Estelle brought a chrysalis from her garden and shared with our four year olds. The children decided to learn more about the caterpillars and the butterflies. This gave me an opportunity to extend their interest by reading, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” book by Eric Carl. After listening to the story, the children decided to make their own Caterpillar books to take home with them. We brainstormed about what goes into the book and also while making the book the concept of writing from left side of the paper to right side was introduced keeping in mind the Casey, the caterpillar literacy programme that will be introduced in future.

The children enjoyed making these books that required lots of effort from their part. They demonstrated good fine motor skills and imaginative skills when they drew the pictures. What a great effort from you kids and I am sure you can’t wait to show these books to everyone!

What an amazing exploration!

When Jamie brought in a swan plant tree with butterfly eggs, tiny caterpillars, aphids, ants and lady bird larvae, it was a great learning moment for the children and the teachers as well. The children were amazed to sell all these little creatures on a single plant.  During this project, we learnt about

·        Life cycle of a lady bird

·        Lady bird larvae feed on aphids.

·        How aphids secret a sweet substance that ants are fond of and in turn ants protect the aphids from predators.

This was an amazing opportunity for the children to learn about the animal world that surrounds us and extended his curiosity about the nature (well-being 2:3).

Mothers Day open morning 10th May 9 to 11 am

Mothers Day at Bayfield 10th May 2012

Mothers Day 10th May at Bayfield

On Thursday 10th May between 9.00am and 11.00 am.




You can spend time with your child in their room and then help yourself to a yummy morning tea in our staffroom prepared by our cook Jean.



We look forward to seeing you all!

Staff changes in The Nursery and Toddler's Room

Due to some of the Nursery staff adding some new additions to their families lately, there is a change of staff coming up in the Nursery and Toddler's Rooms.
On Thursday, the 3rd of May, Marama will be going from Nursery into the Toddlers and Melissa will go from Toddlers into the Nursery area. 
They are both looking forward to the new challenges they will face and meeting all the new children and parents in their respective rooms.

Casey the Caterpillar - developing children's writing skills

 

Developing children's writing skills using "Casey the Caterpillar"

Some of our staff recently attended a workshop around developing children's writing skills.  This workshop was introduced to us using "Casey the Caterpillar" writing techniques.  We came away with many different ideas and would like to share these with you.  In brief, some of the major points are below:
* It is important to get writing correct and automatic from the beginning so children do not struggle with it when they start school.  This impacts on their learning, self esteem and achievements.
*Do not use unlined paper for children when they are learning to write.
* Always encourage left to right across the page.
*If you are unsure of your child's left or right handedness (particularly young infants) always put the implement they are about to use - for example, spoon, fork, pencil - in the middle of the space in front of them.
* Sit correctly, feet flat and correct size of desk and chair.
*Always reinforce correct pencil grip, sitting and paper position.
*Encourage correct letter formation at all times.
* Use smaller instruments, pencils, chalk to encourage fine motor skills.

Encourage technique by using "Casey the Caterpillar" the story to teach children how to form their letters correctly and in which order.  Speak to any of the teachers if you are unsure.
Shona Hewitt
CENTRE MANAGER

The Entertainment Books Have Arrived

Finally, the Entertainment Books have arrived at Bayfield.  These are available for purchase at reception @ $ 65.00 per book ($ 13.00 of each sale goes to the centre for resources for your children).
Some of the vouchers available include Auckland Zoo, Rainbows End, Kelly Tarltons, Spa treatments, Fine dining, Hotels in Australia, Golf, Auckland rugby - something for everyone!!!!!
There is a sample book available for you to look at on the reception desk. 
If you are interested in purchasing one of these books, we will accept cash or cheques made payable to Bayfield Early Education Centre only.

Learning is fun at Preschool!

For some reason, this Leap Year idea of finding my knight in shining armour, has once again not materialised. Maybe I need to put more effort into the 'leaping' part. mmmmm ........ will need to take an extra handful of multivitamins to get the old knees going!

Thank goodness preschoolers have no interest in such trivial matters and were able to simply get on with what they do best; learning through play.
The investigations that are happening at the moment have them spellbound; volcanoes, dinosaurs, cicadas, body image, chalk making and summer treasure boxes. What a variety!

The Stretch 'n Grow classes have proved to be a great success, and I have even seen a teacher or two, albeit not quite as supple, getting down and boogie-ing to the music!!
Playball continues to be a hit. The new coaches have settled in well, and offer their classes with fun, enthusiasm and encouragement to all.

The teachers in the Preschool are keen to extend the creative activities offered to the children to include more use of recycled materials. These materials will be set out daily for the children to choose and use as they wish. In order to ensure that this is maintained, we will need your input with ongoing collecting of materials at home. I will put a list into your pocket ( easy to keep on the fridge as a reminder), as well as emailing it to you all. Get the children to help, of course.

We look forward to welcoming grandparents to the centre this coming Wednesday, 7 March from 09h00 to 11h00.

Hold onto your hats tomorrow, but do enjoy the time with family and friends.
Regards
Yvette