Big School STARS - School Holiday Groups
We recently ran some school holiday groups over the Christmas break, one of which was our ‘Big School STARS’. This group was made up of children who are transitioning into Kindergarten at the end of January and what a fabulous week was had by all!
Our STARS were visibly nervous, with high emotions upon starting the week, so we ensured that we allowed a little extra time to transition into the group activities. Though there were some nerves, the STARS quickly warmed to new friends and engaged in many activities to assist with learning skills and routines for the upcoming term. They explored social thinking concepts and developed an understanding of how to use different body parts to listen to others and share in group activities. We did this through an exercise called “Whole Body Listening” with Larry.
We then practiced tabletop and fine motor skills, which involved some fun craft activities including making octopus’, flying rockets and cotton ball sheep. A firm favourite was the flying rocket, which involved blowing through a straw to make their rockets fly!
New friendships were formed and old friendships blossomed, with two of our STARS proudly announcing that they were “best friends now!”. Our group activities allowed the STARS to further develop their social skills, interacting with each child and preparing them for a similar environment in their Kindergarten classrooms in 2020.
The Big School STARS also loved taking home a bag of goodies each night and sharing them with their families, whilst recounting their day spent with friends. As much as craft time proved to be a firm favourite amongst our STARS, they especially loved running around after our ‘recess’ break. Playing tips, chasing each other and challenging their bodies with some gross motor activities. It was truly heartwarming to see our STARS leave the group activities with big smiles on their faces, and with a great desire to return and share these experiences with one another again.
I’m extremely proud to say that each member of the group were very patient with one another when unexpected thoughts or emotions came up. Our STARS empathised with each other and tried to always support their friends in the group. Each one of our STARS showed great kindness and respect whilst allowing their cheeky personalities to emerge! The Explore and Soar team cannot wait to see our STARS kick goals and transition into Kindergarten this year! We look forward to hearing all about their stories of success, new skills and friendships.