Glen Education Caulfield Primary Kindergarten

The Joy of Learning Something New

Margaret Durston, Early Childhood Teacher

Nora Crameri , Early Childhood Educator

Saya Aoki, Early Early Childhood Educator

As Early Childhood Teachers, Educators and Families we ask ourselves … What is JOY?

Joy is an emotion that brings with it positive feelings … such as achievement, friendship, and the ability to face challenges in a positive mindfulness way.

But how does it affect the children’s learning, how does it affect you as educators. What moments  of JOY have you experienced this year?

If we look at children’s learning first, we can observe that if a positive, caring, and engaging environment is established, children will become involved with their peers, teachers and activities that provide not only free play but intentional teaching and learning too.

Good examples of this is when Educators stop, look and take the time to listen to a child as they ponder and wonder … "Thank you Oscar for your detailed knowledge of what the builders were doing to our kindergarten! (thank goodness they have finished!) You articulated well the tools and machines needed to “fix” our kindergarten as you held my hand to explain “everything” as you said with a look of knowledge and pride on your face."  Or this example,  "Gaargi you “soak” information and knowledge quickly … a recent example of this was the immense joy and pride you bought your parents (as well as teachers) when you recited our “Welcome to Country” both in Japanese and explaining in English what it meant. You were also able to explain (at home) and too your parents why we should care about First Nations People. Your father burst with pride as he told your teachers and showed us the video he made. You contribute much to the classroom ethos of wellbeing, and care for your friends."

It has also been great to observe many friendships made between children and the overarching sharing of thoughts and ideas about extending knowledge regarding the program. This brings joy when children feel they are in an environment that allows them to express themselves and have their voices heard.