Never smile at a crocodile

although when it is as cute as this, how could you resist?



I spent last Tuesday at the sewing machine re fashioning a micro suede ladies pants and shirt, a piece of crinkly green fabric and an old baseball cap (all from the local op-shop for the grand total of $5) into one groovy crocodile costume for my little man. It took WAY more time and energy than I imagined - especially he head, but I got there in the end. In typical - leave it to the last minute to finish it off like I always do - fashion, I was still attaching the tail properly, adding the teeth and making shoe covers an hour before it was needed!


Thursday evening Isaac had a Zany Zoo Party kindy disco. It was so cute. The kids had to purchase a ticket before the event and present it on the night. The teachers were all dressed as zoo keepers, and the kids all dressed as animals. They spend a few hours at a local function centre, doing activities, dancing and having tea. The kids are so lucky to have a team of exceptionally dedicated and enthusiastic staff at our local kindy. They always provide a wide variety of activities and experiences apart from just the everyday kindy sessions.

For those of you in other states (or countries) Kindergarten in SA is a non compulsory sessional year before the beginning of primary school. At our Kindy children attend one term of pre-entry sessions, 2 hours, once a week, the term they turn four. They are then offered four sessions a week for four terms. The majority of children here attend two full days a week from 8.45am - 3.00pm. It is a play based curriculum, and very much tailored to the children attending at any given time. It is a wonderful experience, and really helps prepare the children for their first year of Primary school (reception). They are used to basic routines, and being part of a group situation, and are used to interacting with a large group of children.


The staff are just wonderful - I know I already mentioned that, but they are. They really go above and beyond, they are a cohesive group, who really love what they do, and are prepared to try new things, undertake training, and be constantly evaluating the way they do things, and the reason they do them. This means that our children are constantly being engaged and challenged, they help to plan the activities they will be part of and are able to choose their level of participation in most activities. There are of course short times when they need to come together as a group, but as most of these children will be going into a school situation, these are important skills that will help their transition into the more formal school setting. once they turn five (or somewhere around age 5)

Anyway, so much for a quick post about Isaac's crocodile costume! Its nice to be back with something crafty to share, and to be caught up on my PAD shots. Ive still got Jacinta's 2 1/2 year letter and my party post in draft form, so I'm not really caught up, but I am getting there!