Geraldine Kindergarten

2012 Term Dates

2012-01-22T21:54:00.002+13:00

TERM 1: 25 January - 5 April
TERM 2: 23 April - 29 June
TERM 3: 16 July - 28 September
TERM 4: 15 October - 21 December

Dad's can do anything!

2011-12-13T16:29:00.005+13:00

We were thrilled to see Emily come in with her Dad because we had been given a cart that needed to be put together. Aaron didn't hesitate to take on the challenge and once he sat down it didn't take long for the children to congregate around and offer their expertise.
We really appreciate the input our families give reinforcing that we are a community of learners!

The Reindeer Hunt!

2011-12-06T16:53:00.012+13:00

What a fabulous visit to Mackenzie Healthcare we had today... the children new what to expect this time as they interacted confidently with the elderly residents, shared morning tea and sang their little hearts out. Children preformed the same line up of songs and a New Zealand Chrsitmas story of Jingle Bells that they preformed on Friday at Waihi Lodge.

Also we got to rige the bus because it was raining so we thought this was a great opportunity to take a ride!

FOR A REINDEER HUNT!!!!!!

We found some over weight reindeer that the children thought were actually cows.
Then..... we found them!
Tania and Ashleigh were sure Santa had left his reindeer to graze in Geraldine before there big night of work..... and there they were!

Blake "I know why we haven't seen Rudolf.... 'cause his nose only shines in th dark."

The children enjoyed the magic and wonderment in Christmas and humour in nonsense explanations. Our imagination ran wild!

News and View Issuse 6

2011-12-05T21:42:00.002+13:00

GK News Issue 6

Our visit to Waihi Lodge

2011-12-02T14:09:00.004+13:00

This morning we took a walk to Waihi Lodge to share some Christmas cheer!
The children shared 7 numbers with the elderly at the lodge, they were:
- Tutira mai
- Rockin' around the christmas tree
- Fancy dance
- Santa Claus is coming
- Red, red hat...
- Santa got stuck up the chimney...
And lastly we shared a kiwi chrstmas story with them.

This was a fantastic opportunity for the children to share and contribute some of what they have been doing at Kindergarten with their community. The children took some time at the end introduce themselves and chat with the residents. One resident commented about the teachers being pyschologists as wells as being teachers!
After the trip parents commented on how fabulous they thought it was, and how much they thought the elderly enjoyed it, the smiles on their face showed it all.
What a great morning we had!

Term Four Calendar.

2011-11-23T09:08:00.002+13:00

This term is a busy term and we have put together a list of events for you to add to your calendar.
December
Friday 2nd - Visit to Waihi Lodge
Tuesday 6th - Visit to McKenzie Healthcare
Friday 9th - Geraldine Christmas Parade
Tuesday 13th – proposed Farm visit combined with end of year family Christmas party
Tuesday 20th - Last afternoon session
Wednesday 21st- Last morning session
There will be more information for you nearer the time of these events!

Songs of the Sea

2011-11-18T14:14:00.000+13:00

Our annual theatre trip to Timaru was to see ‘Songs of the Sea’, by Capital E Productions.
November the 4th 2011.

What an awesome time we had - on the bus, sitting in the beautiful theatre taking in all of the amazing aesthetics on show and having our picnic on the way back to kindy!

Growing our Garden

2011-11-10T16:51:00.001+13:00

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We have the Scarecrow UP!

2011-11-04T14:12:00.008+13:00

After brain-storming for ideas,collecting materials and enlisiting person/child-power, the scarecrow making got underway. Within the week it was assembled, and is now up and ready for the annual event of the Scarecrow Trail!
Thank you to all the children, teachers and parents who gave their expertise to such an awesome activity.
The teaching team wishes the Home and Kindergarten committee all the very best for such an inspirational idea for the Arts and Plants weekend.

Wonky Donkey Scarecrow Project - Day 1

2011-10-31T12:15:00.000+13:00

Personalize your own slideshow design

Time to meet and greet

2011-10-28T10:39:00.008+13:00

It's been a rather wet and cold start to term four, but yesterday the sun shone and the bantam chickens and children got to know one another even better.We are pleased to see the children who are very confident(and skilled)handling the poultry, sharing their knowledge and encouraging other children to(HOM)"take a responsible risk",increasing the enjoyment of the experience.Lots of evidence of empathy and managing impulsivity here too, as well as wonderment and awe of course.

National Anthem - Ngaringari and Rugby World Cup fever

2011-10-05T14:14:00.008+13:00

We have been singing our National anthem in Te reo and English each morning,(and Tu tira mai nga iwi) sometimes with video clips of the All Blacks singing it too.There has been much enthusiasm shown by the children (and staff), some of the children put their arms around one another, just like the AB's do.

2011-10-05T13:56:00.011+13:00

Time for a bath chook-chook, it’s a warm morning and your feet are looking very dirty.

Henry asked “why does Brownie fluff her wings out so wide, she is bigger”, look what’s happening- the chickens are sheltering underneath her for their afternoon sleep. One by one the chickens peeped out from the under her wings,they ran out to have a scratch, then wriggled back under again.James said- ”peek a boo”
each time they popped out.

News and Views Issue 5

2011-09-29T20:34:00.001+13:00

GK News Issue 5

The chickens have hatched.

2011-09-27T21:39:00.014+13:00

Of course the eggs weren’t’ fertile so Liz went to visit the Taylors (again) and got eight eggs. We waited for 21 days managing our impulsivity, predicting how many chicks would hatch and all the while Brownie sat tight, very tight in the special nest box placed where she had chosen to make her original nest. On Friday five chickens hatched. This-morning there was great excitement when the children who had been most interested in the clucky hen process arrived and saw the little bundles of fluff. Throughout the day children enjoyed lying on the mat beside the coop, they were enthralled and enjoyed relaxing and observing Brownie and her chicks, -“why is she tipping the food out?”, “this is so calming “said Ashleigh (teacher), Cayden said. “ I think she is looking after her chicks, keeping them warm.” They tipped their little heads and beaks up to drink just like their mum. Ron, the caretaker, popped his head over the fence to say hello and check how things were going too.Abby said "the one with eyebrows is a girl and all the others are boys." ( we hope not)

All was revealed!

2011-09-26T21:13:00.011+13:00

Brownie went missing.We asked the Oscar programme co-ordinator "have you seen Brownie?" Gael went to the vet clinic-"have you seen Brownie?" Liz went to see Mr Hyslop at the church "have you seen Brownie?" "No" they all said. "We haven't seen Brownie." Gael phoned Port FM- "we've lost our bantam, her name is Brownie and we're worried." "Children can you help us find Brownie?" the teachers asked. And look what they found-10 eggs hidden in the grass,that was three weeks ago- more news tomorrow!

Celebrating Gael's 20 years at Geraldine Kindergarten

2011-09-12T10:16:00.002+12:00

47 Families, staff and 12 invited guests joined together to celebrate Gael's 20 years of employment at Geraldine Kindergarten.

Heather Beeby (Head Teacher for some of this time) lead an "anniversary Chair".

A photo book was presented to Gael as a memento of the last 20 years.

A huge thanks to the Home and Kindergarten for orgainsing this event.

You are invited:

2011-08-23T12:35:00.002+12:00

Everyone at Geraldine Kindergarten is looking forward to celebrating Gael Williams 20 year anniversary of employment at Geraldine Kindergarten.

Please join us

When: Tuesday 30th August 2011
Where: Geraldine Kindergarten
Time: 12.15-1.30
What: BYO Picnic Lunch (Morning and afternoon sessions combined)
Anniversary (Birthday) Chair for Gael at 12.45pm

Luke's Pet Guinea Pigs

2011-08-19T15:47:00.007+12:00

Today Luke's mum brought in his two guinea pigs - Peanut and Raisin.

The children were so excited to see what was hiding underneath the straw in the small cage. So Luke got them out for everyone to see, have a hold and a pat. The children giggled as we watched them nibble on some carrots!

They especially liked being snuggled up in Phoebe's top and in the pocket of Olie's jersey.

Thank you for sharing these with us Luke, we hope you can bring them in again!

ICE ICE ICE

2011-08-19T15:20:00.005+12:00

Jack Frost certainly came to visit Geraldine Kindergarten last night. Tamariki had a fantastic time finding ice and exploring it using all of their senses.

The children shared some great thoughts as we used our senses to explore the ice – feeling, tasting, smelling and looking.

“Ice is really cold” – Sam “It’s made with water and frost” – Poppy

“Hey, I can see through it, like glasses” – Adrianna

“Hey look, the ice is red and blue” said Poppy as she gathered some from the coloured climbing boxes. I questioned “I wonder what happens when you take it off”. Poppy replied in a very intrigued way “it changed colour to white”.

We put some ice on the box in the sun to see what would happen… “The stones in that piece are frozen” said Charlie. “Yeah they’re stuck” added Poppy.

Will said that he enjoyed “throwing it and eating it” and he also showed everyone what happens when you through it “look it smashes like glass” he commented after shattering a huge piece on the ground.

We learn in many ways!

2011-08-19T08:33:00.005+12:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcfML0Q6YsE&feature=player_embedded

Karen Boyes pays a Surprise visit!

2011-08-18T14:52:00.005+12:00

We were absolutely delighted to have a visit from Karen Boyes. Karen is from Auckland and the teaching team have all had professional support from her at one time or another, with regard to the Habits of Mind.
Karen invited us to apply for Geraldine Kindergarten to be accredited due to our implemetation of the Habits of Mind, and this is particularly significant as we will be one of the first early childhood centres in New Zealand to be recognised! So how cool is that?

2011-08-17T07:46:00.002+12:00

Kindergarten open again!! Welcome back

Here are some photos that we took on monday morning

2011-08-16T07:07:00.003+12:00

Geraldine Kindergarten closed due to snow and road conditions

'Investigating the 'Honey Bee''

2011-08-04T09:27:00.003+12:00

“It’s a honey bee! ...because it has dull stripes.”
“Wasps have bright yellow and black stripes.”

Our Thoughts and Discussion:
“How many legs does it have? 2,4, 5...” Carlos
“How many eyes?” “ ...2 like us.” Baliely F-Y “Lots like a fly.” Sam
“What is it about the bee that tells you it’s alive?” “ It’s alive ‘cause it’s moving.”
Will “Sometimes things move when they are dead too.”
Do bee’s have a family or friends too? (after observing another bee fly by children noted taht it did not stop to help it’s friend.
“Bee’s carry a little basket for their nectar.”

How will we learn more?
Luke: “Computer”
Carlos : “Internet”
Deja: “Ask a bee man”

International Mud Day

2011-07-01T13:41:00.008+12:00

Wednesday 29th June is officially 'MUD DAY!'
MUD - mud slides! Deja said "This is awesome. I like mud!"

Liz made two buckets of wonderful brown mixture that resonabled mud and we laid it outside. Gumboots first but it was too irrestable and all who dared placed their feet in the mud and stomped/slid up the path.
We will celebrate 'mud day' again but we will ask the ruling body of mud day if we can have a day in the summer as the idea was instigated in the northern hemisphere!

News & Views 4

2011-06-29T18:09:00.001+12:00

News & Views 4

"We are having a Hannah Montana Concert!"

2011-06-24T14:07:00.007+12:00

Tara and Lily had a plan. They wanted to decorate the hut to have a Hannah Montana concert.
"It's our plan eh Tara!" Stated Lily
"Yeah we want to paint the walls and the roof!" Tara replied

Lily and Tara welcomed others to come and help. Hazel was quick to sell the tickets.
The show must go on!

We need some music and we googled Hannah Montana and saw her singing live!
Lily and Tara danced and so did all their friends.

It was a great way to finish the week!

Tea Party Time

2011-06-24T13:34:00.007+12:00

This week the children have had a fantastic time preparing food for their tea party!
Phoebe loved the opportunity to bring in her donut maker from home. She was able to share with other children how to make them and what to do next - she became the expert.

We seemed to have made too much so it has been shared over a few mornings.
We made fairy bread, donuts and meringues - yum yum!!

Experimenting with growing seeds.

2011-06-21T08:50:00.009+12:00

Yesterday a group of childen planted Cress seeds and Mung beans.Will they grow more quickly on the cotton wool or in the potting mix? We are going to see if seeds will grow on top of the straw too.It will be great if we can eat the bean sprouts and cress.

baking movie

2011-06-15T14:34:00.003+12:00

It all began when Bailey found some Feijoa's in the back garden

2011-06-14T11:56:00.007+12:00

It all began when Bailey found some Feijoa's in the garden out the back.There was some discussion on what they could do with them and the children finally decided that they would make muffins. The recipe was Googled printed and the fun began a few days later when we brought all the ingredients needed.There was a lot of numeracy, literacy,collabration, and turn taking involved and the best part of all was the eating!

Poi making with students form the high school!

2011-06-13T16:13:00.005+12:00

This morning we had a visit from Mrs Donalson and 5 students from Geraldine High school. They helped us to begin making some poi - What a great time the children had helping do the four way plait.

We look forward to making more poi with the children so that we are able to use them with waiata that we are learning together.

2011-05-17T10:23:00.001+12:00

Come as your favourite ‘HERO’ on
FRIDAY 20th MAY
In partnership with our community we ask for a gold coin donation to support the Westpac Rescue Appeal
We thank the team at Westpac for inviting us to enter the colour competition.
The children’s work will be displayed at the Westpac Bank.

Look forward to inspiring Friday of fun and colour!

Using our sunflower seeds

2011-05-12T14:34:00.000+12:00

I wonder why the sunflower seeds floated to the top?
Today we added some sunflower seeds from the sunflower we grew over summer,(which won the competition at the Geraldine Primary School), to the bird puddings.We will wait and watch to see which birds like it the most.The dripping we bought from the supermarket smelt yucky when it was melting.

2011-05-10T15:08:00.003+12:00

This-morning we were treated to an informative, amusing and entertaining child led mat time. Children and adults listened attentively and enjoyed the humour as Kerstin and Ella used the "cricket" Kerstin had made and Ella's toy dog "Spot" to put on a "play" for us. There was lots of interaction and laughter.Great to see Children enjoying humour and being creative.

Mackenzie Highland Show Success

2011-04-27T12:13:00.008+12:00

Congratulations to the Kindergarten bantams (Brownie and Chook Chook, also known as Foxy by some) on being awarded 2nd and 3rd prize in the children's poultry section at the Mackenzie A and P Show on Monday. Thank-you to Juliana and Sam for getting them there on time in tip top shape, with clean bottoms, on a cold wet morning.Sam said "Mum took them to the show in a cat cage so they wouldn't pooh in the boot, I held on to them, I just tipped them in." Charlie commented-
"CHICKEN CATS,THE CHICKENS WERE LOOKING AT ME, THEY WERE GOING ARH ARH, THOSE CHICKENS WERE SCARED,BECAUSE THEY WENT RAHHH ...LOOK LIZ THE POSSUM’S GOT YOUR CHOOKS." I hope not Charlie.

2011-04-13T11:37:00.001+12:00

Make a free picture slideshow

Un-moulding and using the concrete we made-

2011-04-13T09:00:00.008+12:00

I wonder why the margarine pottles were easier to unmould? Once they were all in the green bin we noticed it was very heavy.Bailey, Shilah-May and Will counted them over and over.

"When can we make concrete Tania?"

2011-04-12T08:29:00.004+12:00

The concrete truck pulled up next door and a quick scramble to the fence occurred.
So off we went to see concrete making in action!
The grinding of the machine produced the sludgy concrete and poured it onto the ground. We watched with wonderment as the men bent their backs to smooth the shiny pad.
Will asked, "When can we make concrete?"
We have had lots of water in the sandpit and made sand concrete and now we have learnt that we need - "sand, water, and cement"
With great fortune the Village Landscape let us use their place to make our own concrete in their wheelbarrow and wheeled it back to Kindergarten!
Will said, "We can use them in the sandpit!"
Can't wait to see the creative ways the concrete blocks are employed in the future (I think Liz has an idea of using them in the nature garden OTB).

2011-04-02T23:07:00.001+13:00

News & Views 3

Tea Party

2011-03-30T14:54:00.002+13:00

Dear Parents/Caregivers

We are having a Tea Party on Friday 1st April and parents are welcome to come.
We will have lots of decorations made by all of the children at kindergarten.
We are going to have some music playing that will be picked by the children.
If it is not raining we will be having it in the back garden at kindergarten.
We are going to make some picnic food with the children but please feel free to bring food as well.
It is going to be a fun morning starting at 10.30am.
And don’t forget to dress up as we will have prizes for the best dressed boy and girl and parent.
We appreciate your support with this thanks from everyone at kindy.

Trike-a-thon 2011

2011-03-25T11:04:00.005+13:00

All Kindergarten children in the morning and afternoon session were invited to be part of our annual fundraiser 'the trike-a-thon' on the evening of Wednesday 23rd March 2011. All children were encouraged to seek sponsership to ride their trike, bike, scooter, and balance bikes around the block that Kindergarten is on to raise funds for new doors leading from inside out into the nature garden.

"I rode a glide bike. That's a bike with no pedals you push with your feet and then you lift your feet up and you glide along... you still go along." Rachel

Here are your children enjoying biking, triking and scooting..... We invite you to share your stories in the comments below. If you have photos to add please bring them into Kindergarten and we will support you to add them.

We hope all of our families enjoyed getting to meet each other and spent time at Kindergarten

2011-03-22T10:17:00.003+13:00

Mr Posssom goes to Huka Falls in Taupo.... he was pretty scared on the jet boat he hid his eyes down below!!!!

I wonder what adventure Mr Posum will hve next.... let us know if you would like Mr Possum to accompany you home for the weekend or on your next adventure.

Peel Forest Visit - 9th March 2011

2011-03-09T16:09:00.015+13:00

Can you find the camouflaged object? Write your answer in a comment.

George encouraged the children to look at man made objects compared with natural objects to see if the children were able to see which stood out and why they stood out. We talked about camouflage and how animals use camouflage in the forest to hide.

Trike-a-thon Notice 2011

2011-03-09T15:57:00.001+13:00

Annual Trike-a-thon
Come and join us for an evening full of fun and excitement, which you
will not want to miss.

Wednesday 23 March 2011
5.30 -7.30 pm.

This year’s raised funds will go towards doors leading out to the back from the viewing window in the block area.
Children need to gather sponsors for their effort (We suggest a total amount rather than per lap)
Return the money with your child’s card in a named envelope to the slot in the foyer as soon as possible.

• Children ride their trikes or 2 wheelers on the footpath around the Kindergarten block. (Helmets are compulsory by law)
• BBQ sausages/bread available for $1 each (or ½ for 50cent). Or you may like to bring a picnic tea. We eat after the event.
• Bring along your support team of Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and friends to join in the fun (school age children on foot please for safety).
• We start riding just after 5.30 and children usually ride 2-3 times around the block. A parent will be standing on each corner for safety and guidance. Your child may need your support as they travel around the block. Children are not permitted to ride their bikes in the Kindergarten grounds, as it is too dangerous for toddlers.
Cancellation date will be Wednesday 30 March.
See you there –Tania, Gael, Louise, Liz, and Emma
i

Red and Black Day.

2011-03-06T13:58:00.003+13:00

Mr Possum's return.

2011-03-06T12:38:00.004+13:00

Red & Black Day

2011-03-01T15:59:00.002+13:00

National Red & Black Day –
this Friday 4th March

Wear Canterbury colours for a day and show you care!

A gold coin donation from everyone will go a long way to helping the people of Christchurch.

Lunch Box ideas for the start of the year.

2011-02-22T11:23:00.001+13:00

http://www.kidspot.co.nz/subsection+125+Lunch-box.htm

Mr Possum waiting with his friends for a helicopter ride

2011-02-21T15:52:00.001+13:00

Mr Possum has returned to Kindergarten in the post. He appears to be safe and well and is looking forward to his next adventure with Tania in the North Island. Keep looking becuse I think there might be a trip on the Huka Falls.

Mr Possum's Passport Photo

2011-02-21T15:47:00.001+13:00

Mr Possum has officially become a citizen of Aoteroa.

Chicken Feed-Agriculture 101

2011-02-18T16:49:00.011+13:00

The children have been busy planting seeds for winter crop ready for the bantams to "free range" on over winter.Their interest in this and the growth of the sunflower links to Te Whāriki strand -Exploration/Mana Aotūroa, "a realtionship with the natural environment and a knowledge of their own place in the environment". And "working theories about the living world and knowledge of both the living and non-living environment". A special mix of seeds(kindly supplied by PGGWSONS Geraldine)suitable for poultry to "graze" over winter was planted, the children prepared the ground and then planted; peas,red clover,rape and oats.
Questioning and Problem Posing - Will the sunflower grow any taller? How will we know if it has? What will we use to measure it? What do seeds need to help them grow? Which plants will the bantams like to eat first. I wonder why some seeds germinate more quickly than others. "We can use a silage chopper". Which is the tallest/shortest? Do the bigger seeds grow/sprout more quickly?
Hopefully we will be able to "harvest" the sunflower and feed the seeds to hungry birds over winter.Maybe we will be able to eat them ourselves.

Parents Notice. 18/02/11

2011-02-18T15:25:00.002+13:00

Trip to Peel Forest
• When - Wednesday 9th March
• How will we get there- by bus.
• Leaving Time – 9-15am.
• Arrive back at Kindergarten by 12-20pm.

What to take- a back pack with change of clothes, jacket and gumboots or sturdy footwear.
Morning tea will be provided; we will have morning tea when we arrive at Peel Forest. After morning tea the children will explore the forest in groups of four with one adult per group supervising. George Iles (DOC) will speak to the group. At the end of the morning we will have a BBQ (sausages and marshmallows!) As well as asking for parent help to maintain the ratio of 1:4, two extra helpers are needed to “man” the BBQ while we are exploring.
Thank you.
Postponement date is: 23rd March.
Please listen to Port FM for postponement if weather is doubtful.

Sharing Our Recipe for Pizza

2011-02-11T13:54:00.001+13:00

This digital recipe page created with Smilebox

News and View Issuse 2

2011-01-10T12:10:00.002+13:00

GK News Issue Dec

2011 Term Dates

2011-01-10T11:58:00.003+13:00

TERM 1: 26 January - 15 April
TERM 2: 02 May - 15 July
TERM 3: 01 August - 07 October
TERM 4: 24 October - 21 December

2010-12-14T11:51:00.000+13:00

Customize a slideshow

2010-10-26T14:50:00.002+13:00

Personalize a scrapbook design

2010-09-22T12:06:00.001+12:00

Another free slideshow by Smilebox

2010-09-16T15:42:00.000+12:00

Customize your own free picture collage

Puppies come to kindy

2010-09-08T08:16:00.008+12:00

Friday 3rd September

What a treat! Alex Coldicott’s mum and dad brought in 6 little puppies to visit us this morning. They were lovely and soft to touch and we found out that they like the taste of kindy kids as they kept licking everybody!
Thanks Alex and Sam for sharing your puppies with us.

Making a New Floor

2010-08-27T14:50:00.012+12:00

Monday 23rd August 2010

On Monday morning Caleb’s dad Glen told us that he was doing a job in an empty shop on the main street, and invited us to come down for a look. So in two groups we walked the short distance in the lovely sunshine. When we went inside the building it was really cold and we saw a big space covered in wet concrete – some children said it was shiny like ice.

Glen gave each child the opportunity to use the trowel to spread and smooth the wet concrete. Some used their fingers to feel the texture and the temperature.

At Geraldine Kindergarten we value the strong links we have to our community. Glen’s invitation provided us with a wonderful opportunity to spend some time outside the kindy environment and see first-hand a project that is happening in our town.

We hope that the skills and knowledge the children gained from this experience will inspire them to create their own construction projects, and further explore elements of what we saw in the shop. The teaching team can support this by providing opportunities to investigate the properties of ice, and also provide equipment for making bricks out of mud and recycled paper.

Isn't mother nature wonderful?

2010-08-27T14:39:00.004+12:00

It was a dewy morning and Georgina spied a spider web on the frame of the swings. Liz had a good idea and she suggested that there maybe some out the back in our garden. Well she didn't have to say it twice because there were quite a few children who had joined Georgina. Ethan had super eagle eyes because he found one and then another and another and another. It was amazing how the web was sticky enough to leave the pattern on the black paper and when a little flour was sprinkled on it everyone watched with wonderment and awe as it showed up.

Our visit to the FLAVA Festival at the Timaru Bay Hall

2010-08-14T12:16:00.004+12:00

30th July 2010

Permission slips were obtained, the parent support was fantastic and the buses arrived in time.
9.00am:
On the bus-
We needed two buses to go to Caroline Bay in Timaru.

10.00am – Arrived at the Bay and needed to go around the skate park twice to get a park. Perserverance!

10.15am – Follow Gael! We had a prepared morning tea in the shelter shed. (The playground was near!)

10:45am – Time to be seated inside the Bay Hall
What did we see?
We were in awe of the talent on show!
We laughed!
We danced!
We showed our pleasure by clapping and smiling!
Mayfield School were awesome doing their kapahaka!
Geraldine High School had some very entertaining talent!
Our parents and Management made it possible!

Kia ora and thank you!

From Tania, Gael, Liz, Lynley, Emma and Louise

Artists

2010-08-13T12:37:00.003+12:00

The children concentrated and creatively portrayed their subjects.

Caring for the hens.

2010-08-13T12:28:00.003+12:00

Our chickens will have iron to spare, look out Pop Eye- they have been fed silver beet (in large quantities) from our Kindergarten garden, mint, crusts, apple and pear cores, and crackers. Reon said-"I think they're keeping their feet warm" as they shuffled in the saw dust, how sensible on a cold frosty morning.

Who painted those chickens Liz?

2010-08-13T12:01:00.004+12:00

Over the past few weeks we've had several types of poultry visit Kindergarten. It's been great watching and listening to the children as they have, albeit sometimes very creatively, tended to the silkie bantam, the roosters and hens. The most recent visitors ( Silver Laced Wyandottes) were subjects for painting as well, thankfully not literally. When the egg was laid there was great excitement.Later in the morning the children were able to feed a lamb and lead him around, he enjoyed his bottle here too. Several habits of mind were obvious; Showing Empathy and Understanding, Looking at the World with Wondement and Awe,Gathering Data through all your Senses.The wool smelt and felt different to the feathers.The lamb drank differently to the hens.

Geraldine First IV visit Geraldine Kindergarten

2010-07-12T09:26:00.007+12:00

29th June 2010

It was exciting to see the 'red and blacks' walking through the Kindergarten gate. Our children gathered together to see first hand a real live haka! It was pretty awesome as the rugby boys used strong voices and at the end stepped towards us! We stepped back because it was quite intimidating. However, next time we may have our own haka and see how they feel.

After the initial greeting our children got involved doing a range of ball skills with the rugby boys. We looked and were amazed how comfortable the children were as they listened, followed instructions and created their own ideas as they ran, passed, kicked and threw the ball. There was laughter and lots of encouragement; "Great stuff!" "Awesome!" "Go back, aound the cones!"

We celebrate our children working together!

Working interdependently also show the trust we build with each other and this was clearly demonstrated whe a group of children were practicing their lineout skills:

Term 3 Staffing update

2010-07-06T10:55:00.004+12:00

Welcome to Emma Young who will be joining the teaching team as a long term releiver.

Lynley Hands will carry on at the kindergarten for the first 6 weeks of term - as the 5th morning teacher while Heather Beeby is away.

Numeracy - fun with numbers.

2010-06-30T14:39:00.006+12:00

Everyone has fun figuring numbers out. The children share their findings clearly to others in a way that cements the knowledge they have learnt {thinking and communicating with clarity and precision - Being clear - Marama}. There are lots of problems to solve along the way and questions to find answers to; Questioning and problem solving - how do I know? Patai nga patai. {Habits of Mind Art Costa 2006].

Where will numbers lead us to?

With the need to know how numbers work and how to use them in their daily life, children need the tools to be successful.
A variety of equipment is essential to offer a means to explore. Computers and technology will play an important part in children’s learning as well as the more traditional teaching tools and methods. Numeracy flows through the core programme in a number of forms; music, movement and drama, number rhymes and stories, maths games, puzzles and manipulative equipment, science experiments and exploration, baking, literacy etc. This approach to teaching is inclusive and holistic, allowing children to form a love of mathematical thinking for life.

When teachers have positive attitudes they are equipped with the means to enrich maths learning opportunities for children {M Haynes}.

Numeracy is a fun loving activity that stimulates the brain to think, problem solve, question and seek answers. All other learning will flow from these habits of learning..

2010-06-30T14:15:00.005+12:00

Campfire fun, what was the motivator for our campfire? We are planning changes to our outdoor playspace, one of the photographs the children viewed and were asked to comment on, included a photo of what looked like a campfire.

This led to discussion about fires-

what is safe?
how do you start a fire?
what do you need?
where will we sit?
what will we cook?

A core group of children became involved in helping to write the risk management plan.

Awe and wonderment

2010-06-09T15:36:00.004+12:00

It's fun to play games out the back.

2010-06-09T15:15:00.001+12:00

Skpying engages Children

2010-05-24T14:06:00.002+12:00

Look what happened last week at kindergarten

2010-05-24T12:49:00.001+12:00

Rugby with Dan Carter

2010-05-14T08:59:00.010+12:00

Dan Carter says, "Practise, practise, practise!"

2010-05-13T10:33:00.007+12:00

On the first day of term Quinn introduced himself to our relief teacher Lynley as .....drum roll please.... 'DAN CARTER'

Since then Dan Carter and Ritchie McCaw have frequently visited our kindergarten as rugby players and now as coaches for the other children. This interest has been enhanced as the rugby season has begun and some of our children, including Quinn and George are involved in 'RIPPER' rugby. Many of our children often go with their families to watch the Crusaders play.

Dan Carter you're our hero!!!!!!

We have heard that Dan Carter is spreading messages to children about how to be successful in sport and life. George came to kindergarten a couple of weeks ago talking about a 'small blacks' TV show where Daniel Carter encourages children to "Practice, practice, practice!" to improve at something. At Kindergarten we call this "Perseverence."

Successful people Persevere!

Perseverence has been identified in recent research by Dr Art Costa and Bena Kallick as one of the Habits successful people use as a strategy to ensure they are, and remain successful in our ever changing world.

Dogs visit

2010-05-10T13:20:00.004+12:00

Over the last couple of weeks we have had some four legged visitors and there is nothing quite like puppies to gather the children together quickly. Kate brought her puppy Baxter the Boxer for a visit. Baxter had just been to visit the vet next door for his vaccinations so the children discovered that dogs need to have vaccinations just like us to keep them healthy. The children were interested that Baxter had a toy to play with and when he was really tired he liked to sleep on his special blanket. There were lots of children who were really keen to have a cuddle with him. There were a few children who hadn't had a lot to do with animals that were a little bit more cautious and came up with another strategy of being involved by holding onto his lead first and then giving Baxter a quick pat when all the children had gone.
Aidan wanted to bring his puppies in to show us and they were Hunterway working pups. They were very curious about kindergarten and wanted to explore. There were a lot of discussions about the different roles that dogs have like pet dogs ,working dogs, hunting dogs and guard dogs.

Geraldine Kindergarten Trikathon 2010

2010-04-16T12:19:00.005+12:00

After the initial postponement of the annual trike-a-thon we had a perfect evening to host our children and their families on the last Wednesday of the term.

It never ceases to amaze us the number of families and whaanau that come along to support their children and enjoy the atmosphere of the evening.

There were many budding Coast to Coast competitors taking part, even though Gael said, "It's not a RACE!"

The evening included the opportunity for our families to meet with the support services that are available in our community. Their participation was appreciated.

The sausage sizzle was again very popular.

2010-03-24T16:35:00.001+13:00

Due to bad weather we have to cancel the Trike a thon

Our 60th Jubilee!

2010-02-16T11:16:00.003+13:00

We celebrated our 60th Jubilee last Thursday! Families from both morning and afternoon sessions came and enjoyed a shared picnic lunch. Then the children preformed 'The gingerbread man' for their families, they were very excited to see their teachers dressed up for the performance.

Look at what we discovered?!?

2010-02-12T11:31:00.004+13:00

First week back and the children are straight back into exploring, learning and discovering the wonders of nature! As we have now increased to a five teacher team we have around the back open and available for the children. The children love being creative, imaginative and innovative in this environment and one day when the children were wading through the long grasses as tigers when Caleb H, Billy, Harrison, Cody and Caleb S stumbled across a birds nest. Then with huge excitement the children discovered a shell on the birds nest. After a very LONG time, finally something started to appear from the shell, we got some leaves from our vegetable garden to put him on and watched with wonderment and awe as he slowly came out of his shell then began moving all around the leaf. I took a video of this and we shared it with the rest of the children which made them interested and wanting to see the snail also. We wondered what kind of snail it was so we took a photo and then emailed DOC in Geraldine and they emailed us back with a fact sheet about it. This was shared at mat time at the end of the session and when the children went home they told their families all about the snail they had found. The children re-visited this the next day with going on a snail hunt. I wonder what they will find next around the back???

Term 1 2010

2010-01-25T08:16:00.000+13:00

Geraldine Kindergarten opens on Monday 1st February 2010 for both sessions.

We look forward to seeing you all.

2009-12-07T14:28:00.003+13:00

ROCK STAR DAY!!

What an amazing way to gear up for Christmas at Geraldine Kindergarten by having a ROCK STAR day. Quinn came in one morning asking if we could colour our hair red and have a ROCK STAR day at Kindergarten, so we did. The children all came dressed up as rock like as they could, many came unrecognisable and looked like they could rock the day away. One of our very kind fathers and his son made up wooden cut out guitars which we got to decorate and jam with, we had rock guitars, skype, rock DVDs and even talked and jammed with Jordan Luck, here is a song he wrote just for us,

Dearest Geraldine Kindergarten,

Full Loving....have new song....”....The Wild Things At The Kindergarten..” !!!...it’s a demon riff..will set to work on lyric...Great fun...Thank You..xoxJ.....flip I should’ve done an Anathoth Blackberry Jam ad at the same time....any one making peanut butter nearby thy way ??? xj

Rock on tamariki ma........

Orari farmyard visit

2009-11-23T14:29:00.004+13:00

We had a wonderful day meeting, feeling, feeding and talking to all of the animals at the Orari farmyard. The children had the opportunity to feed the lambs their milk then have a ride on a donkey. It was spectacular when the peacock showed us his beautiful big tail! The children enjoyed giving the rabbits and Guinea pigs lots of cuddles, they were so soft and cuddly! The cockatoo said a friendly "hello" to everyone as they walked past. The children all enjoyed having a ride in the concrete jet boat and the racing car, they all took turns to be the driver.

Our children are stars of the future!

2009-10-22T13:33:00.005+13:00

Hi, I would like to share the play of The 3 Bears, performed by our talented children from Geraldine Kindergarten at the end of term 3.

The idea to dramatise this particular story arose at first when the children set up a stage outside to dance to their favourite music. We were then invited to a pre-concert matinee of song and dance by all the local Primary Schools...

...then the small group of players decided to act out the 3 Bears when we introduced small puppets of the tale. At first they held these while they played out the story. They worked together, practiced, and performed in front of all the Kindergarten.

We thought they were awesome risk takers!

Cheers

Louise and Nina

We're going on a nature hunt!

2009-09-15T15:13:00.008+12:00

Jade brought in a new book from home for us to read at mat time, called 'We're going on a nature hunt'. The next day it was such a beautiful day we decided we would go on our very own nature hunt. So we all had to hold onto the yellow rope and away we went! On the way we saw lots of beautiful flowers and heard lots of beautiful birds, Caleb even spotted some litter in the gutter which sparked a lot of discussion about looking after our town and where litter goes. We went to the domain and the children went for a HUGE run in a big circle and then we played follow the leader. On our way back to Kindergarten we stopped to do a short circuit at the playground. What a great nature hunt it was!!!

Maru the Moa comes to vist!

2009-09-04T12:23:00.009+12:00

Maru the Moa came all the way from Timaru to visit us at Kindergarten for the whole week. What an exciting time at Kindergarten. The children all showed wonderment and awe as the teachers introduced him at mat time. Maru came to talk to us about POWERFUL BREAKFASTS and HEALTHY LUNCH BOXES. Since then we have made smoothies, played card games about healthy foods, looked at all the options for our lunch boxes and talked about what we eat for breakfasts and lunch that will make us last the day. .

CAMO, SPOTS AND STRIPES DAY 2009

2009-07-31T14:39:00.006+12:00

Look how innovative, creative and imaginative our tamariki and whanau are when it comes to dress up days at Kindergarten.

2009-07-28T11:54:00.003+12:00

Look at the creativeness that looking through a catologue can promote. A koru had been copied from a catalogue using the aniwaniwa (rainbows) and the challenge was taken up to recreate by peita (painting) it. As this was happening I observed Molly Kate thinking flexibly and transfering her knowledge from one activity to another.

Matariki and Italian Celebration

2009-07-24T15:18:00.002+12:00

What a wonderful cultural experience we had at Geraldine Kindergarten!! The children have been learning an Italian song called 'La Lanterna', since the start of the year with Jill (Lia's Mum) which is about lanterns. Also we have been making lanterns for many weeks prior to this special celebration. Manuela (Lia's Grandmother) and Jill both supported the children in making these beautiful lanterns, thank you very much for all of your time and energy, the children thoroughly enjoyed the experience!! The day finally arrived and the children brought in a fruit or vegetable to celebrate Matariki (the Maori new year), we made yummy juice and vegetable fritters with them. We played and sang both Italian and Maori games and songs during the session. Then at the end of the session we walked and sang 'La Lanterna' with a lantern in our hand. This is a traditional Italian event, so to combine the two cultural events was a fantastic way for the children to learn about different cultures and customs.

Emily and Ekko come to vist all the way from Whangarei

2009-06-26T14:28:00.004+12:00

What an exciting day we had at Kindergarten today. Emily and her family came to visit all the way from Manaia Kindergarten in Whangarei. She brought along Ekko, a very cute and cuddly monkey, Ekko explored our whole environment while Emily took photos of him enjoying his visit. The children responded with wonderment and awe as they talked to Emily and her family about her adventures at Manaia Kindergarden.
It was wonderful to meet Emily and her family, thank you for coming and visiting us all.

Isn't it amazing how Skype can connect and begin new friendships between children, whanau (families) from all around our country and even the world!!

Exploring a sheeps heart and kidney

2009-06-04T15:11:00.003+12:00

Look at the kaiako (teachers) at Geraldine Kindergarten!

2009-06-03T11:09:00.004+12:00

The teaching team have started using another form of ICT (Information, communication and technology) to support their team meetings. This is an online document called google docs. This document has meant the teaching team has been able to go online and get messages to the team anywhere or at any time.

Trip to Peel Forest

2009-05-20T10:38:00.003+12:00

One morning a child brought an unknown insect into Kindergarten so we had a closer look at it with the digital microscope to see if we could find out what it was. Nobody had any ideas so we rang the local DOC office and asked them, they gave us a name so we researched this on the internet. While chatting with them on the phone we decided the morning children could go for a trip to a local forest (Peel Forest) to explore insects and plant life. Going out to Peel Forest on a bus filled the children with wonderment and awe, we counted down the sleeps to the trip on a calander every mat time for the week and eventually the day arrived!!! The children along with many parent helpers came in the gate with eagerness about the happenings of the day ahead. On the bus the children observed many different things by peering out of the windows such as the cold snow on the mountain tops, the deer in the paddocks and we even saw Emma's house. When we arrived we sat down and had some kai (morning tea), then the discovering began with fun acitivies set up by George from DOC. We spotted different objects that were not meant to be in the forest, we went bug catching, we were given mirrors to see what was way up in the tree tops and then we went hunting for different colours to stick on a piece of card given to us by George. The children took turns with the camera's to take photos of interesting things they saw while many other children preferred to use their senses to gather data, question and problem pose. This was such a fun trip that we hope to re-visit this and go out to Peel Forest again in the Spring!

The Hangi and trike-a-thon

2009-04-02T14:00:00.012+13:00

We had a very exciting day on Saturday the 14th of March, with the support of our whanau and community we had a trike-a-thon and a hangi. On Friday some father's came in to dig the whole while the tamariki (children) watched, also on that day the tamariki along with parent helps prepared all of the vegetables. When the day finally arrived some of the teaching team and some parent helpers, with the very important Charlie and Henry who were the hangi experts, worked interdependently (as a team) to make this happen. It took all day to prepare and cook the hangi, many tamariki and whanau visited throughout the day to watch the process. The tamariki and whanau arrived with wonderment and awe in the air, on their bikes ready for our trike-a-thon. Once they had completed that the tamariki went around the back of the Kindergarten to watch the dirt and sacks being lifted and listen to the karakia. Then for safety reasons they all had to go to the window inside to watch the kai baskets being lifted. It was time to eat and enjoy!!! What a wonderful cultural learning experience to have had at Geraldine Kindergarten. An enormous thank you to everyone that contributed to this fantastic event!!!

AHOY THERE ME HEARTIES

2009-04-02T13:37:00.010+13:00

Ahoy there me hearties!!!Wow what a day at Kindergarten we had on April Fools day. the children all came dressed up as pirates and princesses for a dress up day. It was wonderful to see how creative and innovative our children and whanau are. throughout the day we indulged in fairy bread, pirate and princesses DVD's on the overhead projector and no pirate day would be complete without a treasure hunt for gold. This day all came about by a group of children thinking interdependently, flexibly and creatively about what pirates do, what they eat and drink and what they wear. These pictures are of both morning and afternoon children enjoying their pirate and princess day at Kindergarten.

Term 1 2009

2009-01-27T10:19:00.004+13:00

Geraldine Kindergarten opens on Monday 2nd February 2009 for both sessions.

We look forward to seeing you all.

Family Christmas Picnic

2008-12-12T09:28:00.003+13:00

Last night we held our annual family picnic and mini concert to celebrate Christmas. What a fantastic turnout- a huge gathering of whanau and friends .Thank you for supporting our wondeful evening.Have a very Merry Christmas and we will see you all in the New Year with our New Year resolution being to keep this blog up to date.
Merry Christmas!!