This week our little learners in the Caterpillars 2 room saw the emergence of a new topic of learning, learning about space.
The children began their learning with a discussion with their educators about space and what you can find up in space (22/8). Our little learners firstly created a rocket using cut out pieces of paper during their first task exploring their space interest following their discussion earlier in the day.
This week we also learnt about the moon and had the opportunity to explore the different phases of the moon through a creative arts experience (23/8). Using glitter, pom poms and glue the children pasted these resources onto the different shapes of the moon. Through this experience children also learnt that the moon does not make it's own light as it reflect on the sun's light. The caterpillars shared their existing knowledge about the moon and shared how the moon appears in the night time and as the day gets darker. The children also engaged in another where they created another painting of the moon adding cotton balls for texture and to create moon rocks on their painted moon (24/8).
Throughout the week we also explored the galaxy and what the galaxy is (24/8). Our little learners were curious and active participants in their learning and learnt that the galaxy is made up of stars, gas and dust. Using visual guides from books children explored different images of the galaxy and then painted their own galaxy during a creative arts experience.
To conclude another wonderful week of space exploration our little learners painted their very own planets of the solar system (25/8). The children identified 'planet earth' as the planet where we live. Furthermore the children continued to learn about the galaxy through another sensory exploration theme using purple play dough and star shapes to use their imaginations and create their own galaxies.
What the caterpillars have learnt this week:
* Through providing children with the opportunity to explore bugs they notice many STEM concepts which further encourages children to use their thinking skills for e.g. about the moon, galaxy, planets and more.
* Our Caterpillars continued developing their fine motor skills practising their grip skills using painting tools to develop their accuracy with painting tools.
* Through our environments and learning experiences our caterpillars are being given the opportunity to learn scientific concepts and learn about the solar system and space.
* Exploring science and assisting children to make observations and learn about the planets and the galaxy.
* Exploring their senses through activities promoting opportunities for sensory exploration.
Next week (week beginning 29th August) the Caterpillars will continue:
* Learning about space through a wide variety of learning experiences. Children will continue their sensory exploration and creative tasks delving further into their space themed learning interest.
Link to Early Years Learning Framework:
4.1 Children develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity.
4.2 Children develop a range of skills and processes such as problem solving, inquiry, experimentation, hypothesising, researching and investigating.
Links to National Quality Standards:
1.1.2 - Each child’s current knowledge, strengths, ideas, culture, abilities and interests are the foundation of the program.
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