Prep S Explores the Local Community
During April and May, Prep S participated in a grain research competition co-ordinated by the DPI Research Station. Relating perfectly to the Nursery and Garden Centre implemented earlier in the year, a class Research Centre was created allowing students to act as scientists as well as gardeners. 
The grain research project involved sorting and identifying grains, matching them to their crop and germination. The germination process involved a number of ‘controlled environments’ to enable the budding scientist to identify what grain crops required in order to grow successfully.
Prep S also extended this investigation by grinding wheat to make flour, and preparing food such as popcorn, pasta and sprouts. Basil cultivated in our own Prep S garden was used to make pesto to serve on the pasta! The final ‘research paper’ was submitted in the State-wide competition, and Prep S received a “Highly Commended” award! A fantastic effort by these budding scientists!
The bakery was the next logical step, following on from investigations into grain products. In fact, there were four separate areas of negotiated play operating in the Prep S classroom during Term 2 – the bakery, a vet surgery, an art gallery and workshop, and a library. Students were responsible for planning and implementing their chosen area. This included physically setting up their area, as well as creating all the necessary items and signage required.
This form of planned play incorporates many literacy and numeracy aspects for a specific purpose, such as writing menus, labels and record sheets. Our literacy focus was based on the bakery experience, through The Little Red Hen and The Gingerbread Man. Local excursions to a vet surgery, bakery and art gallery/florist provided real experiences for the children to then incorporate into their play.
Another busy term has just begun. Prep S is currently planning a museum for the classroom, stemming from NAIDOC celebrations and an investigation into Aboriginal culture. We love being in Prep!
