What is May Day? 

May Day is celebrated across many European cultures of the return of Spring. This is celebrated through traditional festivals and activites that take place on this day. 

When is May Day?

Monday, 1 May

May Day Activities!

• Make a May Day flower crown - Learn how to weave a weeping willow crown here or here.
• Give a May Day flower basket - Place a small bouquet of flowers in a mason jar, recycled aluminum can or paper cones
• Plant some spring flowers - ome of our favourite flowers to plant in spring include:
  • pansies
  • marigolds
  • sunflowers
  • daisies
  • zinnias
  • poppies
  • sweet peas
• Dance around a Maypole - Make your own Maypole using a long cardboard tube, PVC pipe, metal pole, long branch or wooden dowels.
• Enjoy a May Day picnic - celebrate the day with friends
• Do a May Day dance - Dancing on May Day is the thing to do. Whether it’s around a Maypole, around the house, down the street or in your backyard, shake away winter with a good wiggle.
• Go on a May Day nature walk - Enjoy spring time by taking your child on a May Day nature walk. Pull on your rain boots and go for a walk around your neighbourhood, park or along a nature trail.
• Read a picture book about Springtime - Lay a blanket out on the grass Spring read aloud time.

KYLIE JAMER - Educational Leader, The Berry Patch Preschool and Long Day Care Centre, Kellyville Ridge

What makes this person so amazing/talented as an educator?

Early Childhood Educators are required to hold certain qualifications as part of your role.  Some centres choose to provide their staff with additional training in areas such as emergency evacuation; fire safety; fire extinguisher use and lockdown procedures.  Have you ever considered any personal safety or security and risk training?

Childcare centres are often required to open in the early hours of the morning and stay open late into the evening.  In the winter months, this can involve commuting in the dark.  How do you travel to work?  Do you board a train from an empty platform on a suburban train station?  Do you wait for your bus on the side of a busy road?  If you travel by car, is parking provided?  Or do you park in a dark or underground car park? Have you ever felt like you’ve been followed or approached by a stranger whilst travelling to work? Do you often feel unsafe? 

Unfortunately, Early Childhood Educators are sometimes involved in domestic issues with some of the families and children in their care.  These may include custody; financial; welfare; domestic violence or substance abuse issues.  These issues are outside of your control but can sometimes have a direct impact on you personally - either whilst at work or off-duty.  Have you had to deal with a parent or carer under the influence of drugs or alcohol? Has a parent or carer threatened you – verbally; physically or on-line?

As an Early Childhood Educators, you could potentially be exposed to a high-risk situation at any given time.  Personal safety training can provide valuable information and tips on how to mitigate risk and give you the confidence to deal with any potentially threatening situation.

AFS Group can provide personal safety or security and risk training.  We can also provide consultation services in relation your security needs.  Contact our offices via email at contact@afsgroup.net.au or call 1300 660 164.  Security Master Licence: 000102526. 

What does Spanish Language Day?

Spanish Language Day celebrates and raises awareness for the importance of language, cultural diversity and multilingualism around the world each year. 

When is Spanish Language Day?

Sunday, 23th April 

Activities:

• Learning how to say hello and basic words in the Spanish language (Learn Spanish for Kids - Numbers, Colors & More - Rock 'N Learn)
• Hosting an incursion with a Spanish speaking teacher to teach and introduce the children to the culture, songs and tradition. 
• Displaying the world map and learning about a different country each day; their language, traditional clothings, foods and culture.
• Inviting the children to come dressed in Spanish and other traditional clothing from around the world and sharing what they do as a family and the language their family speak at home.
• Setting out cultural diversity children books in book corner for the children to read, learn and ask questions.
• Idenity the Spanish and discuss what each colour represents. 
• Learning and listening to songs made in Spain and learning their cultural dance. 
• Invite children to participate in cooking experience in simple Spanish recipes.

What is World Book & Copyright Day?

World Book & Copyright Day is an annual event to celebrate stories and books that humans around the love and have had a large impact on our lives. 

When is World Book & Copyright Day?

Sunday, 23 April

Activities: 

• Encourage children to bring in their favourite story to share with their friends. 
• Allow the children to create their own stories as a class or an individual through drawings or role play. 
• Allow children to come dressed up as their favouritre character from a favourite book. 
• Set up puppets and a show stand for the children to share their creativity.