Early Learning Centre (ELC)

Christian Studies: The Fruit of the Spirit

As part of our Christian Studies journey, our Preschool class has begun exploring the Fruit of the Spirit, focusing on one fruit each week. To support our learning, we have been reading Growing God's Gifts by Lucy Joy, which helps the children understand how God's gifts grow in our hearts and can be shared with others.

Week One: Love

Our first focus was the fruit of Love.

Through stories, discussions, and creative activities, the children explored what love means to them and how they can show love to others. 

We read When I'm Feeling Loved by Tracey Moroney and talked about the different ways people express love through kindness, care, sharing, and helping.

The children shared their thoughts by drawing pictures on paper hearts and discussing ways they can demonstrate God's love in their everyday lives.

Some of their beautiful reflections included:

• “I love my family at the beach.” – Nadia
• “I give Ruby a hug.” – Sadie
• “You can hug a friend when they are hurt.” – Zara D
• “I love my brother.” – Natalia
• “Jesus is love.” – Ruby
• “I look after Mummy when she’s sick.” – Viola
• “When we share toys.” – Michael

Together, we learned that God's love grows in our hearts and can be shared through our words and actions. We encourage families to continue these conversations at home by asking children how they can show God's love to their family, friends, and community. 

Week Two: Joy

This week, we explored the fruit of Joy.

The children enjoyed revisiting Growing God's Gifts and discussing the difference between joy and happiness. 

We learned that happiness can change depending on our circumstances, but joy is a special gift from God that remains in our hearts through both happy and challenging times.

Through meaningful discussions, the children reflected on the many things that bring them joy and how sharing God's gifts through kindness, generosity, and love can help joy grow.

We also had great fun singing "I've Got the Joy, Joy, Joy Down in My Heart" and celebrating the blessings God has given us.

The children shared what brings them JOY:

• “Joy makes us love God and feel about God”- Tommy
• “When my friends play with me”- Mila
• "Joy is when God comes into your heart and makes you happy”- Luke
• “When my cousins come back from Sydney”- Jeremiah 

As we continue our journey through the Fruit of the Spirit, we look forward to discovering more of the wonderful gifts God has placed in our hearts and learning how we can share them with those around us.

Blessings,

Leesa Sanders & Ellice Kalialaha

Preschool Teachers

Emmaus Early Explorers 

Upcoming Sessions 

8:45am-10:15am in the Library

• Wednesday 26th August
• Wednesday 9th September
• Wednesday 23rd September

If you have a child aged three or younger, we warmly invite you to join us for play and connection at Emmaus Early Explorers. 

It’s a fantastic opportunity to make new friends, share experiences and learn together while your little ones have a great time in safe surroundings. 

Emmaus Early Explorers is facilitated by our ELC Director, Mrs Lauren Hughes, and our College Chaplain, Mr Joel Overweel.

Please feel free to share this invitation with your family and friends.

For more information, please contact Kim Sabine at ksabine@emmauscc.sa.edu.au.