Fashion Show

The Geraldine Kindergarten Fashion Show


It is amazing what a bag full of assorted materials can inspire. Grace was helping to refresh the craft resources when she decided she wanted to design a dress. So with a basic plan in mind she searched through the materials selecting and experimenting with her design ideas. This is a wonderful example of being Creative, using Imagination and producing an Innovating design. it was a very spontaneous activity which motivated other children to design their own accessories. The children worked cooperatively sharing ideas and building upon each other’s designs reflecting how well they can work Interdependently.

Flexible Thinking was also in operation as the children searched through the different ways of joining and attaching the material, they adapted their ideas as they worked showing how they were reflecting upon their designs. It was obvious the children were enjoying the design and creative element of the activity so to add another dimension we thought a fashion show would allow the children to celebrate their creative achievements. It was an exciting end to the morning and it also provided some children with the challenge of show casing their designs, presenting the opportunity to be bold as they walked into the circle. Taking a Risk and having Fun at the same time!

Grand Opening of Doors to the Nature Garden

Today approximately 50 adults joined the children and teachers at the Geraldine Kindergarten to officially open the doors and decking into the nature area. The majority of the funds for these doors were raised by the Home and Kindergarten committee "Kitchen Walks".


(Special thanks to the people in the community who opened their homes for this event)

 

  (Acting Head Teacher Gael Williams and Harry Osborne cutting the ribbon)

Board of Trustees AGM

Thanks to all that attended the AGM. If you would like to read the reports please pick up a copy of the papers at the kindergarten. We welcome Ash Pace, Jessica Talbot and Michelle Prouting onto the BOT for a two year term, they join Matt Morrison, Sarah Foley-Smith and Max de Bonth.
Extract from the Presidents Report
"Highlights from 2011/2012
Congratulations to the Teaching Team for getting our kindergarten to the stage of being recognised as an International Habits of Mind Learning Community of Excellence!
The Home and Kindergarten Committee has now been up and running for a year and has been hugely successful. I would like to say a big thank you to these wonderful people for all the work they have done. The board and staff really appreciate the role that this group has in our team.
The 2011 Annual Plan was developed and reported on From this Annual Plan a working party was commissioned to investigate delivery options for our Kindergarten. The working party consisted of Matt Morrison, Adele Quinn, Tania Golder, Louise Sherratt and Helen May. After analysing all the data the working party recommended to the Board that the “Kindergarten structure should remain as is”. However, the Board needs to be aware of current and future developments in ECE in our town and be prepared to act if the need arises. 2 Board members attended a National Governance Hui run by New Zealand Kindergartens, in Wellington. These events are extremely worthwhile and provide a fantastic opportunity to learn more about our role of governance and make connections with other Board members from around the country.
Our General Manager’s job description has been revised and the appraisal process is about to take place. The doors to the nature garden and deck area are now in place. What a wonderful asset this area is."

AGM

Thursday 26th April 2012 7pm at the Kindergarten All welcome

Learning through all our Senses!

"I'm going to turn the oven down. We don't want the biscuits to burn!"

Innes and Mitchell had made biscuits with the playdough.

"I'll open the door so they won't burn."

Innes was clearly articulating the play that was happenning at the playdough table. Innes, at 3 years, is comfortable to let every one near know what he is doing and thinking at the time (thinking about your thinking). In doing so others join in too. There are others who will keep their heads down and work on their own but believe you me they are listening.

I asked, "How will you know they are burning Innes?"

"Smell them!" (Its difficult to show the pauses that occur between the question and the answer but Innes was thinking and quite deeply as he offered what he knows.)

"Look at them!"

Innes's Grandmother was sitting near and contributed to the learning experience.
"What about when you touch the cake Innes?"

"Yeah, touch it to see if its cooked!"

"We learn by gathering data through all our senses".

To know a wine it must be drunk;
to know a role it must be acted;
to know a game it must be played;
to know a dance it must be moved;
to know a goal it must be envisioned.

All learning can't be ticked off in boxes.
Innes is learning ways he can find out about things, by using the tools he has, and he will acquire even more tools for learning as he continues to be curious and investigate .

News and Views Issue 7

GK News Issue 7

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