In Prep/1 we have begun the term by slotting easily back into the routines we have set during the year. UFLI is part of our morning routine, and we can see the huge progress we have made over the year. The Preps have now completed each letter of the alphabet and will now move on to consonant diagraphs such as /sh/ /th/ /ch/ and /ng/. The grade 1’s have completed consonant diagraphs, the silent (bossy) e, exceptions, and the endings -es and -ed. These are more complicated than you may realise and let me just say I have learnt rules I didn’t know existed!

In class we have been enjoying our Wednesday sessions with Sharyn our early years AEW. The questions that the kids have are just so wonderful, and Sharyn is so amazing at answering them. One question that was asked was “Well where are all the aboriginals? Where are they? (as in dark complexion aboriginals)” – which is a fair and innocent question. We discussed that here in Tasmania a lot of indigenous people have lighter coloured skin so you may not be able to tell they are aboriginal. This also led to “Well aren’t aboriginal people meant to have dark skin?” – again, a fair and innocent question. Sharyn had a wonderful book she read to us that explained the skin colour question in an age appropriate but also truthful way.  We have an imaginative play space with a river, animals, wood, a campfire and clap sticks. We also have a hut that we are beginning to decorate with natural shelter materials.

We have been discussing the length of time that indigenous people have been here in Tasmania, and how they got to be here, on an island. Alongside this we have been exploring the story “The Creation of Trowenna (Tasmania)”, which is a dreamtime story from the Nuenonne people of Bruny Island. The engagement of the kids in this very broad topic is something truly special, and I feel lucky to be able to facilitate their journey of wondering and inquiry.