Each term, the MOSHC Lead Educators devise a "focus" or "theme" which becomes the centrepiece of the activities programmed throughout the term. The term focus is informed by children's emerging interests and skills, evolving developmental stages, cultural contexts and the learning frameworks for the OSHC sector. Find out what this term's focuses are below!
Visual Arts
By Lead Educator Stella Pabon
The undeniable power of words in contemporary art serves as a wonderful tool to add complexity and meaning to an image. Playing with language and images provides children with the opportunity to engage in meaning-making, exploring the personal, social, or political aspects. It raises children's awareness about the beauty of each letter, appreciating its shape, lines, curves, and dots. Each letter becomes a work of art in itself.
Activities have been developed to encourage reflection on individual words and their composition. Furthermore, the exploration of how adding more words can communicate powerful messages, whether uplifting or damaging. Children are exposed to a significant aesthetic dimension in their daily encounters with writing, be it on iPads, in books, on packaging, or through signs they see on the streets. Therefore, it makes sense to nurture their skills as wholesome visual artists who can create multilayered works, utilizing graphic design and typography strategies to effectively convey their messages. By incorporating familiar languages linked to various cultural backgrounds such as Chinese, English, and Arabic, we aim to elevate the value of all languages in the OSHC context. This sends a powerful message about the strength of a multilingual Australia. We sincerely hope that this term's focus is embraced and transformed by the children, helping us all learn and grow as early childhood practitioners.
Sports and Gross Motor Skills: RC Cars and Drones Racing
By Lead Educator Aleks Popovic
Embark on a transformative 10-week program centred around the exciting world of RC cars and drones. As children grasp the controls, they become active learners, exploring the principles of motion, physics, and critical thinking. Inspired by Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, they navigate intricate obstacle courses, analysing routes and adapting strategies to overcome challenges. The thrill of racing and problem-solving ignites their curiosity, fostering intellectual growth and honing their critical thinking skills.
Wellbeing and Child Advocacy: Learning with Legos
By Lead Educator Nathan Chu
Incorporating elements between LEGO-based therapy and learning through play theories, the Wellbeing and Child Advocacy Focus Term 3, 2023 is “Learning with Legos”. At MOSHC, LEGO bricks have proven to be a beloved and valuable resource for our children, fostering child-initiated creativity and collaboration that spans entire sessions. Building on this intrinsic interest, our program will now include educator facilitation, aimed at leveraging the potential of LEGO play and therapy to achieve significant social skills development and enhance overall wellbeing.
Through "Learning with Legos," we aspire to nurture key goals, such as fostering sharing, promoting teamwork, enhancing problem-solving abilities, encouraging turn-taking, and improving communication skills among our children. The structured activities will be designed to create an enriching environment that encourages peer interaction, helping them navigate the complexities of social dynamics effectively.
Community and the World Around Us: Staying Connected by Exploring the World Around Us
By Lead Educator Esther Taumohaapai
This term we will focus on establishing strong links with local communities that will promote children’s contribution/participation through (provided) meaningful opportunities.
According to Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological System Theory, it supports the view how everything in the child’s environment influences the child’s development. From immediate relations to changes over time, positive relationships and enabling environments, it fosters a sense of belonging and strong partnership promotes valuable learning experiences for children.
How can we support your child’s learning? With your help, parents, caregivers, grandparents, together we can confidently step out of our MOSHC world to successfully build bridges of complementary positive relationships in connections with the broader community.
Highlight: MOSHC will be on an Intergenerational Program Journey with AVEO Retirement Village at Robertson Park Week 3-10 (TBC). Goal: to achieve reciprocal learning social, behavioural and health benefits for both age groups. Students develop empathy and gratitude, while improving the mood and wellbeing of senior adults by reducing their loneliness and isolation.
Ludic: Working on Collaboration
By Lead Educator Monika Yang
Incorporating elements between LEGO-based therapy and learning through play theories, the Wellbeing and Child Advocacy Focus Term 3, 2023 is “Learning with Legos”. At MOSHC, LEGO bricks have proven to be a beloved and valuable resource for our children, fostering child-initiated creativity and collaboration that spans entire sessions. Building on this intrinsic interest, our program will now include educator facilitation, aimed at leveraging the potential of LEGO play and therapy to achieve significant social skills development and enhance overall wellbeing.
Music and Performing Arts: MOSHC Got Talent
By Lead Educator Isabel Tran
Following on from term 2’s “Light Up the Stage”, this term will extend on the children’s interest in stage performance and performing arts disciplines through a “MOSHC Got Talent” focus. Inspired by the popular talent show format, this theme will provide children with a platform to showcase their unique talents and abilities. Throughout the term, we will encourage children to explore their passions, develop their skills, and build self-confidence while aligning with the My Time, Our Place (MTOP) outcomes. Join us for a term filled with creativity, excitement, and the discovery of hidden talents!