Leap Ahead Learning with Keryn Johnson in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | Nursery

Leap Ahead Learning with Keryn Johnson

Locality: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Phone: +61 407 324 901

Address: 16 Mountain View Road, Montmorency 3094 Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.leapaheadlearning.com.au

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25.01.2022 We will be seeing lots of toothy grins in Pre-Prep today for our "PHOTO DAY"!!!

25.01.2022 This is a free text service from the Vic Government for parents of two and three-year-olds. You sign up to receive 2 to 3 text messages a week of ideas for activities to do with your child at home. Great for remote learning.

25.01.2022 If you missed this wonderful talk last night, it is available until tomorrow at 1.00 pm for free. After tomorrow, you can purchase it for $30.00. Well worth investing the 60-minutes to watch this!

25.01.2022 Here are some new photos of Tuesday's snake incursion, including some outside photos of the gorgeous rainbow serpent. This is the breed of snake that stars in the Indigenous Dreamtime story that we have been learning about.

25.01.2022 What a fun and exciting day we have planned for Pre-Prep tomorrow. We've got a visit from our local snake catcher who also does kids' reptile parties. It will be a s-s-s-ucces-s-s-s! (I wonder if Leeanne will be as brave tomorrow as she was last year? Mine was only a baby snake compared to Leeanne's!)

25.01.2022 I'm looking forward to our Pre-Preps being part of the Indigenous Literacy Day this Wednesday as one of our remote learning incursions. Jessica Mauboy will be discussing it this evening on Channel 10's, The Project. https://www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au/indigenous-

24.01.2022 Even though this is from America, there are some great ideas in this for families in Australia that ar doing remote learning. I especially like the pages for adults (p3) and for kids (p 13) that discuss what things you can and can't control. It also includes a blank planner for those interested.

23.01.2022 For those who are looking for a handwriting app, this one comes recommended from an OT. https://apps.apple.com//writing-wizard-handwr/id1305242235

23.01.2022 For the BIG school kids that are being homeschooled this week, some of you might be using Reading Eggs. Whilst there are some good components of it, this article shines the torch on the not-so-good components of it. You would be much better to use Nessy, which also offers a free trial. https://www.spelfabet.com.au//is-reading-eggs-all-its-cra/

23.01.2022 Having resilience is such an important trait for children (and adults) to have. This gives parents some good tips to develop their child's resilience. There is a fun template at on this blog that you can download for free.

21.01.2022 Tina Bruce, Occupational Therapist from The Spark Therapy also has a family record sheet for homeschooling. This might be a handy tool, too. https://d9d4283a-2c18-4c9a-a1c5-4b91f73de7c7.filesusr.com/

21.01.2022 We learn all sorts of things in Pre-Prep. In Term 4, we do a sustainability unit that has a strong emphasis on the importance of bees. On behalf of Pre-Prep, I donated to the 'Bee an Angel' campaign as the bees and their beekeepers were badly affected following the bushfires. The remote learning Pre-Prep children have a native portulaca ('pig face') cutting to plant in their own gardens. These are bee attracting. You may like to plant bee attracting plants in your garden to help the bees. We all need bees so let's help out!

20.01.2022 I am a big advocate for mindfulness and Smiling Minds guided meditations from their app can be used as part of this. These activities also look good. They would be a great alternative or addition to remote learning.

20.01.2022 If families are looking for a project to do during remote learning, rethinking your home's carbon footprint/effect on the environment would be a great learning activity with long-lasting positive outcomes. ABC has a family 'Carbon Counter' that you sign up and do together. It looks quite simple to do. I think it would be a great idea! https://fightforplaneta.abc.net.au/carboncounter/

19.01.2022 We've had an AMAZING two weeks with our new 2021 Pre-Prep group and are looking forward to our upcoming week together. We are currently working on getting to know each other by doing our All About Me and our Start-up Program. We discussed ways to make others feel welcome and these are the responses. (The Monday groups are the flowers and the full-time are the speech bubbles.) What GREAT responses. (I will also post some photos of our first two weeks in the coming days. Something to look forward to.)

18.01.2022 Due to COVID, this year, the Melbourne Japanese Festival is going to be online on Sunday the 28th of February. I have a feeling that the children will love watching the Drum Performance or the dancing. Maybe we will have to do some drumming and Japanese dancing in our Japanese classes. Sugoi desu ne!

18.01.2022 We have our two beautiful new groups starting this week: Monday group started today (and had a FABULOUS session)! The 'full-time' group start tomorrow. We can't wait to spend the year with all you gorgeous cherubs watching you play, learn, laugh and grow throughout the year. Welcome to Pre-Prep 2021!

17.01.2022 We are eagerly waiting for this book to arrive. The author, Clare, is a cousin from one of our Pre-Prep cherubs. I received a message from Clare today informing me that she has written a special message for our Pre-Prep cherubs in the book, too.

17.01.2022 This is an interesting article by ABC Kids about school readiness during COVID-19. The importance of self-regulation and social and emotional readiness is stressed as well as discussing the great opportunities that the pandemic has given families in the way of slowing down together. There are some ideas for things you can do and some links to some book readings and puppet shows for your child, too. https://www.abc.net.au//school-readiness-during-/12679484

15.01.2022 Tina Bruce, who I used to work for, from Spark Therapy, has a parent webinar 'Supporting Your Family Through the Waves of Change' which may help families at the moment. https://www.thesparkts.com.au/events

15.01.2022 The children have thoroughly enjoyed meeting Wince the Worry Woo Monster this week and reading Wince's book "Don't Feed the Worry Bug". On the topic of anxiety/worries, we also read 'The Size of the Problem' with one little cherub saying today with so much enthusiasm "That's the best book ever!" That's a good review! (I think they enjoyed my over-the-top dramatisation of the characters throwing tantrums over small problems!) They also made their own Worry Doll that they can tell any worries to - as all problems are better shared! We will continue teaching more of this next week. We certainly hope that what we explicitly teach has a lasting and positive effect on their mental health for the rest of their lives.

15.01.2022 HAPPY SCIENCE WEEK! There are FABOLOUS and free online activities for all ages this week. Here are some of my favourites: ~'Virtual Zoo Excursion' - today at 12.30pm and tomorrow ~Wednesday's Fish and Shark live webinar ~'Nature Play the Wurundjeri Way' with a Healesville Sanctuary educator - Tuesday and Wednesday. Hop online and find at least one activity that your child/children will enjoy. Some need booking, so get in quick! ... https://www.scienceweek.net.au/find-events/ See more

15.01.2022 The amazing Robyn Papworth from Play, Move and Improve, has a new resource added to her Melbourne business. They are sensory boxes. I think they'd also provide hours of trinket building fun for some cherubs. https://www.playmoveimprove.com.au/collections/this-is-a-box

14.01.2022 I am just completing our Remote Learning Packs that will go home tomorrow. I've added downloading this option as part of our mindfulness activities. It looks like a fabulous tool and will support what we do in Pre-Prep.

14.01.2022 We are getting a set of these cards in Pre-Prep to extend our GEMS (gratitude, empathy/emotions, mindfulness and social skills) program. I think we ALL can learn from Chris' reading of this 'self-kindness' card; especially with going into remote learning for the start of next week. (Remember, that it is ONLY three days and to take it easy and be kind to yourself.) https://www.youtube.com/watch

14.01.2022 With lots of rain heading to Melbourne this week, movement activities might have to happen inside rather than outside. (Remember that children need regular movement breaks to be able to concentrate fully) It might be good to work on some hand strength (which is needed for handwriting and even being able to sit at mat time). There are some ideas here. I'm glad the list includes cooking - kneading, stirring, rolling, etc. are great for hand strength! You can always try Cosmic Kids Yoga (free on the internet) to strengthen the whole body, too. Plus, it is fun!

12.01.2022 With lockdown beginning for five days, parents may be looking for some ideas to do with their child/children. This is a great science activity that you will probably have the equipment already at home. If you do it, see if your child can make some guesses as to why the end result occurred. Making these assumptions truly turns it into a science learning activity rather than just a fun activity.

10.01.2022 I am feeling VERY blessed as Banyule Council informed me today that they are renewing our lease for 2021. So, YAY, Pre-Prep continues for another year.

09.01.2022 To all our Pre-Prep dancing dudes and dudettes, this looks like a whole lot of fun and you know how much we love dancing in Pre-Prep! It's at 4.00pm Friday 11th Sep. I can't wait to dance my way into the weekend!

08.01.2022 I love the 'Some Kids' series of books written by Australian comedian, Nelly Thomas ('Some Brains', 'Some Girls' and 'Some Boys'). For all primary school children doing remote learning, you may like to listen to Geelong's AFL player, Gryan Miers reading 'Some Boys'. Empathy, individuality and acceptance of differences are such an important skill for children to learn. These books are spot on with this! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffUMCt-e29c

08.01.2022 We're looking forward to continuing our teachings on 'Traffic Light Friends' this week. This helps empower children by not only building resilience when peers may not be nice to them but giving them the skills to know who to play with and what to say/do when someone isn't nice to them. These are skills that are part of our preparedness for school (and life).

08.01.2022 This is a great idea for any children who can't tolerate masks around their ears, but parents would like them to wear one; even though children under 12 are exempt. (Masks shouldn't be used at all with children under 2.)

08.01.2022 On this Educator's Day, I would like to thank the wonderful teachers of LAL for all that they do. They are truly such passionate and dedicated teachers, always making sure that whatever we do in Pre-Prep will benefit the children and families. I am truly blessed to have, not just fantastic teachers to work with, but also very kind and caring souls. It is a fabulous team where everyone gets along and supports one another. For all of these things, I am truly grateful and forever in awe of these fabulous beings. So on behalf of myself and the LAL children and families, thank you so much Ayumi, Kate, Fiona R, Leanne and Leeanne!

07.01.2022 It was amazing and entertaining tuning into Martin Heppell, from The Resilience Project, every day last week presenting GEM-TV! It is EXACTLY what we work on in Pre-Prep: Gratitude, Empathy/kindness and mindfulness. I can't wait to tune in again this week, as I am sure our Pre-Prep cherubs are, too!

07.01.2022 I'm looking forward to reading 'A Planet Full of Plastic' by Neal Layton next week. (The video by Sarah Roberts, author of 'Somebody Swallowed Stanley' is also a very interesting and worthwhile watch at the end of the book. It talks about plastic that ends up in sea creatures' stomachs.) Another good viewing for big and small cherubs doing remote learning and during Plastic-free July, too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSSSmi3HQd0

06.01.2022 This is our post for our big school kids who are doing homeschooling (and any Pre-Prep cherubs who would also like to watch this). This is information and song by Aunty Trish and Uncle Noel, Indigenous elders, is a great way to learn some information about our beautiful, but endangered koalas, or should I say goombawas? Enjoy this bit of a brain break during your homeschooling day! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZJihTyGJGI&feature=youtu.be

06.01.2022 What a fun family activity this would be? Writing a letter to future Australians about the Pandemic. What would you and your family write? 'Dear Australia....' https://www.youtube.com/watch

05.01.2022 What an exciting and slithering day we had in Pre-Prep today. Learning so much about snakes, lizards and how to stay safe if we ever come across a snake in the wild. We also learned first-aid for a snake bite. Thanks, Heath and Kayleen for another spectacular incursion by Heath's Snake Control! https://www.facebook.com/HeathsSnakeControl/

05.01.2022 With more children most likely, using technology this week, this episode from Playschool on ceyber safety, is well timed.

04.01.2022 To all of our past LAL cherubs, especially our 2020 cohort that are starting school for the first time tomorrow, may you all have a WONDERFUL year filled with joy, friendship and growth. (Just not too much physical growth or you will be taller than me by the end of the year!) Don't forget how very special you are and how everyone is clever in different ways. This is what makes us who we are and makes us unique - there is no-one else exactly like you: you are AMAZING! Have fun... and I will be thinking about you all! (Here is a link for the parents if you want to download a free morning routine visual schedule - well worth it as it creates those routines/structures from the onset, that will hopefully last the whole year. I hope all the parents have a good first day, too as it is also emotional for the parents.) https://whatmomslove.com/k/printable-morning-routine-chart/ See more

04.01.2022 Our Pre-Prep cherubs have been working hard this week designing an obstacle course. We're going to show them to each other as part of our Fun Friday Zoom sessions this morning. How much fun will that be?!!!

04.01.2022 If you have a child (of any age) with literacy learning difficulties, you may like to have your say through this SPELD parent survey regarding remote learning. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VVGGT3C

04.01.2022 Parents may like to pick one or two of these school readiness skills to work on during remote learning e.g., scissor skills, turn-taking (great for when playing games), working independently/alone or in a group, etc. A lot of these skills are those that keep continuing or are important social skills so any age would benefit by working on them. https://aussiechildcarenetwork.com.au//developing-skills-f

03.01.2022 We can't wait for our Payjama Day and Pirate Day this Wednesday. This idea came from the kids. (Thanks, Holly and Kudzi!). Whilst it will be a day full of fun, we'll also raise funds for the Pyjama Foundation. Instilling kindness and empathy is a big part of our curriculum. https://thepyjamafoundation.com/

02.01.2022 It's always good when buying a gift that they will do some good in the world, too. These gift ideas from Edgar's Mission definitely do that and the kids will love them, too.

02.01.2022 I'm looking forward to doing this webinar with LAL staff members attending, too. You have to LOVE the Resilience Project. Our Pre-Prep mindfulness program is modelled off their recommendations of 'gratitude, empathy, mindfulness, exercise and music'. This webinar should be a MUST for everyone! https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/bnysn-youth-worker-forum-th

01.01.2022 Some local schools and kinders have asked for a flyer that they can pass onto families that would benefit from attending Pre-Prep in 2021 rather than repeating four-year-old kinder or starting school when the child isn't quite ready. Here is the flyer ready to be emailed tomorrow.

01.01.2022 This webinar, "Little People, Big Feelings" that is free as a one-off special, seems very practical and useful. Parents and teachers will need to book in. https://www.happyfamilies.com.au/freebies/big-feelings/

01.01.2022 Are you missing some utensils, namely wooden spoons, from your kitchen? If so, they might have joined 'Spoonville'! If you're out walking in Montmorency, try visiting St Francis Primary School's Spoonville. It's in Mayona Road in the St Francis Xavier PS car park. (You might like to visit the positive affirmation posters outside Pre-Prep, in Petrie Park, too.)