2024 Newsletter Term 02 | Issue 01

Welcome back!

We are so delighted to have the returning children back this term, easing in the routine of the classroom. We have welcomed new children and are settling in well.

One of the reasons why children are able to transition easily to the classroom is the routine we have. The activities we do every day may vary from time to time, but we follow this sequence : Children coming in the classroom, getting their lunch box, drink bottle, and fruit ready, followed by work cycle (independent or group work), morning tea time, outdoor play, circle time, lunch, nap/rest time, afternoon tea, and home time.

For children under 3, routine is not only essential but also comforting. Predictable patterns in their day-to-day activities provide a sense of security and stability, fostering a reassuring environment for their development. Knowing what to expect next helps them feel confident.

We also want to thank all the Mothers and Grandma’s who came in to the classroom and celebrate Mother’s day. We hope you had fun spending time with your little ones being show various activities they enjoy doing in the classroom.

We look forward to another term of joyful learning.

— Corinne, Anniebelle, Nina, Sarah.

Involving Children in Food Preparation

In the classroom, snack is self-serve and available throughout the whole work period. Snack is eaten at a designated snack table that seats six children. Having limited space encourages the children to practice their patience along with being mindful of others waiting their turn.

After the children wash their hands, they return to the snack area to serve themselves using child sized tongs and serving utensils. Polite manners and pleasant conversations are encouraged. When the children are done with snack, they independently clear their place, and wash their dishes.

There are many benefits to involving children in food preparation. Even the pickiest of eaters have been known to be more willing to try things when they have had a hand in preparing it. These works also help develop fine motor skills and build coordination as well as increase knowledge of nutrition, science, math, and reading.

We have acquired a stock of appropriately sized plates, bowls, cups, and utensils for these works. Like the other works in a Montessori Room these dishes are made of ceramic to encourage mindfulness when handling them.

— Kathleen, Teresa, Katherine and Yuko.

Over the past three weeks, we have had the opportunity to observe weather changes by examining dried leaves in the garden and learning names of flowers and plants. One of the most engaging practical activities this week has been flower arranging. This activity not only fosters an appreciation for nature but also enhances hand-eye coordination and teaches children to follow a long sequence of actions. Additionally, it instils values of environmental stewardship and fosters a sense of community and ownership of the environment.

—Harshitha, Catalina, Jo, Rachel, Claire & Angela.

This week has been all about celebrating our wonderful mums and all they do for us. We welcomed them into our school for a beautiful morning tea. The children loved showing off their classrooms and giving mum the wonderful gifts and cards they had so lovingly made.  It was also time to pass on the generous contributions we received for the Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter.  Nurturing generosity in children in this way and teaching them that they are capable of creating an impact on another person can help them become better at giving in the future.

We continued the family theme to discuss animal families and discovered some incredible collective nouns for animals e.g. a smack of sea jellies; a blessing of narwhals and a loveliness of ladybugs!  Children chose to create little books of their favourites.

– Dawn

Warmest regards,

— The Aikya Teachers and Children.

—Laura, Thomas, Ella & Amy Louise.