As we come to the end of Term 1, it is an opportunity to reflect on the wonderful journey our Preschool children have embarked on. Term 1 is all about creating a warm and protected space, and supporting the children to take ownership of their learning environment. It is a time of gentle transitions, discoveries, developing relationships, and supporting the children’s sense of belonging by acknowledging their unique and individual identities — thus laying the foundation for lifelong learning.
It is wonderful to experience the trust, wonder and eagerness, which they meet us each day. By now the children know their new environment, with its routines, and rhythms, and our focus is on creating a sense of warmth and predictability. When the children know what is coming next, we build a foundation of security, fostering their sense of trust in the world.
Self-directed play has started to evolve and it is heart-warming to see the imagination of each child expressed in their unique way. Some children have begun to share their own narrated puppet shows and many cubbies have been built. Our dollies have been very loved, as the children explore roles around nurture and family. There has been elaborate construction play and amazing marble runs!
The stories we share with the children have begun resonating through their play. We have had puppet shows, told stories and also wonderful role plays of ‘The Little Straw Broom’. This story, written by Susan Perrow, which introduces the children to ‘fairy helping’, is a favourite. When we work with the same story over time, the child’s inner will development is strengthened.
We have also begun to develop our connections with the ‘Big School’, which we are so fortunate to be able to connect with and explore. We have had magical adventures to Crystal Creek, where the children can immerse themselves in nature, and sometimes on our way we receive gifts from the Farm, where we were lucky enough to pick guavas off the tree! We also went for a walk to the Library where we met our lovely Librarian Yvonne and enjoyed buddy reading with the Class 5 children. What a special community connection! On the way back, Sorrel’s daddy, James (a High School English teacher) heard the pitter patter of the Preschool children going past his Year 8 class and invited us in for a little visit. So special.
In early childhood, our preparations for the Autumn Festival begin weeks in advance, engaging children in meaningful, hands-on experiences. The children have been very busy felting autumn leaves, which we will turn into little leaf puppets. We are learning our autumn songs and the parents are joining us each afternoon before pick up time to learn them, too. This all helps to build and cultivate joy and anticipation in our Preschool community. The Autumn Festival is a heartfelt experience that nurtures the child’s sense of wonder, connection and belonging, fostering a sense of reverence, gratitude and community.
We also acknowledge our Indigenous Australian culture here on Bundjalung Country where we notice the changes in nature and the Yirrimbu (Wet) Season with the coming of Guyumba (Mullet) Season. Whether it’s sunshine or rain, we have spent time outdoors, observing the changing seasons, picking native mulberries and star fruits, and gathering leaves and Autumn treasures, feeling the elements around us. This direct connection with nature fosters a sense of wonder and gratitude for the world.
Yirrimbu is here
Yirrinbu is here
what can you see and what can you hear?
It has been a term filled with warmth, growth, and joyful learning, and we are so grateful to be a part of the early years of this group of children. As we move into the next term, we look forward to deepening our explorations, celebrating the seasons, and witnessing even more growth.
Kellie Dean
Sunflowers Preschool Teacher
