Early Learning Centre

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ELC Upcoming Events 

Emmaus Early Explorers is back!

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 Laren 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.

Wonderfully Made: Exploring God’s Creation Through Nature Play

In Class Three Yellow, we have been joyfully exploring the beautiful Bible story of Creation. Together, we unpacked what God created on each day, reflecting on the powerful words from Genesis 1:1“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” 

As we journeyed through each day of Creation, the children were in awe of how God spoke light, sky, land, seas, plants, animals, and people into being. We paused in wonder at Genesis 1:11, when God created plants and trees bearing fruit, and reflected on Genesis 2:8-9, where God planted a garden and made all kinds of trees grow, trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. Through these verses, the children recognised that nature is not accidental; it is God’s intentional and marvellous design, His miracles are all around us.

As we admired God’s magnificent work, we also reflected on His instruction in Genesis 1:26-28, in which He entrusted humanity with the care of His creation. We discussed what it means to be caretakers of the world God has gifted to us, showing respect, responsibility, and gratitude. 

In our learning, we also acknowledged and honoured the Kaurna people as we learn and play within our ELC and the beautiful outdoor learning environments. We recognise the deep knowledge, respect, and care they show for the Country. This understanding helped the children see that caring for creation is both a Biblical calling and a shared cultural responsibility.

Our recent visit from Nature Play SA was an exciting and meaningful extension of this learning. Alongside our educators and the Nature Play instructors, the children explored, investigated, built, imagined, and connected with the natural environment. Through hands-on experiences, they deepened their appreciation of God’s creation, feeling the textures of the natural environment, observing living things, and engaging their senses in outdoor discovery. 

The visit evoked joy, curiosity, and intentional conversations about how we can enjoy nature while caring for it respectfully and responsibly.

Research consistently highlights the developmental benefits of nature-based learning in early childhood. Engaging with natural environments strengthens children’s physical wellbeing, supports risk assessment and resilience, enhances creativity and problem-solving skills, and nurtures emotional regulation. Outdoor exploration promotes collaborative play, communication, and a sense of belonging within the community.

Through Nature Play, our children are not only developing foundational skills for lifelong learning but also building a spiritual and moral understanding of stewardship, recognising that this beautiful world is a sacred gift from God.

Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF):

• Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world.
• Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing.
• Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners.

Blessings,

Mrs Engy Habib, Mrs Rita Ling, Mrs Geordie Flynn, Miss Maddy Bell and Miss Lydia Wong

Class Three Yellow Team