Welcome to our first newsletter! I am sure your children have already shared with you how much fun they have had in their new school. We hope you are all looking forward to working alongside us in this exciting development stage for your child. Each month our plans will be displayed outside on the notice boards. Please feel free to discuss any area of these plans with us.

Our learning through play will continue to progress well throughout our monthly activities. The children will continue to build on new skills daily; please encourage these at home.

This month is all about ‘summer fun’ which will be included in Literacy and Language, Art, Music/Movement, Science/Nature, Math/Numbers, Character Education, and Motor Activities.

Last week (8/3-8/7), our Science focuses were on vibration and air pressure, we discussed how sound travels; we can’t see sound waves, but the hands-on experiment helped children understand how we hear with a simple experiment. We also discussed what causes air pressure by using simple and fun air pressure activity.

This week (8/10-8/14), our Science focus will be on #1: osmosis—the movement of a solvent from one of lower concentration to higher concentration. Children will predict what will happen if they soak gummy bears in water. They will have three experiments: one gummy bear in salt water solution, one in plain water, and one dry, let them observe and measure the gummy bears. Children are encouraged to share their observations from the experiment.

#2: energy from the sun. We will discuss about solar energy and predict what will melt before we do the hands-on experiment. We will also have reflections on our experiments; children will be encouraged to talk about what they observed, what they did, and what they learned from the experiment.

The week of 8/17-8/21, our Science focuses will be on different types of weather and the destructive forces of nature. We will read books about different types of weather and perform “A Mini Tornado” experiment. Children will be encouraged to share their observations from the experiment.

The week of 8/24-8/28, our Science focuses will be on how molecules are different in oil and water. We will talk to children about the differences between oil and water, and explain why they don’t mix. We will show children this experiment without the food coloring, and then have them try it themselves with the food coloring. Children will be encouraged to talk about their experiment.

Starting from this week, we will be preparing children for public speaking. The topic for this month will be “All about me”. Children will be encouraged to talk about their family and friends, their full name, home address, parents phone numbers, their favourite books, foods, activities, and vacation. Children will be encouraged to present in front of their peers and teachers. Children will improve their confidence in public speaking as well as listening skills when their peers share about themselves.

We are here to discuss any aspect of pre-school with you at any time; you can either speak to one of us directly, through phone or email and we will get back to you.

Thank you from all in Golden Bay Preschool