Learning Across the ELC

Gumnut Room: Exploring Movement and Sensory Play 

Many interests are beginning to unfold as children grow more comfortable exploring and engaging with experiences and toys that capture their curiosity.

Building on the ball pit and car play experience, we introduced opportunities for children to experiment with different platforms and heights. A car track was set up on a table indoors, where the group eagerly guided vehicles across, up, and down the marked pathways on paper. This activity naturally sparked early numeracy and science concepts as they explored force and movement in action.

To further enhance their learning, we introduced playdough, providing a sensory medium for moulding, manipulating, and creative problem-solving. As children moved their cars in different directions, they strengthened both their fine and gross motor skills, stretching, reaching, and coordinating movements across their bodies.

Manasi Kewlani

ELC Team Leader 

Celebrating Belonging and Individuality

As we begin the new year in the Banksia Room, our inquiry has been focusing on Belonging and The Language of Welcome, helping the children recognise what makes them unique while also celebrating the connections we share. To introduce this concept, both Ms. Carr and Mrs. De Alwis invited the children to explore an All About Me bag.  The children have been encouraged to bring a special bag filled with objects that represent who they are. The children were excited and curious as they discovered the personal treasures inside.

Mrs. De Alwis shared a family photo, watercolours, and a book, sparking conversations about creativity, family, and favourite stories. Ms. Carr’s bag included a photo of her fish aquarium, a banana (her favourite fruit), and a picture of her family.

Inspired by this experience, the children have begun creating and sharing their own All About Me! bags. Some have already brought in their decorated bags, proudly showing special items that represent their interests, families, and personal stories. As each child shares, their peers listen with curiosity, ask thoughtful questions, and make connections to their own lives.

Through this experience, we are fostering a strong sense of belonging, helping the children build confidence in their identities, and encouraging them to celebrate each other’s uniqueness. We look forward to more sharings in the coming weeks and can’t wait to see what meaningful items the children choose to include. Thank you, families, for supporting this wonderful experience!

The Banksia Friends