Early Learning

Echidnas

By the time you read this, we will have only had two days of Kinder for the term, but as always, there has been plenty to keep us busy!

We’ve hit birthday season, and - true to the Echidna way - we’ve been celebrating in style! On their special day, children don the royal robes, choose a friend to sit beside them on our well-worn recycled red throne chairs, and are lavished with good wishes, many claps, and much joyful singing. We love a celebration in Kinder, but birthdays always garner a little extra attention because of the community spirit they build. Each birthday marks not just the passing of time, but the beautiful uniqueness of each child - and we celebrate life, no matter what number we’re up to! (Educators birthdays are included in our celebrations).

We are reminded in Psalm 139:14 that each child is “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Birthdays give us a chance to honour that truth in a tangible way - to pause and celebrate the precious gift of each child’s life, to affirm their value, and to build a culture of gratitude and joy. It’s a moment to reflect the love of God, who delights in His children and rejoices over them with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). In the Echidna room, every birthday is a reminder that we are part of something bigger - one small part of God's beautiful design for community, where each person is celebrated as the unique and treasured individual they are.

Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity – As each child is celebrated, they experience belonging, are recognised for who they are, and feel seen and valued within their community.

Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world – Birthdays create shared experiences that deepen peer relationships and foster empathy, as children learn to celebrate others and take part in communal joy.

Judi Missen

Early Learning Educator