As we welcomed our new preschoolers into the classroom, it was heartwarming to see our returning children greet them with warmth and enthusiasm. Lily, Jack, Brooks, and Otto became wonderful big helpers, showing our new friends around the classroom, playing alongside them, and helping them feel welcomed and included. Rowan, Anni, Liv, and Hayden also enjoyed sharing their favorite colors and songs, creating opportunities for connection and conversation.
Our first full day brought a range of emotions, including some tears, lots of laughter, and moments of uncertainty. Each child approached the transition differently. Some confidently began exploring, while others needed extra time, cuddles, and reassurance. With patience, gentle encou
ragement, and lots of love, the children gradually began to feel more comfortable.
Sierra soon became engaged in sensory exploration in the sand, Jonnie carefully observed her surroundings, and Viren became deeply involved in exploring and creating with LEGO. These experiences showed us the different ways children build confidence and settle into a new environment.
Friendship and Kindness
The children explored the idea of friendship through making bracelets using pipe cleaners and beads. This experience supported fine-motor development, concentration, creativity, and cooperation. Liv and Anni proudly created bracelets for their mums and dads, while other children helped their friends when they needed assistance. These moments demonstrated kindness, teamwork, and care for one another.
One rainy morning, a child generously invited several friends to share her umbrella. She also patiently explained that the friends waiting could have a turn in two minutes. This simple moment beautifully demonstrated sharing, patience, kindness, and consideration for others.
Exploring Sunflowers
The children were fascinated when we introduced sunflower heads for investigation. Using magnifying lenses, they looked closely at the tiny seeds, explored the texture of the flower heads, and carefully removed the seeds.
While reading Tiny Seeds, the children made connections to their own experiences:
Lily: “We eat sunflower seeds!”
Anni: “Can we eat them now?”
Otto: “When I go for a walk, I see sunflower in the garden.”
Jack: “It’s bumpy.”
The children also discussed sunflower oil, collecting seeds to potentially roast as a future experience, and planting sunflower seeds in our garden next year. This experience encouraged curiosity, observation, questioning, and scientific thinking.
Cre
ative Exploration
The children also explored art using a salad spinner. They confidently took turns spinning the basket and were excited to see how their chosen colours mixed and created unique patterns.
Jonnie proudly said, “I got it!”, demonstrating her growing confidence and independence. Anni and Liv also connected the experience to home, sharing that they use a salad spinner with their families.
Through these experiences, the children have been developing fine-motor skills, creativity, problem-solving, independence, communication, and confidence.
Looking Ahead
It has been wonderful to see our preschool community beginning to grow. The children are forming friendships, supporting one another, exploring with curiosity, and developing a strong sense of belonging. We look forward to continuing this journey as they grow in confidence, independence, and connection throughout the year.
