We have had a fantastic fortnight, being very busy with our student Boer Yang. Boer is a student with RMIT, studying for her Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood). Boer was warmly received by our children and this was reciprocated by Boer who managed to remember their names after just a couple of days. Boer thought the children would be interested to try a new painting technique so she brought her calligraphy brush, ink and special paper. This was a challenge for the children, having to use a softer and more fluid technique, gently sweeping the brush across the paper. The stark, strong black ink contrasted beautifully with the soft movement of the brush.
Boer spoke to the children about the Chinese horoscope and the animals which are represented over the twelve year cycle. We read a book from the Hamilton Library about 'The Great Race' between all the animals. The race was designed to settle which animals were to be a part of the zodiac. Some of our children were happy to hear about their animal sign, whereas some thought the idea of being a Dragon was more appealing and suitable for who they are. Children born in 2012 are Rabbits and those born in 2011 are Tigers.
Our Chinese Dragon flying overhead.
Boer is an International student from China. She completed two years in China studying early childhood education and this is her second year of two years studying in Australia. Boer was very impressed with the play-based programs in Australia and can really see the benefits of play-based learning and the effects it has on the development of learning dispositions (e.g. enthusiasm for learning, curiosity, problem solving). She was also impressed with the way we support children to be independent in their learning by asking them questions, prompting action and helping them to think through a problem rather than doing everything for them.
Boer commented with surprise on the way the Coleraine and District Kindergarten children helped each other throughout the day and shared the space and equipment; she felt they were showing a strong sense of community. For me it was wonderfully heartening to have this outside perspective because a strong sense of community is an outcome we actively pursue through teaching children ways of developing respectful relationships with one another and with us.
To show our thanks we made a whole orange cake for Boer and shared it on Friday. Although a little tearful when saying goodbye, I think Boer enjoyed her experiences with our children.
Special Person's Day with a huge feast! Thank you to all the family members who managed to come to our Special Person's Day. It was a beautiful sunny day and our garden was looking glorious. The children were very happy playing with their special person and they did a great job showing everyone around their favourite places to play.
A big thank you to Jade and Ruby (Willing Workers On Organic Farm's from Canada and Taiwan) and their host and my great friend Suzan Muir, for putting in such a great effort in the kitchen to provide a warm and welcoming healthy morning tea.
When we are able to share opportunities to be together like Sunday's Movie Day, Footy Colour's Day, or Tuesday's Special Person's morning tea, we give the children great support and encouragement through the feeling of community which is built through these days.
When the grown-ups went home on Tuesday, the children had a small rest, listening to relaxing music and winding down after the big morning. All the children were very happy and proud to have shared their special place and friends with their family.
I would also like to thank Maree and Charleen for supporting me through the last two weeks which have been very busy. Maree is off for two weeks enjoying some annual leave and the children suggested we cook a cake on Friday to say goodbye. I think they are enjoying the celebrations!
Kind regards to all,
Josie Ahearn
Teacher and Educational Leader
