1

As we begin Term 3, we reflect on our program happenings of Term 2….

Seniors

Weeks 1,2 & 3

What an exciting and eventful term two we have had! In our first

week we focused on catching up with our friends and welcoming

new ones. We learned about ANZAC day by making ANZAC slice

and our very own ANZAC wreath. The wreath is made up of all

our hands and is a symbol of peace, respect and diversity within

the program. By collaboratively working together and respecting

others’ ideas and ways of being, we were able to keep the

ANZAC spirit alive.

These first few weeks also saw us showcase our talents with our After School Senior Talent Show! Our first show was so

successful that we even invited the junior program to attend the second show! Our sense of belonging was evident as

we supported each other with encouraging words and made new friendships

through planning and performing with people outside of our normal friendship

groups.

We have also been exploring the

magnetic tiles and making nets

and 3-dimmensional shapes that

have become our Magnetic Tile

Mural. This wonder wall not only

showcases our work and ideas

but also allowed us to creatively

express ourselves to our peers

and hopefully inspire others to

try something new.

Mother’s Day gave us many new

experiences and challenges! We designed,

planned, decorated and grouted coasters,

made stunning and individually designed

cards and sewed potpourri lavender bags.

Even though some of these tasks were new

and sometimes challenging (especially

when the needles fell out) we persisted and

felt the joy of producing something amazing

that we were able to share with the special

ladies/people in our lives. Sewing has been

so popular, we have re-visited it in varying

ways throughout the term.

Southmoor Before & After School Program

Term 2 Reflections 2019

2

Weeks 4, 5 & 6

In the middle of term, we flexed

even more of our creative

muscles planning and engineering

houses, bedrooms and other

magnificent creations from

recycled materials. By engaging in

these experiences, we have been

able to give new life to what

would otherwise be “rubbish” and

use it to explore and strengthen

our developing dispositions for

learning such as creativity and

imagination.

We continued to build on our connections to the natural world through water colour painting and build on our interests

by using various mediums to give life to our imaginings through making friendship bracelets, finger knitting and puppet

making. These experiences

have really helped us in not

only building our fine

motor skills but learning

about the way things move

and the space they occupy

within that an important

mathematical skill.

Throughout the term we

have also been exploring

the concept of physics

through robotic work. We

have been connecting

circuit boards to make

things fly, light up, make

sounds and blow bubbles!

Exploring the way things

work has not only helped

us to feel connected to the

3

world around us by sparking curiosity and interest about the activities but has given us the opportunity to be the leaders

in our own learning. We haven’t even been asking our educators for help to solve the problems we have incurred but

rather have been working with our peers sharing thoughts and ideas…who knows how we will apply these skills in the

future!

Weeks 7,8 & 9

These middle to end weeks of the term have been very VERY busy indeed. We have been building on our cooking skills

by making brownies, cornflake biscuits and cloud dough. Henry volunteered his services in writing and interviewing the

children who participated in the cloud dough making experience. It was such a hit that we have been playing with it in

the following weeks, dramatically acting out our own YouTube shows. These experiences help us in making connections

between our lives outside the program aiding us in becoming better communicators.

We also began our world tour vis dumpling making! So far, we have made pot stickers (from China), pierogi (from

Poland) and momo’s (from Nepal). Exploring different cultures through food has allowed us to make connections

between our family cultures/identity and those of the wider community that we belong to. We will continue to cook

and explore the world into next term.

We have also been exploring the work of Alma Woodsey Thomas a 1970’s abstract artist. Her brush strokes and use of

bright colours has helped us to build different perceptions of the way we view our world. Experiences like this help us to

build our vocabulary and definitions thereby improving literacy skills and understandings.

The wet and wild weather has also meant that we have had to be a bit more creative with the way we play inside, using

boxes to make wardrobes, houses and even small characters to act out our thoughts ideas and feelings.

4

Cornflake Biscuits Recipe: Ingredients

• 125 g margarine

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup sultanas

• 1 egg

• 1 pinch salt

• 1 cup self-raising flour

• 1 tbs milk

• 2 cup Cornflakes crushed to coat

Method

1. Beat margarine and sugar until creamy. Add egg, salt and milk. Mix.

2. Add sifted flour and sultanas. Stir to combine. Video Player is loading. Play Video. Play. Mute.

3. Drop 1 teaspoon of mixture into crushed cornflakes and roll.

4. Place on greased tray and bake in a moderate oven (180-190 degrees) for 15 minutes.

5

Juniors

Welcome back to 2nd term… it’s going to be a busy one!

Week 2:

Our first incursion for the term was Gymnastics run by Sarah from Fitness for Fun. At one stage, more than 20 children

were participating in the workshop. It was held outside on the school oval, which worked well for space and fresh air

when everyone was warmed up! The children got involved in the warm-up exercises with music before participating in

an obstacle course that combined ninja and gymnastics skills. Later the children had opportunities to practice the art of

plate balancing. Although quite tricky, the children persevered and were very proud of their achievements. The session

finished with a couple of parachute games. The children are looking forward to Sarah’s second visit later in the term.

Children combined gross and fine motor movement and balance to achieve complex patterns of activity. They negotiate

environments to ensure the safety and wellbeing of themselves and others and celebrated their own efforts and

achievements and those of others.

6

Week 3:

Continuing with our interest in sensory activities, we have been

making slime! It was a popular activity amongst the group and even

better, this recipe only required 2 ingredients – hair conditioner and

cornflour. The children measured ingredients and mixed and

kneaded them together with their hands until they reached a

mouldable consistency. The group enjoyed creating their own

sculptures – expressing feelings, thoughts and ideas.

Week 4:

In before and after school care,

we encourage the children to

make choices about what they

would like on the after-school

care menu. This also includes

cooking experiences. This

week, some of the junior

children chose to make banana

damper for the group. The

children took turns in

measuring ingredients, using

mathematical concepts and

reading skills to complete each

task, ensuring that the recipe

was followed correctly.

Working together as a group

allows to children to apply

their communication and social

skills, while also testing their patience as they wait their turn. Everyone was so excited to taste the end product – which

was absolutely delicious!!

7

Week 5:

With so much out of date rice and some empty sensory tables, we decided

to make coloured rice for the program. A lot of the children were eager to

help make the coloured rice – using zip lock bags, rice, vinegar and food

colouring – all measured accurately. The children were required to

massage the zip lock bags with ingredients inside so that all the rice was

covered in the coloured liquid. Beginning with primary colours, the

children moved onto

mixes of colouring,

creating an aqua colour,

orange, and purple

through trial and error of

amounts. The children

enjoyed the process of

making something they

would be able to use and

play with in the program.

On a windy afternoon, we thought it would be perfect for kite

flying! The children had to construct the kites like a puzzle for

them to work, attaching the different parts to make it functional. Then using fabric markers, they were able to

individualise their kite bringing their own unique flair to them. The children were very eager to get outside and test their

new kites. They had to figure out which way the wind was blowing before setting themselves up in a large enough space

to let their kites soar! The group was really proud of what they had created and were excited to use them again!

8

Friendship Bracelets

Wednesday 15th May

Children: Hayley, Adelina, Hunter & Jacob

Today’s workshop was an opportunity for children to demonstrate their current

understanding and skills in making friendship bracelets, to learn new skills and

adapt these to their chosen bracelet design.

For some it was starting simple with a plait or braid using 3 -6 pieces of wool,

whilst for others who were feeling more confident or had made them before,

exploring a “fishtail” or a

knotted” pattern”

Regardless of the choices

made by children, it required great concentration and problem

solving

beginning

with

measuring

the wool

(for

correct

length) to

ensuring that the pattern was consistent, the wool was kept

taught and finishing off with enough wool to tie it on to their

wrist.

Some of the children

were challenged by

the simple designs and were encouraged and supported by other children

who demonstrated their diverse skills and capabilities in creating more

intricate designs.

9

https://www.instructables.com/id/how-to-make-a-friendship-bracelet-1/

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Friendship-Bracelet

Week 6-8:

Loom bands have once again been popular in the junior space. Children often create jewellery, hair extensions and

other decorative items. Some of the children enjoy seeing how long they can make their creations – stretching them out

across the entire room. Others like to create patterns using the many different colours. This activity gives children

opportunities to concentrate, requiring patience and finger and hand manipulation to further develop their fine motor

skills.

In the afternoons, the juniors have been working on some group projects with their peers - mostly involving puzzles.

Children use a variety of thinking strategies to solve and complete the puzzles and celebrate their own efforts and those

of others.

10