Early Learning Centre (ELC)

On this page: ELC - Year 2 Sports Day, A Day in the Life of a Three-Year-Old, Emmaus Early Explorers

ELC - Year 2 Sports Day

Friday 16 October (Week 1, Term 4)

9:30am - 12pm

Western Youth Oval

Join us for a community picnic following the event. Coffee, sausage sizzle, soft drinks and baked treats will be available for purchase, and proceeds will support our Tournament of Minds team representing South Australia at the International Finals in Darwin.

A Day in the Life of a Three-Year-Old 

Have you ever wondered what happens during your child’s day at Emmaus ELC?

A day in the life of a three-year-old is wonderfully busy! 

It is filled with play, friendships, discoveries, questions, movement, creativity and many opportunities to practise doing things independently. We recognise each child as a precious gift from God, uniquely created, deeply loved and full of potential.

Our day begins with arrival and connection. Some children confidently wave goodbye, while others need a little extra reassurance from a trusted educator. We warmly welcome each child and support them in settling into the room, reconnecting with friends and choosing an experience that helps them feel safe and comfortable.

Guided by the Word of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:14 NIV), we nurture each child as a precious creation of God. 

Through prayer, worship, Bible stories, play and everyday learning, children grow in their understanding of God and recognise his presence in joyful and challenging moments. 

His love supports their identity, security, belonging, kindness and self-regulation, linking with EYLF Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity.

Throughout the morning, the children explore a variety of play-based experiences. They may build elaborate structures, care for babies in dramatic play, create at the art table, investigate insects outdoors, share stories or experiment with sensory materials. Although it may look like “just playing,” meaningful learning is happening everywhere.

Through play, children are learning to:

• communicate their ideas and listen to others
• negotiate roles and solve problems
• take turns and share resources
• strengthen their fine and gross motor skills
• use imagination, creativity and curiosity
• develop confidence and independence
• manage disappointment and big emotions.

These experiences support EYLF Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners and Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators.

Group times provide opportunities to come together as a learning community. We enjoy stories, songs, movement, Heggerty activities, numeracy experiences, prayer and conversations about our ideas and wonderings. 

The children practise listening, participating and recognising that everyone’s contribution is valuable. Through these shared experiences, children develop language, early literacy and numeracy skills while learning to express their thoughts, listen to different perspectives and contribute to the group. This connects strongly with EYLF Outcomes 4 and 5.

Mealtimes and everyday routines are also important parts of our learning. Washing hands, opening containers, remembering belongings, packing away and caring for our environment help children develop responsibility and independence. Conversations around the table strengthen friendships and create a beautiful sense of belonging. These routines promote children’s physical wellbeing, confidence and growing independence, linking with EYLF Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing.

Outdoor play gives the children opportunities to run, climb, balance, dig, explore and challenge their growing bodies. It also allows them to investigate nature, take safe risks and work collaboratively with others. As children care for their shared spaces and the natural environment, they begin to understand their connection and responsibility to the world around them. This learning reflects EYLF Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world, as well as Outcome 3.

Of course, being three can involve some very big feelings! A friend may have the toy they want, a plan may not work as expected, or it may be difficult to wait for a turn. With gentle guidance, children are learning to name their emotions, use words, seek help and make safe and kind choices. These moments are not interruptions to learning, they are an essential part of it. They help children build resilience, emotional awareness and positive relationships, supporting EYLF Outcomes 1, 2 and 3.

As the day comes to an end, the children may be tired, messy and full of stories although sometimes their only answer to “What did you do today?” may be “Nothing!” 

Please know that within that “nothing” was a day filled with connection, courage, discovery and growth. Every day, your child is learning more about themselves, other people, God’s love and the wonderful world around them.

Thank you for trusting us to share in these precious everyday moments. It is a joy and privilege to learn, play and grow alongside your children.

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:14

Blessings,

Mrs. ShinYie Chew and Class 3 Blue Team

Links to Learning

Learning Outcome 1 - CHILDREN HAVE A STRONG SENSE OF IDENTITY

• Children feel safe, secure and supported
• Children develop their emerging autonomy, inter-dependence, resilience and agency
• Children develop knowledgeable, confident self-identities and a positive sense of self-worth
• Children learn to interact in relation to others with care, empathy and respect

Learning Outcome 2: CHILDREN ARE CONNECTED WITH AND CONTRIBUTE TO THEIR WORLD

• Children develop a sense of connectedness to groups and communities and an understanding of their reciprocal rights and responsibilities as active and informed citizens
• Children respond to diversity with respect
• Children become aware of fairness
• Children become socially responsible and show respect for the environment

Learning Outcome 3: CHILDREN HAVE A STRONG SENSE OF WELLBEING

• Children become strong in their social, emotional and mental wellbeing
• Children become strong in their physical learning and wellbeing
• Children are aware of and develop strategies to support their own mental and physical health and personal safety

Learning Outcome 4: CHILDREN ARE CONFIDENT AND INVOLVED LEARNERS

• Children develop a growth mindset and learning dispositions such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity
• Children develop a range of learning and thinking skills and processes such as problem-solving, inquiry, experimentation, hypothesising, researching and investigating
• Children transfer and adapt what they have learned from one context to another
• Children resource their own learning through connecting with people, places, technologies and natural and processed materials

Learning Outcome 5: CHILDREN ARE EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATORS

• Children interact verbally and non-verbally with others for a range of purposes
• Children engage with a range of texts and gain meaning from these texts
• Children express ideas and make meaning using a range of media
• Children begin to understand how symbols and pattern systems work
• Children use digital technologies and media to access information, investigate ideas and represent their thinking

Emmaus Early Explorers 

It was a wonderful time during Early Explorers last week! We had lots of fun playing with the activities, using our imagination, and making new friends.

If you or someone you know is interested in joining one of our next sessions this term, we'd love to have you. 

Upcoming Session 

Wednesday 23rd September

8:45am-10:15am 

Brooklyn Park Library - Level 2

Early Explorers is a wonderful opportunity for children and their families to connect with our Emmaus community through play, stories, songs, and shared experiences. 

For more information, please contact Kim Sabine at ksabine@emmauscc.sa.edu.au.

Upcoming Events Term 3 & 4