Kallista Kindergarten

As we celebrate National Early Childhood Educators' Day this Wednesday, 4 September 2024, I want to take a moment to express my deepest appreciation for my incredible co-workers at Kallista Kindergarten. Your dedication and passion for nurturing our young learners do not go unnoticed. Each day, you create a warm and welcoming environment that sparks curiosity and encourages growth. Your commitment to shaping the future through early childhood education inspires me continually. Thank you for your hard work and for being such wonderful teammates. Together, we make a significant difference in the lives of the children we care for.

Early Childhood Educators' Day 2024 - How are YOU going to say thank you?

🌟 Unlocking the Magic of Awe and Wonder 🌟

Awe and wonder aren't just for children's fairy tales; they're crucial for cognitive and emotional development. ISV's Diane Bourke and experts like Dacher Keltner from UC Berkeley highlight the profound impacts of awe-inducing experiences on both children and adults. From boosting creativity and empathy to fostering environmental consciousness, the benefits are vast.

Children are natural-born explorers of the vast and mysterious world around them. By nurturing this innate curiosity through close encounters with nature and modeling awe ourselves, we not only enhance their learning but also contribute to their well-being. It’s never too early to start, and the joy of discovery is a wonderful journey to share.

Explore more about how to cultivate a lifelong sense of awe and curiosity in your children, helping them unlock the magic within.

Join us in rekindling the spark of awe and wonder — it's a gift that keeps on giving! 🌌🍃

Cultivating a sense of awe and wonder in children The world is full of awe and wonder, you just need to know where to look for it. Here, ISV’s Diane Bourke explains the benefits of awe-inducing experiences, and how parents can unlock the magic for their children, and themselves.

https://www.facebook.com/share/5q6vKLjVJJLrsbFw/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Nap Time in Kindergarten in the 1950s

The Importance of Nap Time

In the 1950s, nap time was a crucial part of the kindergarten experience. Educational philosophies of the time emphasized the importance of rest for young children to support their growth and development. A typical kindergarten schedule included a dedicated nap time, usually after lunch, when children would lie down on mats or cots brought from home or provided by the school.

Setting the Scene

Classrooms were often arranged with mats or small cots spaced evenly apart, ensuring each child had a comfortable and personal space to rest. Teachers would dim the lights and create a calm, quiet environment conducive to relaxation and sleep. The atmosphere was one of tranquility, designed to help children recharge for the remainder of the school day.

Music for Nap Time

Music played a significant role in setting the tone for nap time. In the 1950s, the selections often included soft, soothing melodies to help children drift off to sleep. Here are some types of music and specific examples that might have been played during nap time:

1. **Classical Music:** Pieces like Claude Debussy's "Clair de Lune" or Ludwig van Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" were popular choices. The gentle and flowing melodies of these compositions created a peaceful ambiance.

2. **Lullabies:** Traditional lullabies such as "Brahms' Lullaby" or "Hush, Little Baby" were common. These songs had been used for generations to soothe children to sleep and were a staple in many households and classrooms.

3. **Nature Sounds:** Some teachers might have used recordings of nature sounds, like the gentle flow of a stream or the soft rustling of leaves. These sounds were believed to have a calming effect, helping children relax and feel at ease.

4. **Popular Music:** Occasionally, more contemporary tunes from the 1950s that had a soothing quality might be used. Songs like Nat King Cole's "Mona Lisa" or Bing Crosby's "Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral (That's an Irish Lullaby)" provided a comforting and familiar backdrop for nap time.

The Experience

For many children, nap time was a cherished part of their day. It offered a moment of respite and a break from the structured activities and learning. Teachers played a crucial role in ensuring that this time was both restful and beneficial. They often walked softly around the room, gently patting a back or offering a comforting word to any child struggling to settle down.

In summary, nap time in the 1950s was more than just a break; it was an essential component of early childhood education. The careful selection of music and the nurturing environment created by teachers contributed to a restful and rejuvenating experience for young children, laying the foundation for a productive and enjoyable school day.

Celebrating Fatherhood: The Incredible Biological Journey

In this insightful video, delve into the fascinating changes that occur in men as they embrace fatherhood. Renowned anthropologist Dr. Anna Machin reveals how fatherhood triggers significant biological transformations, enhancing emotional bonds and caregiving instincts. Learn how these changes shape a father's journey and the profound impact they have on family dynamics. Don't miss this eye-opening exploration of the science behind fatherhood!

Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkLGsVXAxBQ

For more details, check out Dr. Machin's research on the biological changes during fatherhood: https://www.news-medical.net/health/Biological-Changes-During-Fatherhood.aspx

Biological Changes During Fatherhood Distinct and overlapping biological changes occur during fatherhood in response to exposure and close contact with that infant.

To Slime or Not to Slime?
Have you tried making fluffy slime at home? Sensory play aids self-regulation and sparks a love for science. We'd love to hear your thoughts and see your creations! This site has so many recipes!

How To Make Fluffy Slime - Little Bins for Little Hands Learn how to make fluffy slime today! Our fluffy slime or slime with shaving cream is easy to make and amazing to play with.

🧠🧸 In a meltdown, focus on safety and connection before reasoning. Discover more tips! 🌟

Practical Ways To Help Children Regulate Their Nervous System — Skipping Stones Brain-Based Activities To Support Regulation

📧 Emails with offers have been resent due to the timetable change! 📬

Check junk/spam if you haven't received yours.

🌞 Yesterday was the shortest day of the year. We're over halfway to 2025!

✅ Finalise your enrolment and tick it off your list!

Understanding the Window of Tolerance
The Window of Tolerance helps us manage stress and emotions. Recognise hyperarousal (😰) and hypoarousal (😶) in children and yourself. Essentially, the size of our ‘window’ depends on how well we tolerate mood, energy, and life challenges, staying in the optimal zone.

Your Window of Tolerance | Emotion-Regulation Skills Developing awareness of your Window of Tolerance is a fundamental Emotion-Regulation skill related to better Self-Care. Learn more here...

📢 We have some important updates regarding the 2025 Kallista Kindergarten timetable. After careful review, we've made some changes to enhance our teaching capacity.

The new timetable features two groups of 3-year-olds and two groups of 4-year-olds, each attending two days a week. All 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds will receive 15 hours of free kinder per week, including Nature Kinder on Monday. 🌳

3-year-olds can choose either group C (Tuesday and Thursday) or group D (Wednesday and Friday).
4-year-olds can choose either group A (Tuesday and Thursday) or group B (Wednesday and Friday).

Next Steps:

Disregard previous letters and acceptances. You will receive a new email from EV Early Years (via the enrolnow portal) to accept/decline your spot and choose your program preference. 📧
Notifications of approved groups will be sent out in August/September.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a tour before the end of the term, please reach out. We have a few spots left! 🏫

Thank you for your continued support. 🙏

“When children engage in play, they embark on a journey of learning. Through play, they develop problem-solving skills, think strategically, build relationships, and navigate life’s challenges. Play not only teaches children how to learn, but it also instills a love for learning. Embrace the joy of play today and every day! 🌟 ”

🎉 Have you thought about what you’re wearing to Trivia Night? The theme is fur, feathers, or flannel! 🦊🦜🧥 Get creative and have fun with your outfits – we can’t wait to see everyone’s fantastic looks! 🌟👗✨ Don’t forget, it’s going to be a night full of laughs, trivia, and great company. See you there! 🎤🧠💃

Exciting News! Nature Play Group Starting in Term 3!

We are thrilled to announce that our Nature Play Group will be kicking off in Term 3! 🎉 Although it’s a bit later than initially advertised, we wanted to ensure we found the perfect facilitator for our group, and the wait has been worth it. We will be sending out emails this week to those who have expressed interest to confirm our numbers.

What makes our playgroup truly special is our use of the beautiful George Tindale Memorial Gardens as our base. Every alternate week, we venture out to explore the stunning locations within the Amazing Dandenong Ranges, offering diverse and enriching experiences for all.

The cost is $150 per term, payable upfront, and a membership with Playgroup Australia is required.

Stay tuned for more details, and get ready for some wonderful outdoor adventures! 🌿

How can we find more humour in everyday situations and use it as a mindfulness tool? Paul Osincup, a Humor Strategist, shares practical strategies in his TEDx talk. Discover how incorporating humour can enhance well-being and create a more connected life.

Why you should take yourself less seriously | Paul Osincup | TEDxMontanaStateUniversity How can each of us find more humor in everyday situations? And how can we make this practice a strategic mindfulness tool? Paul Osincup is a Corporate Traine...

🌿 Have you heard of your parasympathetic nervous system (PNS)? It's often called the "rest and digest" system, and it helps calm our minds and bodies by slowing the heart rate, reducing blood pressure, and promoting relaxation and digestion.

Here are some simple ways to activate your PNS:

Deep Breathing: Slow, intentional breaths signal your body to relax.
Meditation: Reduces stress and promotes calm.
Yoga: Combines physical postures with breathing for relaxation.
Massage: Balances the nervous system and promotes calm.

I wonder if one of these techniques is your chosen tool? 🌸 Share in the comments how you activate your PNS and stay calm amidst the chaos. Let's support each other and help our children find their calm too. 💛

Stay calm, stay connected. 💚

📢 Exciting News from Kallista Kindergarten! 🎉

First round offers for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten have been sent out! If you haven't received yours yet, please check your junk or spam folders.

We know it's early to be thinking about 2025, but once you finalise your enrolment, you can tick this off your list of things to worry about. ✔️

Want to have another look around before you accept? Join us for a tour on Tuesday, 28th May at 3:30 PM. If you're interested, please reach out to add your name to the tour.

We're here to help with any questions you might have. Can't wait to see you all! 😊

🌟📺 Dive into a hilarious review of the timeless Playschool! Loved by generations, this take provides a good laugh. Check it out here: [https://youtu.be/4qMm5mH8AnQ?si=BPNWE6L8tIDMOWqB](https://youtu.be/4qMm5mH8AnQ?si=BPNWE6L8tIDMOWqB) 😂👀

Savage review of Play School | The Weekly | ABC TV + iview TV critic Margaret Pomeranz shares her honest review of Play School. now: http://ab.co/subscribe_________________________________________...

In 2006 a high school English teacher asked students to write a famous author and ask for advice. Kurt Vonnegut was the only one to respond - and his response is magnificent:
“Dear Xavier High School, and Ms. Lockwood, and Messrs Perin, McFeely, Batten, Maurer and Congiusta:
I thank you for your friendly letters. You sure know how to cheer up a really old geezer (84) in his sunset years. I don’t make public appearances any more because I now resemble nothing so much as an iguana.
What I had to say to you, moreover, would not take long, to wit: Practice any art, music, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, painting, sculpting, poetry, fiction, essays, reportage, no matter how well or badly, not to get money and fame, but to experience becoming, to find out what’s inside you, to make your soul grow.
Seriously! I mean starting right now, do art and do it for the rest of your lives. Draw a funny or nice picture of Ms. Lockwood, and give it to her. Dance home after school, and sing in the shower and on and on. Make a face in your mashed potatoes. Pretend you’re Count Dracula.
Here’s an assignment for tonight, and I hope Ms. Lockwood will flunk you if you don’t do it: Write a six line poem, about anything, but rhymed. No fair tennis without a net. Make it as good as you possibly can. But don’t tell anybody what you’re doing. Don’t show it or recite it to anybody, not even your girlfriend or parents or whatever, or Ms. Lockwood. OK?
Tear it up into teeny-weeny pieces, and discard them into widely separated trash receptacals. You will find that you have already been gloriously rewarded for your poem. You have experienced becoming, learned a lot more about what’s inside you, and you have made your soul grow.
God bless you all!"
Kurt Vonnegut

🌟 Encouraging our children to become independent and self-sufficient is more than just a parenting goal—it's a crucial step in preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of the future. By fostering skills like problem-solving and decision-making, we help our children build confidence and resilience that will serve them throughout their lives.

I came across this article that outlines four essential practices to promote independence in children, from allowing them to make their own choices to supporting their problem-solving abilities. These strategies are not only practical but also help in nurturing well-rounded, capable individuals. Check it out for some insightful tips on how you can support your child's journey toward self-sufficiency!

https://www.fatherly.com/parenting/how-to-raise-independent-kids

Parents Who Raise Self-Sufficient Kids Do These 4 Things Kids have a lot of needs, but they also have a drive to be independent. Parents can foster this self-sufficiency with these four simple approaches.

🚨 2024 Kallista Kindergarten Social & Fundraising Event 🚨

🧠 Join Our TRIVIA NIGHT!

🌟 Saturday, 15th June | 7:30 PM

Get ready for a night of fun, laughter, and trivia! A perfect opportunity to mingle, unwind, and support our Kindergarten.🎉

🎟️ Tickets: $20 each or $150 for a table of 8. Gather your smartest friends and book your table!

👗 Theme: Fur, Feathers, or Flannel. Dress up and add an extra flair to your trivia night!

📍 Location: Kallista Primary School GP room

This event is for adults only, so let’s make it a night to remember. 🥳

✨ All proceeds go towards enhancing our Kindergarten's programs and facilities. Your support makes a difference!

RSVP now and secure your spot! 🌟

🌟 Exciting News from Kallista Kindergarten! 🌟

We’ve had several families express interest in visiting us, so we’re thrilled to announce tours on Tuesday, 23 April, and Wednesday, 24 April, both at 3:30 PM. Interested in joining? Simply send us a message here on Facebook!

📅 Important Reminder: Enrolments for 2025 are open until 30 April. By this date, we will be setting our timetable and finalising group sizes. However, we understand that sometimes late applications are necessary and will do our best to accommodate them. Don’t miss out - apply now! [Enrol Here](https://forms.enrolnow.com.au/233409491257965)

🎉 Save the Date! Join us for our Open Day morning on Thursday, 16 May, during Education Week. It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore both Kallista Kindergarten and Kallista Primary School’s programmes. Perfect for families planning their children's educational journey! More details about times will be shared soon.

We can’t wait to meet you and show you all that Kallista Kindergarten has to offer! 🌈📚

In June 2023 at our Triennial Conference, IPA World members voted unanimously to support advocacy for a UN declared International Day of Play.

To drive this ambition forward, the International Play Association (IPA World) was part of a dedicated network of global organisations, play experts and, most importantly, children & youth themselves, who called on UN member states to support the resolution for an International Day of Play.

We are proud to announce that on Monday 25 March 2024, the UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution to hold an annual international awareness day for play.

The INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PLAY will be held on JUNE 11, 2024 and annually thereafter.

A special thanks to all the partners who worked on this from across the corporate and NGO sector and especially the children and young people across the world who contributed to surveys and workshops and the call to action from Children.

We look forward to sharing more information with members over the coming days!!

Play Aotearoa Play Australia Playright Children’s Play Association International Play Association - IPA Scotland International Play Association (IPA)International Play Association - Canada International Play Association - Northern Ireland International Play Association - USA Ipa Argentina: Asociación Internacional por el Derecho del Niño/a a jugar International Play Association - India. IPA-India.
Play Wales Ipa Canada ipaukraine Ipa Portugal IPA Thailand - สมาคมการเล่นนานาชาติ ประเทศไทย

Upon encountering the quote by Melannie Jean Juneau, 'Children need time to be bored—that is how creativity is born,'

I initially found myself in agreement. What are your thoughts?

However, further reflection, informed by recent insights, challenges the notion that boredom serves as the cradle of creativity. It appears that the liberty of unstructured play is what truly nurtures imaginative minds. Studies have shown a marked decline in creativity as children's opportunities for free exploration have diminished, highlighting the crucial role of play in fostering intellectual, social, and emotional growth. For the neurodiverse especially, boredom may not spark creativity but trigger anxiety instead. Yet, in an era dominated by technology and over-scheduling, it's evident that some children require guidance and support to rediscover their imagination in ways that are both engaging and constructive. An environment that encourages exploration, underpinned by freedom from excessively scheduled lives, is key to cultivating the creative spirit. This necessitates a balanced approach—advocating for free play, rather than boredom, as the bedrock for developing inventive and resilient future generations, while also offering the necessary support to help navigate and reignite the imaginative potential inherent in every child. Finding this balance is the contemporary challenge for families and educators. For a deeper dive into this topic, Sir Ken Robinson’s talk, 'Do Schools Kill Creativity?' is a must-watch: https://youtu.be/iG9CE55wbtY. It provides profound insights into how educational systems might better support creative development.