Playhouse OSHC in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia | Childcare service

Playhouse OSHC

Locality: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Phone: +61 7 3443 3600

Address: 27 Keith Street, St Lucia 4072 Brisbane, QLD, Australia

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25.01.2022 During the holidays one of our chess pieces went missing, after a brief search our educators decided to outsource the task by offering a lolly to whoever managed to find the piece. Whilst some of the kids searched frantically one of them took a different approach and decided to further outsource the task by making a bunch of posters asking if anybody had seen the missing piece, these were then posted all over the OSHC room. Although the piece is still missing to this day (we... replaced it with a spare) we wanted to make a call on 2035’s 30 Under 30 Entrepreneurs list. We’ll check back in 15 years to see if we were right.

25.01.2022 Last week the kids hosted a wedding between Sir Harry Bluehair and Princess Brie, it was a grand affair that included appointing a priest to ordain the ceremony, flower girls & boys and wedding rings made out of paper. This was an arranged marriage... we are not sure if the newlyweds are still together. There was a sense of planning and structure for the ceremony, the kids were quick to delegate roles and invite everybody in the service. LO 1.4 Children learn to interact in r...elation to others with care, empathy and respect LO 2.1 Children develop a sense of belonging to groups and communities and an understanding of the reciprocal rights and responsibilities necessary for active community participation LO 5.1 Children interact verbally and non-verbally with others for a range of purposes

23.01.2022 With today being our (in-house) movie day at Playhouse we thought it would be a good time to upload our reflection on the movie trip that we had in January. We visited Eldorado cinema Indooroopilly to watch Spies In Disguise during the January school holidays, it was our very first excursion as a service and it was great to test out our routine and procedures in a calm and safe environment (before the crazier ones like the park later that week). The cinema was very accomoda...ting, they gave us popcorn and juice (an lollies but we hid those from the kids and used them later) and even had a staff member come to speak about the importance of staying quiet during the movie. The movie was a good choice with no complaints, however a few of the soon-to-be preps did need to sit with a staff member in the more dramatic parts of the movie. This excursion was actually a request from one of our older kids, and a good one at that! We will definitely look at another trip to Eldorado in the future. The learning opportunities here fit in really well with our primary age (pre-prep), they got to practice walking safely, following a set path, doing head counts and checklists, staying with their partner and communicating their needs - all extremely valuable skills for when they started school. LO 2.2.1 Supervision At all times, reasonable precautions and adequate supervision ensure children are protected from harm and hazard. LO 2.2.2 Incident and emergency management Plans to effectively manage incidents and emergencies are developed in consultation with relevant authorities, practised and implemented. LO 4.1.1 Organisation of educators The organisation of educators across the service supports children's learning and development.

21.01.2022 The kids have been particularly interested in variations of the floor is lava using lines, blocks, cushions and generally any objects that can be stood on. During our scavenger hunt we hosted a floor is lava challenge to get across the astroturf to the fence and it was extremely well received and the activity was replicated by the kids later that day, so we decided to extend on this and build and actual real life (not really) lava pit. The kids took turns in painting their s...ections with a paint roller and most of them waited patiently by watching on in anticipation. That said, the moment that the first patch of lava was laid the game was on. Together they experimented with equipment layouts that varied in degree of difficulty, they also challenged each other to avoid or utilise specific equipment during their dangerous journeys through the gauntlet. The lava pit was well used over the next week as a hangout, a secret base, an arena and a pool (hmm...). This was a great extension activity based on the groups pervasive interests; painting the space as a crocodile infested river has now been requested by a few of the preps, so watch your step during pick up, lest you lose some toes. LO 1.1.2 Child-centred Each child’s current knowledge, strengths, ideas, culture, abilities and interests are the foundation of the program. LO 1.2.3 Child directed learning Each child's agency is promoted, enabling them to make choices and decisions that influence events and their world. LO 2.1 Health Each child’s health and physical activity is supported and promoted. LO 3.2 Use The service environment is inclusive, promotes competence and supports exploration and play-based learning. LO 3.2.2 Resources support play-based learning Resources, materials and equipment allow for multiple uses, are sufficient in number, and enable every child to engage in play-based learning. LO 5.2.1 Collaborative learning Children are supported to collaborate, learn from and help each other.

21.01.2022 Oh boy has our garden been through a lot, and somehow its still thriving! (Ok, it’s not thriving... but it is surviving!) Our little garden was a project by extension, first the kids explored with our tools and after banging, nailing, cutting and just generally experimenting (destroying) some scrap pieces of wood the kids approached staff with a request to ‘actually’ build something, and thus the idea of building a garden sprouted. The kids helped plan the dimensions and once... the materials were sourced they helped measure, mark and drill the pilot holes and then the screws that hold the sides together. We discussed the need to stabilise the rectangle and installed a centre pillar to achieve that. Later that week we talked about how we would water the plants and keep the soil in the box, the idea to ‘have a bottom’ came from the kids so we installed a weedmat that would allow the water to drain but not lose any soil. The hammering was surprisingly successful with proper and safe technique being used and no broken pieces (bones or otherwise). UQ was nice enough to provide the soil for our garden, once it was full we planted some tomatoes, spinach and capsicum together. The plants were off to a rough start, some of the younger kids in the centre ripped them out, so we had to replant them, since then they have suffered stray balls, fast feet and crashed bikes, but (almost) every day one of the kids waters and checks them. The spinach grew fast and large, and we quickly realised our mistake... none of the kids wanted to eat the spinach! So the kids carefully picked it and packed it up for our resident greens eater, Mrs. Wendy. She was very surprised and thankful for the gift and used it in her dinner that night. As for the tomatoes... well we will have to get back to you on that. The capsicums are starting to grow though! LO 1.1.2 Child-centred Each child’s current knowledge, strengths, ideas, culture, abilities and interests are the foundation of the program. LO 1.2.2 Responsive teaching and scaffolding Educators respond to children’s ideas and play and extend children’s learning through open-ended questions, interactions and feedback. LO 2.1.3 Healthy lifestyle Healthy eating and physical activity are promoted and appropriate for each child. 3.2.3 Environmentally responsible The service cares for the environment and supports children to become environmentally responsible.

21.01.2022 Circus Challenge!

20.01.2022 The pupil free day last Friday was super chilled with some of our usual school kids mixed in with our vac care crew, the kids were excited for the day ahead, especially the tarp slide which turned out to be a hit (as always). This time we took the tarp downstairs to set it up on a small hill, some of the kids were apprehensive at first but after plenty of water and a bit of slippery soap, well, it was all downhill from there. Other activities during the day were Zombie Dice (...risk v. reward), Pass the Panda (chance), art space, football, music + dance, loose parts play and fort building. The day overall was a well deserved unstructured break for the kids to enjoy, we took our interested on the day and extended them in opportunities for collaborative play. 1.1.2 Child-centred Each child’s current knowledge, strengths, ideas, culture, abilities and interests are the foundation of the program. 3.2.2 Resources support play-based learning Resources, materials and equipment allow for multiple uses, are sufficient in number, and enable every child to engage in play-based learning.

19.01.2022 The kids were captivated by the new prize table yesterday afternoon which replaced our unloved prize box; the new options will give some of our students an opportunity to ‘save up’ for something by consistently demonstrating good behaviour and being kind to each other. The discussions around the new prizes were super interesting with the kids planning how to collect points, speaking about they have gained points in the past and making suggestions on new ways to earn points, ...in addition to this the advent of the prize table sparked a long conversation between the preps about what it meant for a number to be higher or lower than another number. We also threw in a new 2x2 Rubin cube and set a challenge to solve it worth 1 point - attempts were made, none yet successful. We will list the ways that the kids can earn points below, just in case you would like to reinforce or discuss them outside of Playhouse - we are also happy to work collaboratively if you have a goal to achieve with your child! Worth 1 point: - Completing the afternoon routine safely (pick-up, bus trip, seatbelt, arrive, check temperature, place bag, wash hands, eat afternoon tea) - Word of the day (knowing the meaning of the word, or using it in a sentence correctly once the word has been explained) - Cleaning/tidying up a group or unattended mess - Assisting staff with a specific task or challenge - Being kind to other students - Completely a designated task (like art, sport or reading) - Doing homework - Using good manners or sharing resources nicely - Daily challenges or puzzles As always, we are open to input and collaboration from our parents on everything we do, feel free to suggest methods, goals and prizes for our service.

19.01.2022 The holidays are over and we had a tonne of fun at vacation care with some amazing activities and incursions. The jumping castle was a big hit, the rockets were fantastic, the animal farm was awesome, the VR was exhilarating and the park was crazy fun! But, there’s no time to rest! After school care is back and we are keeping active with heaps of cool things planned for the kids. Driven by kids, focused on play - we are looking forward to an exciting term 3.

13.01.2022 A while ago, the children tested their artistic talents (and their parents washing machines) as they engaged in some hand painting. Given only 4 colours to work with, the children had to mix and match to obtain the shades and hues they desired to finish their masterpieces. Although some children decided that their whole hand was an ideal brush, others opted to use their fine motor skills and draw lines and shapes with fingers. The children were encouraged to be as creative ...as they could be (as long as the paint stayed (mostly) on the canvas and not themselves). All in all, the children were allowed to flex their imaginations and express their artistic talents. LO 1.1.2 Child-centred Each child’s current knowledge, strengths, ideas, culture, abilities and interests are the foundation of the program. LO 1.2.3 Child directed learning Each child's agency is promoted, enabling them to make choices and decisions that influence events and their world. LO 3.2.1 Inclusive environment Outdoor and indoor spaces are organised and adapted to support every child's participation and to engage every child in quality experiences in both built and natural environments. LO 3.2.2 Resources support play-based learning Resources, materials and equipment allow for multiple uses, are sufficient in number, and enable every child to engage in play-based learning. LO 5.2.1 Collaborative learning Children are supported to collaborate, learn from and help each other.

11.01.2022 One of our first group craft activities was a refurbishment of the old Playhouse Dollhouse. Together with Miriam the kids sanded (kind of) and painted the house. Whilst working on the sanding they discussed what kind of furniture they would like to have and what materials they could make the furniture out of. The collaboration in this project was a huge success for our OSHC as the kids were relatively new at the point and some of them had not spoken to each other before (but ...now they are best friends!) We then took turns to pick a colour, paint our hands and place our handprints on the dollhouse - all of the kids loved this part of the project (even the ones that weren’t interested in the dollhouse before). After seeing the how much the kids likes discussing what dollhouse could be used for we decided to extend on their interest and purchased a new one with furniture and complimentary dolls. Both doll houses have see some use since as a solo and small group resource, the kids usually start by playing ‘house’ (mum, dad, daughter, cat) inside the dollhouse with the dolls and then take over the roles themselves by building a bigger house (with chairs, sheets and cushions usually) and assigning roles to each other. LO 1.2.1 Intentional teaching Educators are deliberate, purposeful, and thoughtful in their decisions and actions. LO 1.2.3 Child directed learning Each child's agency is promoted, enabling them to make choices and decisions that influence events and their world. LO 3.2.2 Resources support play-based learning Resources, materials and equipment allow for multiple uses, are sufficient in number, and enable every child to engage in play-based learning. LO 5.2.1 Collaborative learning Children are supported to collaborate, learn from and help each other.

11.01.2022 During the January holidays we had Gekoes Wildlife visit with a tonne of super slimy, slithery and scary creatures - and some really cool ones too! Each talk was informative and the kids were captivated by the living examples presented to them. There were feeding demonstrations and the kids got to hold or pat a lot of the critter. We extended on the visit afterward by searching for lizards down in the garden, some of the kids speculated that there might be crocodiles in the r...iver (no way!) but fortunately some of the older ones knew that we are too far south for that to be true. Over the next few days we had some books and plushies of critters out for the kids to access (thank you Queensland Museum) and pictures on the art table for them to colour in, some of the kids artwork matched the colours of the animals they were shown a few days prior, which was great to see. LO 1.1.1 Approved learning framework Curriculum decision-making contributes to each child’s learning and development outcomes in relation to their identity, connection with community, wellbeing, confidence as learners and effectiveness as communicators. LO 1.1.3 Program learning opportunities All aspects of the program, including routines, are organised in ways that maximise opportunities for each child’s learning. LO 1.2.1 Intentional teaching Educators are deliberate, purposeful, and thoughtful in their decisions and actions. LO 3.2.2 Resources support play-based learning Resources, materials and equipment allow for multiple uses, are sufficient in number, and enable every child to engage in play-based learning.

11.01.2022 The idea to transfer the tarp slide from the astroturf to the hill downstairs worked well, the kids loved the extra speed and it enabled some of the more cautious kids to enjoy the slide as all they had to do was sit or lay (no run ups required, Harry.) The only complaints were due to a small patch of prickles in the grass on the left, we will scout a new location for vacation care if we decide to bring it out again.

11.01.2022 22/06/2020 Our garden bed is almost done! We just need to fill it with soil and plant our tomatoes, spinach and capsicum. Our kids have been involved in every step of construction, from placing the wood, drilling the pilots, bevelling and bolting the sides, measuring and cutting the mat and hammering the grips in. Some kids drifted and out of the project, others wanted to be involved in every step, the most important part was that everyone was asking questions!... What are we planting? What is this mat for? Why do we need to do that? (Bevel the holes) Why can’t we just use dirt? There have been some fantastic learning opportunities for the kids in this project and it is something that has easy and tangible results for them to see, we will definitely be working on something bigger in the near future. Hopefully soon we will also have our own Playhouse-grown food to snack on as well! Quality Areas 1, 2, 3 & 4. Learning Outcomes 1, 2 & 4. Being involved in the set-up of our service. Becoming confident with tools and power tools.

06.01.2022 Our kids have been big on scavenger hunts and puzzles ever since we hosted our first one a few weeks ago, they have worked brilliantly together to solve clues like 'Inside of Spot What' and 'Underneath the castle, knight, bishop, king, queen and pawns'. It has been great to see them collaborating so well and communicating with each other throughout the process. This particular scavenger hunt ended with a bag of lollies hidden inside a box in the art room, the kids moved betw...een clues as one big group discussing what the clues could mean. After the initial scavenger hunt we started receiving requests almost every day to do more and have created them accordingly, some of the kids wanted something more difficult, others have wanted something easier! LO 1.1.2 Child-centred Each child’s current knowledge, strengths, ideas, culture, abilities and interests are the foundation of the program. LO 1.2.1 Intentional teaching Educators are deliberate, purposeful, and thoughtful in their decisions and actions. LO 1.2.2 Responsive teaching and scaffolding Educators respond to children’s ideas and play and extend children’s learning through open-ended questions, interactions and feedback. LO 1.2.3 Child directed learning Each child's agency is promoted, enabling them to make choices and decisions that influence events and their world. LO 1.3 Assessment and planning Educators and co-ordinators take a planned and reflective approach to implementing the program for each child. LO 5.2.1 Collaborative learning Children are supported to collaborate, learn from and help each other.

06.01.2022 We try to plan activities that our kids love and extend on their interests, but sometimes all they want to do is turn people into tacos...

05.01.2022 Our rocket incursion over the holidays was awesome! The kids got to make their own rockets, add fuel (water & compressed air) and launch! The kids had to hypothesize what would happen when we launched the rockets by predicting how high they would go and where they would land. We also learned some neat facts about the first rockets ever made and how they were built. Check out the slow motion video below.... LO 4.1 Children develop dispositions such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity LO 4.2 Children use a range of skills and processes such as problem solving, inquiry, experimentation, hypothesising, researching and investigating

03.01.2022 During the September holidays, Phil from Circus Challenge returned with another circus performance. He showcased various tricks using flower sticks, poi, bean bags, bowling pins and even 6 juggling balls! Allison, Josh, Amber and Finn, together with Phil, executed a few crowd pleasing stunts which required both concentration and dexterity. The kids were respectful and attentive during this presentation and were enthusiastic to try everything themselves. They took turns rotat...ing in groups through each of the activities. The overall incursion was a fantastic way to develop hand eye coordination, fine motor, gross motor and performance skills. We extended on the incursion with some cirque du soleil videos and some mini in-house performances. LO 1.1.2 Child-centred Each child’s current knowledge, strengths, ideas, culture, abilities and interests are the foundation of the program. LO 1.2.1 Intentional teaching Educators are deliberate, purposeful, and thoughtful in their decisions and actions. LO 3.2 Use The service environment is inclusive, promotes competence and supports exploration and play-based learning. LO 5.2.1 Collaborative learning Children are supported to collaborate, learn from and help each other.

02.01.2022 Recently we have made our own healthy ice-blocks! We sliced watermelon and strawberries and blended them with plain yogurt before freezing. The kids each chose their flavour, picked their fruit and sliced them up before safely using a blender to mix it up! We worked in groups, making 2 at a time and sharing tasks between each other (cut, scoop, blend, clean). The kids were so excited that they asked if they were ready to eat just 5 minutes after we put them in the freezer... ... We spoke about healthy choices, why we were using fruit instead of cordial and plain yogurt, the kids predicted how the ice-blocks would taste based on how many pieces of fruit they used and how much yogurt, they also too guesses at how long they would take to freeze. The next day, we got to eat the results :) LO 1.2 Children develop their autonomy, inter-dependence, resilience and sense of agency LO 2.3 Children become aware of fairness LO 4.1 Children develop dispositions such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity LO 5.1 Children interact verbally and non-verbally with others for a range of purposes

01.01.2022 Yoga is a fantastic way for kids to increase their flexibility, strength, coordination and kinaesthetic competency, it’s also a great calm-down activity for us to run during the middle of the day! During the January holidays we had a yoga incursion - Neha was absolutely amazing at engaging the kids and managing their behaviour, once they were involved the session ran smoothly, the kids were comfortable and relaxed. The kids explored different yoga positions and practiced un...orthodox movements by doing challenges like passing a ball with the feet. LO 2.1.1 Wellbeing and comfort Each child’s wellbeing and comfort is provided for, including appropriate opportunities to meet each child’s need for sleep, rest and relaxation.z 5.2.2 Self-regulation Each child is supported to regulate their own behaviour, respond appropriately to the behaviour of others and communicate effectively to resolve conflicts. 6.2.2 Access and participation Effective partnerships support children's access, inclusion and participation in the program.