In Term 3 PreKinder had a wonderful time harnessing their interest of the natural world. Students explored plant and animal life cycles, grew alfalfa seeds and participated in a Taronga Zoo mobile incursion that provided the opportunity to see and learn about native Australian animals and their significance to our First Nations people.

A three-week live chrysalis experience enabled students to witness first-hand how a chrysalis changes before a monarch butterfly emerges. Children enjoyed naming the butterfly before releasing this magnificent creature back into nature.

Our PreKinders were very egg-cited when the two-week Hatch’n’Grow program arrived at the centre. Over the course of this period, students watched as nine ducklings hatched and transformed from being wet and wobbly to strong and vibrant animals. Factual research and student observations drove the inquiry process and provided the opportunity to learn more about a duck’s life cycle, body parts, what a duck eats and how it swims.

These hands on, collaborative, inquiry-based learning opportunities fostered student’s creative and critical thinking skills and encouraged information sharing through drawing, oral language tasks, sculpting, dramatic re-enactments and engaging with loose parts.

Students were activated as resources for one another and owners of their learning, using a unique blend of the Reggio Emilia approach and All Saints Grammar’s Better Person, Better Learner philosophy.

Diane Vithoulka
Academic Leader of PreKinder