Eskay Kids - Karana

Squish, Squeeze & Stick!

Nothing like getting a little messy… and having LOTS of fun!

The children dove into some seriously squishy sensory play with shaving cream, mirror balls, reflective balls and ping pong balls. The shaving cream became our very own “sticky glue” as the children experimented with sticking ping pong balls onto balls of all different sizes.

And the best part? The shaving cream squishing, oozing and slipping through their fingers! There were plenty of giggles, excited chatter and “look at mine!” moments as they created, experimented and discovered what would stick where.

Messy hands, big smiles, lots of laughter and a whole lot of fun — definitely a play experience worth getting a little bit messy for!

After some reflective conversations about our Yarning Circle and the way we use fire within this space, we’ve been thinking carefully about how we can continue to make this a meaningful, safe and connected place for our children.

We’ve decided to move our Yarning Circle to another part of our playground - and what began as simply moving some rocks and bark quickly became a beautiful learning experience for the children.

As we started the process, the children naturally came over to help. They used real-life tools, carried and transferred materials, worked alongside one another, problem-solved, negotiated, and persisted with the task for a long time.

There was something really special about watching them take ownership of the space. They weren’t just moving rocks and bark - they were contributing to the creation of a place that will become part of their shared experiences, conversations, stories and connections.

It reminded us that some of the most meaningful learning happens when we slow down, invite children into real experiences and trust them to be capable participants in their environment.

Through this simple project, we saw collaboration, curiosity, physical development, communication, problem-solving and a wonderful sense of belonging unfold naturally.

Our kindy children had a wonderful afternoon walking up to Mount Crosby State School as part of our transition program.

The children had the opportunity to meet some of the lovely teachers, explore the classroom, enjoy some stories and take part in a range of fun activities.

It was a fantastic opportunity for the children to become familiar with the school environment, build confidence and start feeling comfortable about their exciting next step into Prep.

Our children have been busy exploring shelter building both indoors and outdoors. Using loose parts, natural materials, blocks, fabrics, and furniture, they have worked together to design, build, test, and adapt their creations.

Through this hands-on play, children are developing so many important skills. They are learning to collaborate with their peers, communicate ideas, solve problems, and think creatively as they work through challenges together. They are also exploring early engineering concepts such as balance, stability, and structure while experimenting with different materials and construction techniques.

Shelter building encourages children to use their imagination, negotiate roles, and persevere when plans need to change. It also provides opportunities to develop spatial awareness, resilience, and confidence as they see their ideas come to life.

It has been wonderful to watch the children proudly share their creations, invite others into their spaces, and continue extending their thinking through meaningful, child-led play. We look forward to seeing where their curiosity and creativity take them next!

Sometimes you just need a little time out... or a little barrel. 🤭

When the world gets a bit busy, finding your own cosy little space can make all the difference. Whether it's a quiet corner, a cubby, or a big plastic barrel, children have the best way of showing us that everyone needs a moment to pause, reset, and just be. 💛

Celebrating 13 Years at Karana!

Today we’re celebrating an incredible milestone — 13 years of Sal being part of our Karana family!

Sal is truly one of a kind. She is always the first to put her hand up when help is needed, quietly stepping in wherever she can and always putting our team and our children first.

One of the things we love most about Sal is the way she is so genuinely present with the children. Whether she’s sitting down sharing a book, having a conversation, joining in their play or simply enjoying a moment alongside them, she brings such a beautiful sense of calm, warmth and connection.

Sal, we are so incredibly grateful for the dedication, kindness and care you have given to Karana over the past 13 years. You are such an important part of our team, and we are very lucky to have you.

Happy 13-year Work Anniversary, Sal! Here’s to celebrating you and all that you bring to our Karana family.

We're so lucky at our service to have an environment where children can choose to play outdoors throughout the day.

Outdoor play offers endless opportunities for learning, exploration and discovery. Whether children are building with loose parts, creating their own games, or transporting resources from one area to another, they are developing important skills while having fun.

Using loose parts encourages creativity, problem-solving, critical thinking and teamwork, as children design, construct and adapt their ideas. Transporting items such as logs, tyres, buckets and other resources helps strengthen gross motor skills, coordination, balance and spatial awareness. These experiences also build confidence, resilience and independence as children challenge themselves and work together to achieve their goals.

Nature provides the perfect backdrop for meaningful learning. Children enjoy fresh air, connect with the environment, and have the freedom to move their bodies in ways that support their physical, social and emotional wellbeing.

Every day outdoors is another opportunity for children to learn through play, build lifelong skills, and create wonderful memories. We truly value the freedom our outdoor environment provides and the many benefits it brings to our children's growth and development.

Today, the children were invited to take part in a simple, open-ended painting experience using water paints and egg cartons that had been kindly donated to our service. 🎨🥚

Children were able to join the experience throughout the day at their own pace, giving them the freedom to explore, create, and express themselves whenever they felt inspired.

Creative experiences like this help to develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, creativity, and confidence. They also encourage children to make independent choices, experiment with colour and texture, and take pride in their own unique creations.

A big thank you to everyone who donates recycled materials to our service. These everyday items provide endless opportunities for imaginative learning and play! 💚

Last week we celebrated Pyjama Day at our service, and what a wonderful day it was!

Our educators and children came dressed in their favourite pyjamas, creating a warm, cosy atmosphere filled with smiles, laughter, and plenty of fun. Throughout the day, we enjoyed engaging activities, shared stories, watched a movie, enjoyed popcorn, and spent quality time together, making special memories along the way.

Pyjama Day is a wonderful reminder of the importance of kindness, community, and supporting children. Thank you to all our families for joining in the fun and helping make the day so special.

We loved seeing everyone's colourful pyjamas and happy faces. What a fantastic day!