ELC

From the ELC

In true St Peter’s ELC tradition, the focus for much of Term 4 has been on the Nativity. Whilst it may have seemed strange to see the children dressed as kings on camels walking across a dessert made from sand and rocks in the playground – in October, the knowledge and understanding the children developed was authentic. And time to visit and revisit allowed for true understanding.

When engaging the children in something new, through our intentional teaching focus, educators shared videos, books and images of children from St Peter’s past and their interpretations of the Nativity, as means to prepare their thinking and promote further questions and curiosity.

Our Kinder children were asked when someone has a baby, people sometimes like to bring presents. What do you think they brought for baby Jesus? With delightful and thoughtful responses like these, we are presented with prior knowledge and an understanding of areas in which we can focus the children’s learning.

Ted – a dummy Andre – blankets Freddie – dinosaurs Amelia – some little houses to play with

Frazer, in our Pre Prep class, with his prior knowledge and information shared from home, brought some frankincense in to share with us. For many the first question was: what is it? Which allows for further research and learning.

Throughout the term, the children, through their play and learning of what a story is, it’s structure and how to put one together, worked with our educators to write a script in their own words of their story of the Nativity. Acting out each role to perfection, stars were born. We welcome you to enjoy their interpretation of When Jesus was Born.

Each year, we also focus the children’s learning on areas of social justice. At Lent the children, sometimes reluctantly, share a toy or book of their own to give to someone who perhaps needs it more than they do. At Christmas, we have had a long relationship with Very Special Kids (VSK), and with the aid of our family community, new toys are brought in to share with VSK who provide care for children terminally ill in need of some cheer.

Eight – the presents are for the sick children. They would like to play with them.

At this very special time of year, it’s wonderful to know that the children at St Peter’s Early Learning Centre leave us for another year, knowing the true meaning of Christmas and giving.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year.

Mrs Kathleen Brohier Head of St Peter’s Early Learning Centre