Glen Education Orrong Road

Lifelong Enthusiastic Learners

By Soraj Singh, Early Childhood Teacher

The educators at Glen Orrong Road Kindergarten have discussed the service goals to create a welcoming and stimulating learning environment for the families and children. Some of our service goals are as follows: 

1. To build respectful and trusting relationship with all family members.  We acknowledge that family members are the first educators in their Childs’s life hence we highly value family input and incorporate each family’s needs in our curriculum. Some of the ways we work towards these goals are that we read ‘All About Me’ information and maintain daily communication with family members regarding child’s day and their wellbeing. We have families that bring rich cultural diversity to our learning community.  The educators have invited family members to share their culture with the classroom.  Family members are invited to talk about their festivals or family events relevant to their own culture.  It is inspiring that some family members have shared artifacts, stories in their first language, map of their country, soft toys etc.  Next week three other families are coming to share some artifacts, stories, and pictures from their countries. Festival of colors (Holi), Eid – al- Fitr festival, Spanish culture will be celebrated. 

 Research indicates that strong relationship between home and educational setting is beneficial for the children.  

1.  The educators are also working towards fostering independence and confidence in children, so they become enthusiastic learners. We believe that each child is an unique individual therefore they exhibit their individual strength and style of learning. The educators implement strength- based approach to maximize each child’s learning potential. Holistic approach towards learning and development is assisting children towards their sense of belonging, build resilience and confidence and further develop their abilities to explore their learning environment independently. To further develop children’s self- help skills, the educators are encouraging them to put their belongings at their appropriate places, take responsibility of their belongings such as artwork, drink bottlers, jackets et. Independent and confident children become lifelong enthusiastic learners. 

    

2. To connect with the local community. The educators are intending to start ‘Buddy Program’ in Term 2. They are in the process of organizing dates with the local schools to achieve this goal.  Future Excursion trips are planned as well.  (visit to Coles, Post Office).