Great websites for kids

http://westlib.co.nz/homework-help/

Digital literacy is a big thing now, as much as I am embracing more of nature based practices now, there are times that I still need the help of technology in my classroom.

A great link I found online listing lots of great websites for kids in categories. Because I know how frustrating it can be sometimes to look for quality resources online for children.

Kid Friendly Search Engines:
Fact Monster - http://www.factmonster.com/ ( and some interactive games!)
Awesome Library - http://www.awesomelibrary.org/
Kids Seek - http://www.kids.net.au/

And hopefully I can try some during my internship starting IN TWO DAYS! OMO OMO! WITH OUR RECENTLY FIXED SMART BOARD WUHOO!

Nature-based practices

This is what I aim to improve in my teaching practices along my journey. Although the kindy I am going for my prac is not a forest school, they are embedding nature pedagogy through an "Inside, Outside Program". I had the opportunity to follow them on an excursion to the park next to kindy and that two hours was absolute joy, awe and wonder. I am reengaging with nature and hope to bring more nature into my teaching practices..

Useful websites for nature-based practices (Retrieved from Niki Buchan's book "Children in Wild Nature")

Cornish College Early Learning Centre
http://www.cornishcollege.vic.edu.au/elc/
Spirit of Play Community School
http://spiritofplay.wa.edu.au/

Westgarth Kindergarten Bush school pilot May 2011
http://www.wgkg.vic.edu.au/Home-Westgarth-Kindergarten

Matapihi Kindergarten
http://matapihikindergarten.co.nz/

Inspired EC
http://www.inspiredec.com/

Children and Nature Network
http://www.childrenandnature.org/

Environmental Education in Early Childhood
http://www.eeec.org.au/

Victorian Child and Nature Connection
http://www.ecoshout.org.au/active-groups/victorian-child-and-nature-connection

Wodonga Tafe Nature Playgroup
https://natureplaygroup.wordpress.com/

Andy Goldsworthy is famous for his transient art using natural materials. Photographs of his work can be offered as inspiration to children.

2nd full day

Had my second full day of teaching today

Jona said he had a really great day! I'm so pleased to hear that 

And for Eva, she was saying that "I really like the kite you made for me, it's so pretty"

Oh my heart <3

Even though the kite does not look great to me, I'm happy it looks great to her 

Brunch in kindy =)

 Throwback to my first week of prac. The first photo was my Thursday breakfast and second photo was my Friday breakfast

It was my first time meeting the second group and they were just lovely =) L started by making me tea as I was playing with other children with puzzles, then a few of them joined in and brought me food, I suggested them to set them up at the home corner so it will be easier to eat =) and this is what they prepared, p/s A gave me a bouquet of flowers too! so sweet!

It was a moment that I felt so lucky and blessed as I actually woke up late that morning and didnt eat a proper breakfast and I was actually starving.

On Friday morning, the feast just got bigger! They said it's my birthday party! Okay dont mind to celebrate my birthday again! haha just look at the sophistication of their dramatic play in the arrangement of the table. I'm just amazed! It's really important to give children sufficient time to play and in this kindy play is truly valued and a lot of their play are really complex! Who said play is boring???

On a beautiful Sunday morning today, how I wish to go out for brunch but I am stuck home for my history unit plan due on Friday! Oh well, that's why I am writing this blog post to fix my craving. Back to work!

I hope you all have a lovely Sunday, not like mine xx

Something about nature

I have never considered myself a teacher who is passionate about nature

As a person, I do enjoy travelling and being out in mother nature, but never thought about nature based pedagogy

From my previous prac, I was actually really phobia of nature play because of some stress, and too many complicated factors, OH WELL THOSE ARE THE PAST HAHA

Now in my final prac, I am lucky to have the chance to reengage with nature based practices again and I have to admit I have been loving it so much!

And then on facebook I just saw a video about "Kids Are Surprised By Nature"

I always believe that what I experienced in life happens for a reason, I really feel this final placement will turn me into someone passionate about nature. Im excited for this learning journey!

I have too many 'real' encounter in my prac of the power of nature, but I couldn't share the children's pictures and tell the story..im now actually in the midst of assignment war so I couldn't spend time actually writing a long post about nature

oh well, but I just wanted to put this links about nature HERE first before I forget
http://letsreconnect.com/
http://www.natureplayqld.org.au/

Preparing for Internship

In two more weeks, I will be on my final field experience.
In nine more weeks, I will be an INTERN!

Listening to the internship expectations today scares me but also excites me at the same time...
My lecturer, A said that there will be a moment that comes when we think, "I AM REALLY A TEACHER!" I'm actually pretty excited about this amazing learning opportunity...

Tips from my lecturer to enter internship

1. Be positive and proactive.

• positive positive positive
• I am going to spend 8 weeks with these children, from my point of view, I might be thinking of the workload etc. However, for children, these 8 weeks are going to be their kindy year, their childhood. 
• MAKE MOMENTS MATTER FOR CHILDREN =)

2. Loris Malaguzzi "There is nothing without joy."

• Joy, joy, joy =)
• This speaks so well to my belief that happy children learn better =)
• And also my personality, *wink*...my cousin sister exclaimed that I am the character JOY after we finished watching the Disney movie "Inside Out"
• Joy, please stay with me throughout my final prac and intern! I can teach!

3. YOU,  are the defining factors of success

• take care of yourself
• ME TIME
• don't be always too hard on yourself thinking about areas of improvement, the cycle of improvement cannot be activated without the stage of validating your effort [Pleasure Achievement Cycle]

4. 8 weeks is manageable, IT IS!!!

• Yes it is gonna be busy, but there will be peaks and also down time
• go with the flow...
• Traffic light system in managing tasks: What is the most important? What is urgent? What can be done later?

5. PARENTS

• One of my goals will be to build meaningful relationships with parents, given 8 weeks, I have the opportunity to really work on it. I sometimes feel not confident in communicating with parents as I come from a different country but I am going to overcome that fear!
• I am here to experience meaningful partnership.
• Don't be afraid of parents...positive mindset, think, "What does this parent need from me?"

YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!! GOGOGOGOGOGOGOGOGOGOGOGOGOGO!!!!!!!!

Working with English Language Learners

http://www.teachertube.com/video/ways-and-means-of-engaging-language-learners-255444