It is wonderful to observe the learning taking place in the Early Learning Centre (ELC) classrooms, and the discussion, debate and laughter that can be heard as you move through Campbell House. The children are provided with such rich opportunities each and every day to explore, investigate and inquire, and they do so with such enthusiasm and vigour.

Our youngest learners in the Waratah Room have recently been engaged in a project known as ‘Beautiful Things’. This stemmed from a school holiday project where the children collected a range of interesting natural and man-made materials. The children brought their collections of ‘Beautiful Things’ into the classroom to share with their friends and the materials have become the inspiration for a range of Mathematical and creative experiences. The children sorted the materials into categories and are using them to inspire their creative ideas and thinking. Collaboratively, the children have decided to use their materials to create a castle and puppets.

The children brought their collections of ‘Beautiful Things’ into the classroom to share with their friends.

The children in the Blue Gum Room have been busily exploring their identity and growth through the sharing of baby photos. Each child has brought a baby photo in to share with the group, discussing what they liked to do or could not do when they were a baby. This is a great way to learn about each child’s identity, personality and interests. It is also a wonderful experience in learning about others, their cultural backgrounds and families.

The children in the Blue Gum Room have been exploring their identity and growth through the sharing of baby photos.

Our older learners in the Banksia Room have been engaged in an inquiry relating to maps. This is an extension of their ongoing learning in relation to buildings and architecture. The children have collected a range of maps from many different sources and have shared these with the group. This experience has provided the children with the opportunity to explore Mathematical concepts such as direction, distance and positions. The children have also discussed why we have maps and the different types of maps such as paper maps, signs and GPS (global positioning systems).

The children in the Banksia Room have been engaged in an inquiry relating to maps.

The children in the Wattle Room have been immersed in an investigation into the city and city buildings. This interest was inspired by the children’s amazing block constructions and books about the city buildings. The children have been researching the different types of buildings, their purpose and the different components that make up a city – buildings, people, roads, traffic and gardens. They have also been investigating some of the famous landmarks in Melbourne’s CBD.

The children in the Wattle Room have commenced an investigation into the city and city buildings.

It is exciting to see these inquiries unfolding in the ELC classrooms and to observe the children’s level of engagement and contribution to collaborative learning.