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spring 2016
Cultural Competence
Throughout the year in Early Learning we have been
investigating ways of embedding cultural competency
into our curriculum. Cultural competency ensures our
children have opportunities to deepen their
understanding of how community, culture and family
impacts the lives of those around us. To respect and to
be open to different cultural perspectives promotes a
sense of harmony. Learning about and valuing Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander culture is central to recognising
our Australian identity. We acknowledge Country, skills
from the past and the achievements of our First
Australians. We observe Indigenous events such as
National Aborigines and Islanders’ Day Observance and
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s
Day. We use resources that have messages of
reconciliation and goodwill.
Peace is …
During National Reconciliation Week, the children in
Girls’ Pre Prep, looked at the idea of Peace. Peace is a
concept that not only relates to culture on a global
scale, but also connects at a personal level with each
child, as they learn the social skills of getting along
with others at home, at school and in the community.
After reading books on peace, the children
brainstormed their ideas. A community drawing sheet
was provided on the light box where the children
could draw their ideas about peace.
Some of the ideas of peace by the children:
Peace is …
a hand sign, and being quiet
lending a hand
reading a book
giving a cuddle
holding a hand
a smile
holding a hand, looking at them and smiling
a wave
sharing a meal
sharing toys
playing together
giving a wave
celebrations
quiet
smiling faces
sharing bedrooms
talking different languages.
Learning about Country …
A weekly discussion and Acknowledgement of Country
is part of the Co-Ed Pre Prep programme. The children
sit in a circle and quietly reflect on the gratitude shared
as a community for our people, land and animals:
We at Ruyton Pre Prep
Would like to say thank you
To the Kulin Nation
We promise to
Look after the Land
Our animals and people
We acknowledge that this Land
Is, was and always will be
Wurundjeri Land
Cultural competency provides an opportunity to
strengthen our ability and willingness to explore the
cultural identities in our community. The children have
deepened their understanding of a variety of cultures
and have increased their empathy for people who may
be different from themselves. These are important
milestones along the way to reconciliation and harmony.
Appreciating Nature
There are many benefits for children when connecting
with nature. Being surrounded by nature and
natural items provides endless learning opportunities.
With the guidance of an adult, children are able to
make discoveries about animate and inanimate
objects. Having real life items allows the children to
delve more deeply with their investigations. At Ruyton
Early Learning we strive to develop an appreciation
of nature.
While we have always nurtured a child’s relationship
with nature, since the arrival of Ms Jodie Mitchell,
Co-Ed Pre Prep teacher, this year there has been a
particular focus on nature in our programmes. Jodie
attended an international study tour in England and
Scotland where she visited nature kindergartens,
exploring the environments and experiences provided
for their children as they transitioned to programmes
focused on nature. The tour included Boldon Nursery
School, which has been on a five-year journey to
provide a more nature-based curriculum and Auchlone
Nature Kindergarten a centre that backs on to a forest,
where the children spend much of their day exploring
and engaging with nature. They build cubby houses
and cook lunch over a campfire. Jodie believes that
children should be given opportunities to play with
the natural world as often as possible. Her
appreciation for nature has certainly inspired our
children and educators.
When planning the outdoor programme, we seek to
include as many elements as possible where there
is interaction with the natural environment.
Experiences such as gardening and the use of sand,
soil and water are everyday essentials. Traditional
indoor activities, such as listening to stories, or
participating in art and dramatic play activities,
acquire a fresh dimension when conducted outside.
In the autumn the children in the Co-Ed Pre Prep group
had Relaxation Time in the outdoor play area. As they
rested their bodies they listened to the numerous
outdoor sounds, such as the wind blowing the autumn
leaves from the trees and the call of birds overhead.
They saw their world through a different lens as they
looked up towards the sky filled with clouds, which
transformed into moving shapes.
On any given day in our classrooms natural resources
are provided in the programme.
Natural materials are intentionally selected to invite
children’s interest. Treasures such as sticks, shells, pods
or river pebbles are arranged in play areas for children
to investigate and manipulate. Children may use the
items in open-ended ways with no set outcome. They
can create patterns and build constructions as they
interact with the materials. Outdoor elements, such
as water and sand, can be brought in for pleasurable
sensory experiences. A real sense of satisfaction is
often observed when children engage with the
hands-on exploration of nature.
Learning through nature assists children to increase
their understanding of the world. It provides infinite
learning possibilities. There is a sense of peace when
taking time to ‘be’ in nature. Appreciating nature is
an important aspect of learning for young children.
Ms Teresa Wojcik,
Acting Director of Early Learning
HowWe Learn