Building relationships with a new environment -16th August 2021
Today the gates of the yard has been removed giving our Joeys and Possums the opportunity to begin exploring the new environment. When introducing a new environment, it's crucial we teach children how to properly engage in their environment and begin to set the expectations needed to ensure safety for all children.
The children ran past the sandpit and straight towards the soft fall and slide. An Educator stayed closely by the slide, monitoring and beginning to set expectations of how children engage in this resources by teaching them to turn take and when to safely slide down. The bikes were also placed out so our bike track could be finally utilized again. Our children were quick to remember about placing their helmets on their heads before riding.
Hunter and Elya enjoyed exploring all the new textures that was offered. Hunter enjoyed rubbing his palms against the grainy bike track while Elya enjoyed the feel of the large sandstones on her hands. The Possums were busy running around and enjoyed the large play area they have missed so much.
Link to Pedagogical Documentation
EYLF Outcomes
Outcomes: 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing Elements: 3.2 Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing. Children were able to engage in monitored risk taking opportunities where they practiced on their problem solving skills and gross motor capabilities as they climbed up and down the sandstones.
Interpretation
Critical Reflection:The children explored the environment well. We monitored the Joeys carefully ensuring they were aware of the new landscape, with the yard now consisting of lower and higher ledges. The younger Joeys took some risk taking by climbing up and down the sandstones to get down to the lower level of the yard. We demonstrated to the Joeys that they could go around instead of climbing. The slide was very popular and children were able to turn take with minimal assistance from their Educators. Follow Up: Continue to allow children to explore the new environment.

