Term 4 is a time of change and transition in Kinder. The ‘Kinder’ students are preparing for Stage One and are maturing into capable, confident students who are ready to step up and be role models to younger students for the first time. It is a great chance for us to reflect and be proud of just how far they have come. Most kindergarten students start college unable to read, write or recognise many numbers. They are also often self-focussed (which is very normal for this age and stage of development). The growth and progress that our inaugural kindergarten students have made both academically and socially over the year is to be commended and celebrated. Each term the students change in so many ways and every term in kindergarten looks totally different from the last, in regards to academic and social development. The students are now reading, writing and recognising numbers up to 100 or even 1000 in Term 4! However, the thing that I am most proud of is their growth in social development. Our ‘Kinder’ expectations are to “be safe, be kind and be our best”. The children have built solid friendships and have a camaraderie with each other that is so great to see. They now compliment each other, look out for each other, congratulate and encourage each other, which is a long way from where we started in Term 1!
In kindergarten we have implemented a social and emotional program called ‘You Can Do It’. The purpose of this program is to teach the students five foundations to help promote social and emotional development and promote success and happiness in life. We have five character puppets that help teach the five foundations in early childhood. There is Connie Confidence, Pete Persistence, Oscar Organisation, Gabby Get Along and Ricky Resilience. The program is written in kindergarten- friendly language and the students enjoy the visits from these characters to our class. This has helped the ‘Kinders’ to think about their actions in a social setting and how it affects both themselves and others. We brainstorm effective strategies we can use when various situations arise, that will provide a positive solution.
The ‘Kinders’ were able to demonstrate their growth in social development during our two visits from ‘2017 Kinders’ at the end of last term. The current ‘Kinders’ loved stepping up into the leadership role, showing they are going to make fantastic role models for the younger students. The two student groups mingled and played together which was fabulous to see. All children had fun and enjoyed themselves and there were smiles all round. Seeing how little and shy some students were made me reflect on just how far we have come as a class over the year. I am already starting to miss, in advance, my first ever ‘CCSC Kinder Incredibles’. They have certainly lived up to their name of being incredible! However, I am excited to get to know the 2017 ‘Kinders’ as well, and I look forward to watching them grow and develop. I’m sure they too will be an ‘INCREDIBLE’ addition to our college next year!
Julie says
You are such an amazing , talented teacher Peta ..
kindy thrive and blossum at IFS due to your gccsc .
eric and Caroline berkery says
The college is remarkable with their programs we are so happy with the progress our grandson has made.