In 2010, we introduced an exciting new “Buddy Bear” project for our children. It was a huge success and we have continued with the idea into 2011. At our annual AGM, families receive an information package regarding the philosophy, operation and enrolment procedures relevant to the preschool.
Included in this package is our little “Buddy Bear” kit and instructions.
Over the Christmas holidays, parents are encourage to engage with their children to make their own unique Buddy Bear. This little bear is made at home with love, and comes to live at preschool when the children begin the new year. The bears have their own little Buddy Bear house (made by Grandpa Brian) where they live with all of the other Buddy Bears during the preschool year.
The children are extremely proud of their Buddy Bears and the bears are often spotted talking to each other and joining in with play around the room.
At the end of the year, the little Buddy Bears set off on an adventure with the children’s “Transition Reports” to big school. There the bears wait patiently in the classroom all the way through Christmas for the children to arrive at the beginning of their first year of primary school.
Our parents and children have really embraced this idea and it has been very beneficial in helping the children settle into the preschool environment.
The bears you see ‘above’ were with us in 2010 and have since gone on to big school. Our new 2011 Buddy Bears are making their way to preschool now and we will post a picture soon!
View some of our 2011 buddy bears here.
