Today we had a visitor named Diane, she taught us about the environment. Diane spoke to the children about the environment and different types of bugs. We then broke the children up into two groups, one group searched for bugs using magnifying glasses while the other pretended to be scientists. Then we switched, while being scientists the children counted how many trees, logs, rocks, grass and shrubs there were in our yard!

Through the experience the children developed their:

– Fine motor (small hand muscles) skills as they held the magnifying glass and felt items in the yard.

– Gross motor (large muscle) skills, coordination, strength and muscle skills as they walked, balanced and jumped.

– Senses of sight, sound and touch, as they listened to and observed their surroundings, as well as feeling various textures (trees, grass, bark, rocks).

After we had some fun outdoors, we came back in and Diane told us about a “Bug hotel” and how we could make one for our bug friends that are living in our yard. Therefore we will extend on this experience by collecting recycled materials and creating a bug hotel with the children.

Link to the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework:

IDENTITY

– Establish and maintain respectful, trusting relationships with other children and educators.

– Show interest in other children and being part of a group.

COMMUNITY
– Broaden their understanding of the world in which they live.

– Develop and awareness of the impact of human activity on environments and the interdependence of living things.

WELLBEING

– Demonstrate trust and confidence.

– Demonstrate spatial awareness and orient themselves, moving around and through their environments confidently and safely.

LEARNING

– Are curious and enthusiastic participants in their learning.

COMMUNICATION

– Respond verbally and non-verbally to what they see, hear, touch, feel and taste.