Maples HomeVolume 4May 21st 2020

Our teaching intentions through the series will explore: Education

Community

Family

EnvironmentWeekly experiences and activities

Daily videos featuring our Extras Teachers and wider teaching community

Challenges for all family members to explore

At Maples, we understand the decision that families have made to self-isolate during these unprecedented times.

Considering this, we want children to be an Maples@ Home. We want to promote the curious mind of your child to engage, explore and discover a new way of learning at home! Inspired by our service

philosophy and the Reggio Emilia approach, our Maples@Home series is a range of workshops and experiences for all children to enjoy.

We hope you will join in and be an active participant in your child's learning using our Maples@Home series.

Maples Home

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The Maples@Home series will include:

Storytime with Annie

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Click to view story

6 Weeks to 12 MonthsAt Maples, we foster strong and meaningful relationships with children. From birth, children commence to navigate their learning through building meaningful and trusting relationships with others. Our curriculum provides endless opportunities for children to explore, discover and investigate the world around them.

Sensory Space FloorYou will need the following resources:

• Silver bubble wrap  • Large floor space

Method

1. Place sheets of silver bubble wrap over the floor.

2. Cover a large space to encourage your baby to explore.

Optional:You could tape the bubble wrap to the floor.

If you don’t have sliver bubble wrap, clear bubble wrap would also work.

Snap Crackle Pop!

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Trial & Error

Posting boxYou will need the following resources:

• Shoe box • Cardboard shapes • Plastic store cards

Method

1. Cut an opening in the top of the shoe box, large enough to post the objects.

2. Place on the floor and show your baby how to place the objects inside the box.

3. Once everything has been posted, open the lid to start again.

Optional: You may cover the shoe boxes in leaves or wrapping paper for extra texture, colour and patterns.

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Music and Movement With Brydie

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Click to view lesson

12 Months to 3 YearsAt Maples, we encourage all children to explore their world through the natural environment. Our environment curriculum provide opportunities for children to explore their curiosities and discover new interests through a range of resources.

Shaving Cream ArtYou will need the following resources:

• Shaving Cream • Table and or Mirror

Method

1. At a table, squirt out a small amount of shaving cream either directly onto the table or onto a mirror.

2. Your child can use their hands to explore the texture. Encourage them to mix it all around and make patterns or drawings in the shaving cream.

Optional: Give your child a paint brush so they can paint with the shaving cream. 

Creating Clouds

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SAFETY REMINDER: Check ingredients for allergies

Squishy Slime

D.I.Y SlimeYou will need the following resources:

• ½ cup of corn flour • 4 tablespoons of shampoo • Food colouring

Method

1. Mix together corn flour and shampoo until a solid dough is formed. This can take a few minutes.

2. Add a few drops of food colouring and mix through.

Optional: Slime has a different texture and smell to playdough. Ask your child what does it smell like? What can you make with it? What does it feel like?

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3 Years to 5 YearsAt Maples, we promote a rich learning environment where children are able to explore the concept of trial and error. Providing opportunities for children to navigate their learning with key learning concepts such as mathematics, literacy, dramatic play, science and discovery. Our educational program promotes positive social connection and friendship, which enables a sense of belonging to the environment.

The Rainbow Trail

Community ArtYou will need the following resources:

• Variety of coloured chalk • Footpath

Method

1. Go with your child outside your house or park with the chalk.

2. Encourage your child to draw a rainbow on the footpath. This is a great experience for families to all draw together.

Optional: Parents could draw a hopscotch on the footpath for everyone to enjoy.

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The rainbow trail was created to draw creations, and to brighten people's day

when they go for a walk

Colours of Nature

Colour MatchingYou will need the following resources:

• Paint swatches  • Garden to collect resources

Method

1. Paint swatches can be collected at any hardware shops or you may have some at home.

2. Ask your child to select two colour swatches. 

3. Looking at the colours from the swatches, encourage your child look for and collect natural resources such as leaves, bark or twigs, which match.

Optional: Children could look for anything around the house which are the same colours. Small toys or craft materials could also be used.

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Scavenger Hunt

What can you find in your community?

At Maples, we value our connection with the wider community and encourage you to venture into your neighbourhood whilst following the social distancing guidelines to discover local wonders.

We have put together a short scavenger hunt which incorporates our key learning areas in a fun and creative way.

We would love for you to share your findings on our online learning portal (Educa or OWNA).

Scavenger HuntWhat can you find?

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A Feather

A Street Light

An Insect

A Puddle

A Bike

A Galah

A Purple Flower

A Cloud

A Rainbow on the Footpath

Tick if you can find it

Keep In TouchPlease keep in touch and share your Maples@Home experiences

with us on social or the family communication app.

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