Glen Education Glover Street

A Philosophy of Shared Responsibility

Rachael Gemmill, Early Childhood Teacher

At Glen Glover Street Kindergarten, we have three core kindergarten expectations for all children, educators and families: 

1. Be Safe 

2. Be Kind 

3. Be Responsible 

Throughout Term 1 children have been exploring what these expectations mean to them. Children gathered together and contributed to a group discussion as we reflected on what it means to be Safe, Kind and Responsible. Children demonstrated respect as they patiently waited their turn to share their thoughts and ideas, actively listening to their friends and engaging in decision making around how we can display and maintain these expectations. Setting expectations for children is important because it allows children to know what is expected of them to settle in and flourish in their learning environment. Expectations gives children a sense of confidence, safety and security to participate and engage freely in their learning environment. Expectations provide children with the ability to take responsibility for their behaviour, which supports their ability to self-regulate and recognise the feelings of their peers. They will continue to develop the skills to express and manage their emotions, promote a safe learning environment, increase their resilience and work collaboratively with their peers. 

Children have been learning the Auslan signs for various actions and emotions, such as happy, sad, kind, angry and thank you. Using various tools of communication provides an inclusive environment where all children can feel supported in acknowledging and communicating their feelings. Sharing books and stories can offer children a strong foundation for healthy emotional development, supporting children to process how they are feeling. Books can help children feel secure, creating a safe space to recognise and share their emotions. Children have been exploring books to support their social emotional wellbeing. Children are encouraged to be active participants in being responsible for their environment, such as packing up, washing their dishes and attending to the gardens. 

The Early Years Learning Framework (2022) discusses the term Pedagogy.

"The term pedagogy in this Framework refers to the art, science or craft of educating. It describes the professional knowledge, practices and creativity that educators use to intentionally foster and nurture children’s learning, development and wellbeing. When educators establish respectful relationships with children and their families, they are able to work together to use relational and place-based pedagogies that assist in developing curriculum relevant to children in their local context."

(EYLF 2022. p.12).