Kornmehl
Terry Aizen – Director of Kornmehl
Self-regulation
As parents and educators, it is important to understand what self-regulation means. In order to be able to learn and play, children must be able to maintain alertness and focus at the right level for a task or situation. Self-regulation involves being able to recognise if our alertness is at the right level, knowing how to maintain it and knowing how to change it if is not at the right level.
The children are learning strategies to adjust their level of alertness when it is not at the right level for the task they are doing, for example, when sitting at morning meeting, when transitioning from one activity to another, when following instructions, when having conflict with a peer. For us as adults, we have learnt many strategies that help us to adjust our level of alertness, for example, getting a coffee, having a shower, going for a run in the morning or to gym.
We are learning two different programs: The Alert Program, and The Zones of Regulation Program. We also practise different breathing techniques using visuals to support the children to regulate.
In The Alert Program, we used the story “How does your engine run?” The story uses the analogy of our bodies being like a car engine, to help children become aware of their own level of alertness. So, when our engine is running high, it means the child is hyperactive and overstimulated, and in a high state of alertness. In these instances, the child may have difficulty focusing and attending to tasks. But when our engine is running low, it means that the child is lethargic and may be in a low state of alertness. In these instances, the child may have difficulty getting enough energy and focus to attend to tasks. What we want is an engine that is just right, which means the child is in an optimal state of alertness, so they will be more likely to attend to and succeed at the tasks they are trying.
The story is about recognising when our engine is running, high, low, or just right. And what to do to keep our engine ‘just right’.
The Dolphin children made their thinking visible through the language of drawing.
Lulu: I feel green cause I’m happy to see all my new friends.
Tamar: I feel a bit nervous and a bit happy. My engine is running green.
Leo: I’m happy because I can play with Jesse and Nellie so much. My engine is running green.
Jordan: I was sad when I came here because I didn’t want Mum to leave. I am happy now because I can play with my friends.
Liev: I feel super good because I’m happy about Kornmehl. My engine is running green.
Jesse: Happy because we don’t have to rest. My engine is green because I’m happy.
Gabriella: I feel good but blue because I miss my mama and my sister. I miss my family. I’m feeling blue.
Edison: ‘m happy because it’s my first time in the Dolphins. My engine is running green.
Ruby: Happy, because I’m in my new Kindy, meeting my new friends.
Alfie: Drew a line down the middle of his page. He painted the left half green and said, the green one is fun. The right half was red, the red one is scared.
Dr Judith Locke Parent Talk
On Wednesday night the Pre-school, combined with parents from Mount Zion ELC and Mount Sinai ELC, gathered in the Millie Phillips Theatre for an informative talk from Dr Judith Locke. Dr Judith Locke is a registered clinical psychologist, former teacher, and school counsellor. Judith is the author of two best-selling parenting books, The Bonsai Child, and The Bonsai Student.
Judith spoke on Helping our pre-school children to become confident and capable.
The session covered:
- Strategies parents can start to use now to build resilience in their child to cope with the typical ups and downs of Pre-school life.
- Strategies to assist parents to cope better with children who tend to be sensitive or worry about things.
- Ideas to manage tricky child behaviours.
- Common parenting approaches and tips on fine-tuning strategies parents already use.
We had a lovely turnout of 55 people from all three schools. A huge thank you to Dr Locke, Mrs Thomas, IT and everyone involved in making this happen.
Library visits
This week the children all participated in their first visit to the Primary School library. Going up to the big school is an adventure. The walk up the hill is always very exciting. The children are learning to walk in pairs, not to run and to stay on the path. Starting to build a sense of connection to the big school is part of laying the foundation for the future when the children will transition to the school.
The Librarian, Mrs Rogart played some games.
Playball
The Early Childhood years are the ideal time for children to form healthy lifestyle habits, such as physical activity. Playball is a valuable program that teaches, encourages, and supports several fundamental movement and physical skills.
These include jumping, running, galloping, hopping, catching, kicking, and throwing, not to mention balance and co-ordination, fine motor, and small muscle development also. The children have the opportunity to learn how to use different pieces of equipment such as hockey sticks, bat, and balls etc. Other skills such as listening and following directions, being part of a team, sharing, and sportsmanship are also being taught. Life skills such as independence, persistence, goal setting, respect and co-operation are supported and promoted.
A key to any physical activity is enjoyment. When children are having fun, they are more motivated and want to keep doing it. The Playball Program is about fun, being active and giving things a go. Skills and learning experiences are taught in a way that is fun and positive and tailored to the individual experiences, needs and abilities of each child.
The children were introduced to their wonderful coaches: Al and Rama.
The children engaged in various exercises that involved crossing the midline, balancing, bouncing, and catching the ball, and obstacle courses.
Happy Birthday
We wish a very happy birthday to our special educator Laura Meltzer. We also wish happy birthday to Gabriella Epstein (5), Gia Kogan (5) and Jude Silver (3). We hope you all had a lovely day.
