REDDAM EARLY LEARNING SCHOOL
LINDFIELD NEWSLETTER Principal’s Message
3rd March 2023 By Christine Irwin
Dear Families, The term is flying past and the children and educators are busily investigating the current interest and projects. Recently we have introduced small groups into the children’s daily routine. This is where the children are grouped with one of the teachers to be involved with looking more closely at an interest/experience or participating in visual arts, dancing, singing or drama. These small group times scaffold the large group that is held in the morning with the Core teacher. The team finds these small groups a great way to observe the children further and have more one on one discussions. This also assists the children’s voices to be heard and gain more confidence in their social and emotional skills when working with others. It also enhances the children’s sense of belonging with others. “Belonging acknowledges children’s interdependence with others and the basis of relationships in defining identities. In Early Childhood, and throughout life, relationships are crucial to a sense of belonging. Belonging is central to being and becoming in that it shapes who children are and who they can become" - Early Years Learning Framework - Belonging, Being Becoming. The team reflects daily on these small group experiences and documents the learning through written reflections. They may also document observations and learning stories to add to children’s portfolios. These may appear as individual or group style observations. Small group experiences provide an opportunity for educators to connect with children.