Ella “I want a Christmas tree” Charlie “I want snowballs”

Risa “Santa” Charles “I want a Christmas tree”

Oliver “I want a Christmas tree” Vylan “I want a Christmas tree”

Following all their suggestions for decorating our class we have started our group activities. We have made a beautiful Christmas tree using all the children’s handprints, which was lots of fun and needless to say messy. They were thrilled to read The Elf on the Shelf and as Christmas music played in the background the Elf appeared!

Stage 3 are still busy practicing our songs for the Christmas concert with energy and enthusiasm! They are all loving dancing and singing and it is a joy to see such happy smiles on their faces.

A few reminders- please apply sunscreen before your child comes to school, and we will reapply it during the day. Please pack a change of clothes and sun hat with their names clearly marked on each item in their school bag.

REDDAM EARLY LEARNING SCHOOL | ST LEONARDS

Stage 3E: Elf on the Shelf

Stage 3E: Decorating the Room

Stage 2/3 & 3R

Collaborative Projects

By Ms Gabriela Guimaraes

There is no doubt that creating art, in any form, can help children learn and become more self-confident and independent. There is even evidence that enjoying creative activities can improve health.

This week the children have been working on several projects. From art activities to making musical instruments and different forms of building. It’s a wonderful feeling to be focused on a creation, in a world of your own. A certain excitement and energy come with working on group projects

The shyer children can find their voice and confidence. The more outspoken children relish in their ability to encourage and support their fellow artists. Those who would normally not be interested in socialising with the others, or offering a helping hand, suddenly start volunteering to help those who need it.

Collaborative projects also promote a sense of being part of something and establish a shared identity with others. It really feels like magic is happening. I can see them growing and gaining confidence by the minute.

Group projects teaches children important skills that will, in effect, make them better adults. It gives them the opportunity to focus on cooperation and communication, rather than competition.

Working in groups helps them to gain a better understanding of themselves, by gaining a better understanding of others. It gives them an opportunity to appreciate other people’s skills and take pride in their own.

Working together is the perfect environment for exchanging new ideas and points of view. Bit by bit, the children learn to give up on their vulnerability, they are all in the same boat. They learn to let go of a fear of failure. This is the perfect atmosphere for children to learn about supporting and encouraging each other and gives them enhanced social skills and interactions.

Group projects offer a great opportunity to fine-tune negotiation and conflict resolution skills. They provide excellent preparation for the teamwork the children will be involved in later in life, in their jobs.

Stage 2/3 & 3R: Collaborative Play

By Ms Maddie Grant

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas in Stage 2R! During our group times we have been asking the what they would like for Christmas. This has lead to some great answers as well as some funny moments that have seen the children building a conversation on the ideas of others!

“I want a dinosaur” - Claudia

“I want a dinosaur toy” - Harry “I want a dinosaur that’s real!” - Felix

Throughout the week we have been posing the question to the children, either in formal group times or just during play, to encourage them to use their words and convert their own ideas. Here are their answers!

All I Want For Christmas Is…

A yellow car - Aadi Bubbles - Alec

Buzz Lightyear toys - Alex A baby at home - Amelia K A bunny rabbit- Amelia X Jingle Bells - Amiya Lightning McQueen car - Arthur Jingle Bells - Arthus

A book to read - Aydin Chocolate and Lego - Bella B Clips for my hair - Caroline Bunny - Cerise A pink bunny - Claris A fish - Damon

A brachiosaurus -Dylan J

A pig and a mango - Dylan T Sandpit - Ethan Toys - Faye A puppy dog - Gabriel My bunny - Harlow Bananas - Harrison Ball - Hayden

A racing car - Hugh

A bouncy ball - Isabella N A red car - Jack Orange and apple - Jacob Piano and a car - James Horsey and rainbow - Jamie Stickers and Chandrika - Jireh A bike - Joash Peppa Pig - Jocelyn

A big fire truck - Joud

A cuddle- Karl Play Dough - Leonardo Batman Lego - Liam Raisins - Liv

A goldfish - Lucas Trains and chocolate - Luke Spiderman - Mark A real tiger - Masha Sparkly hair clips - Matilda Butterflies - Mia Chocolate ice cream - Mimi Dancing - Nathan

A book with pictures - Olivia Presents - Olivia M Iron Man toys - Paddy Batman and Lego - Reyansh

A duckie - Rhys Batman - Ronan

A smiley face - Ryan A giraffe - Sienna C

A fire truck - Sienna H

Some more shirts - Travis Spiderman toys - Xander Cat - Uma Ice cream and a puppy dog - Madeleine

The children have been busy practising their songs for the Christmas Concert, and we are busy preparing for the End of Year celebrations. Keep an eye on your emails over the coming week as we will be sending many reminders of what is needed as we enter our final weeks together as Stage 2R!

Stage 2R: Counting Sticks

Stage 2R: Playing Together

Stage 1E

By Ms Justine Heydra

This week in Stage 1E we explored and discovered through art and sensory play. During our provocation we spoke about leaves and that they come in all different shapes and sizes. We also spoke about different textures we find in nature and the children each had the opportunity to touch and feel different natural materials. As part of our touch and feel experience we also read a wonderful book called “Look inside nature” written by Usborne. Each day we read a different section of the book that was filled with bright and beautiful flip illustrations all about nature and the animals found in nature.

Our first sensory activity this week was our sensory tubs that contained a sand and water play section. The children had so much fun exploring different flowers in blue water and they loved naming the different colours of the flowers. The children also enjoyed using spades and forks to scoop and play with the sand. This activity was great for developing fine-motor skills and allowed the children to enjoy both sand and water during their sensory play.

Our second activity was a creative art exercise , where the children had the chance to use water-coloured paint that they painted over our giant leaves we stuck onto our paper. This allowed the children to use the leaves as stencils and the children loved the end product of our group art. This art activity showed the children how process art is made and promoted taking turns. The children all thoroughly enjoyed this creative process outdoors in our beautiful garden.

Christmas Concert Reminders:

Just a reminder to please bring your child’s outfit (All white) in a clearly marked bag to school by the 9th of December 2022 if they attend Reddam on Monday 12th of December 2022.

We have been practising for our concert and the little ones are very excited to showcase their performance on the concert day. Just remember that performing can be a challenge for anyone, especially in front of so many new faces. We would love for everyone to get up on stage and perform like the star we all know they are, but please don't be disappointed if they have a little stage fright.

Wishing you all a beautiful weekend.

“We must teach our children to smell the earth, to taste the rain, to touch the wind, to see things grow, to hear the sun rise and night fall – to care.”

- John Cleal

Stage 1E: I am a Nature Artist

Stage 1E: Exploring Nature Through Our Senses

By Ms Amanda Felton

Exploring Nature

We put on our explorer’s hats and go searching for natural materials that are found in nature and we also look at items that are made from nature. For example, a cork bottle made from cork that comes from the cork tree. Each of the Babies found this investigation very interesting, this was expressed when they would come running over to see what is going on. And the highlight of the fun was to tried and poke their little fingers into the hole and touch the items in the display box. Some of the Babies took their curiosity to the next level, by even trying to shake everything out of the box, as a result we had a lot of fun!

We then moved onto painting! Each of the Babies made an abstract artwork of leaves. This art experience was great for their dexterity skills and concentration as it dose take a bit of effort to pick up the leaves that are covered in slippery wet paint. Well done Babies!

As the weather is warming up and the sun is still shining! We are having an marvellous time outside in the front play ground. We even get to hang out with the big kids! Which is really great fun, as the Babies learn how to interact with the older children

Housekeeping!

Can we kindly ask all parents to put sunscreen on their Babies before school starts so that we can have some fun outdoors. And we will reapply throughout the day. Also, please

Drama

By Ms Laura Hudson

This week in Drama Stage 1 and 2 revisited all the different adventures we have been on this term. We got the magic carpet out and flew over the farm, dinosaurs, and the Arctic. Well done to Sofia who remembered what animals we saw in the farm. Alexia showed us what noise a chicken made. We found the cave of wonders and had to go through different sections of it to return the carpet. Leo showed us how to crawl. To celebrate we finished with pom pom time dancing to "shake our sillies out".

Stage 2/3 had a big obstacle course to return the carpet. We hopped through the rocks, jumped over lava, tippy toes walk through the narrow cave, and even swam where it was flooded. Brandon hopped on one leg, Mack was very high at jumping and Isabella had wonderful tippy toes. We all danced to Justine Clarke's song Dancing Face and the children had a turn using their dancing faces in the mirror. Abigail and

Drama

Stages 3 and 4 started the lesson by trying to remember what fairy tales we learned this term. We made picture postcards to represent these. Evette remembered Goldilocks, Augustin said 3 Little Pigs, and Sarah called out Rapunzel. We then had a turn showing how these characters feel, move, and talk. Ashton was a hungry wolf!

The children then all received a pom pom and we warmed up our bodies by turning the pom pom into bunny tails, hair, unicorns’ horns, etc. Chloe brushed her teeth with it, Ethan played cricket with it and Jisun used it as a tickly stick. Luna even showed us how to balance it on her head. We finished off by playing Bop, Bop, Freeze, Well done everyone another wonderful week of Drama.

Piano

By Mr Alan Tang

This week is another productive week at Reddam ELS. Stage 3 3/4 and 4 revised on the "Elephant Waltz". With structure revision, it helped children to retain the new notes that they had recently learnt to read. The repeat sign in music is another musical symbol that was taught. Being a simple song, it allowed the children to build confidence with the piano as well.

Stage 2, 1 and the babies explored variety of Christmas Carols. From the most well known songs "We wish you a Merry Christmas" to "Jingle Bells", thanks to popular cultures and medias; to the less well known songs such as "T'was in the Moon of Wintertime". T'was

REDDAM EARLY LEARNING SCHOOL | ST LEONARDS