Campbell House
Belonging, being, becoming
The early childhood years are a significant period in a child’s learning and development.
“Children’s early learning influences their life chances. Wellbeing and a strong sense of connection, optimism and engagement enable children to develop a positive attitude to learning.” Early Years Learning Framework 2009
As educators, we first acknowledge that the child belongs to their family and cultural group. Children develop a sense of belonging through developing positive relationships within their family. It is through these relationships that children gain a sense of who they are and where they belong. When the children make the transition from their home to the Early Learning Centre, they bring with them their own diverse experiences, perspectives and knowledge. They then must begin to develop a sense of belonging within their classroom community. This is fundamental to a child’s early years.
Early childhood is a time for young children to wonder, explore, discover and make meaning of the world. The children in the Early Learning Centre are provided with these opportunities through the educational program. We take a holistic approach to the children’s learning and development to ensure that they have opportunities to build upon their physical, social, emotional, personal, spiritual, creative, cognitive and linguistic skills. Part of this experience is about developing an understanding of themselves, building relationships with others and learning to meet challenges that may come their way.
As children grow, learn and progress through the childhood years their identities, knowledge, understanding, skills and relationships evolve. This can be a period of significant change and helps them to learn how to participate fully and actively in society. Our aim is for the children to become successful learners, confident and creative individuals, and active and informed citizens.
The United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of the Child states “that all children have the right to an education that lays a foundation for the rest of their lives, maximises their ability, and respects their family, cultural and other identities and languages.” Early Years Learning Framework 2009
Ms Sarah Bethune
ELC Coordinator
Colour mixing
Over the past few weeks, the children in the Blue Gum Room have been engaging in a colour mixing inquiry. The three primary colours; red, blue and yellow were provided, along with empty paint pallets for children to explore, mix and create. It was wonderful to see the amazement in the children’s faces when new colours were developed. Children were also very eager to share their discoveries with their peers and teachers. The children were inspired by a great interactive story titled, ‘Mix It Up’. This supported their interest to create their own recipe book of colours. A marble rolling painting experience was then introduced, as another process of watching how colours blend. Over the course of this inquiry, the children enjoyed sharing new colour recipes they learnt and new colours they have named. The children’s individual creativity, curiosity, enthusiasm and imagination was displayed through these experiences.
