Learning Across the ELC

Felicity in Nature: Expressing Wonder and Awe in Nature

Throughout this term, the Nature Garden has become a living atelier where children’s curiosity, wonder and desire to discover have flourished. As we visited the Garden, the children engaged deeply with the environment, pausing to observe the delicate details of flowers, the textures of native plants and the changing shapes of trees. These moments invited rich conversations as the children shared their discoveries, noticing colours, patterns and the quiet movements within nature. As educators, we intentionally embraced slow pedagogy throughout the year, creating opportunities for the children to express their ideas as they paused, reflected and pondered, deeply connecting with the beauty and rhythms of the natural world. By slowing down and observing the natural environment, the children expressed a deep sense of wonder and awe as they noticed the colours, textures, movements and patterns within nature.

The children explored the Nature Garden using their observational skills to closely examine leaves, flowers, sticks and small creatures within the environment. They were encouraged to use "The Hundred Languages of the Children", inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, through observational drawings and paintings, representing their ideas, discoveries and theories in meaningful and creative ways. As the children connected with the natural world, they also began developing early ecological literacy by learning to respect, care for and build relationships with the environment around them. 

Through conversations about living things, sustainability and caring for our garden spaces, the children were supported to see themselves as capable and connected members of their world. Our Nature Garden continues to inspire a sense of connection and inquiry, supporting the Banksia Blue children to become capable learners who explore, discover, and express their understandings in creative and meaningful ways.

Banksia Blue Team