Goodstart Early Learning Barton, ACT

The children planted their bean seed experiments using autumn leaves as natural compost and explored what plants need to grow. As they compared the different seeds, they noticed that some had grown more than others, encouraging conversations about observation, growth, and cause and effect.

The planter has been placed near the window so the children can continue watching and documenting the changes as their seeds grow.

Extending this learning at home:
Families can plant seeds together and encourage children to observe and talk about the changes they see each day.

Our oceans are home to amazing plants and animals, and they play an important role in keeping our planet healthy.

World Ocean Day is a wonderful opportunity to help children learn about caring for the environment and protecting the life beneath the waves. Through simple everyday actions, we can all make a difference.

Extending this learning at home:
By reading ocean-themed books, talking about marine animals, reducing single-use plastics, or visiting a local beach, lake, or waterway and discussing how we can help keep it clean.

Wishing everyone a relaxing and enjoyable King's Birthday long weekend.

Whether you're spending time with family, catching up with friends, exploring Canberra, or simply taking a well-earned break, we hope the weekend brings you plenty of moments to recharge.

Please note that our centre will be closed for the public holiday and will reopen as usual the following day.

World Environment Day is a wonderful opportunity to encourage children to care for the world around them and learn how small actions can make a big difference.

At our centre, we support children in developing respect and appreciation for nature through everyday experiences such as recycling, caring for plants, saving water, and exploring the outdoor environment.

Extend this learning at home:
By going on a nature walk, planting something together, or talking about simple ways to care for our planet.

Together, we can help create a cleaner, greener future for everyone.

Our preschool children explored hand washing and wellbeing through doctor and nurse role play. As they cared for patients, dressed up, and discussed how germs spread, the children built a deeper understanding of why hand washing is important.

The children also created “model hands” using gloves, drew germs on them, and practised step-by-step hand washing routines to wash the germs away. This hands-on experience supported communication, critical thinking, independence, and self-care skills.

Extending this learning at home:
Families can support this learning by practising hand washing routines together, singing hand washing songs, or setting up simple doctor role play experiences at home.

The children explored shapes, colours, and textures using recycled cardboard, sticky contact paper, and colourful collage materials. They enjoyed naming shapes, counting sides, recognising colours, and feeling the different textures while strengthening their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination through hands-on play.

This experience encouraged creativity, problem-solving, and sensory exploration while building on the children’s growing interest in sustainability.

Extending this learning at home:
Families can encourage this learning by creating simple collage activities with recycled materials, exploring shapes around the home, or talking about colours and textures together during everyday play.

National Reconciliation Week is a time to learn, reflect, and walk together towards a more respectful and united future.

At our centre, we value creating a safe and inclusive environment where every child and family feels a strong sense of belonging. Through meaningful conversations, stories, and learning experiences, we support children in developing respect and appreciation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures, and histories.

Together, we continue to listen, learn, and grow towards reconciliation.

Today we acknowledge and remember the Stolen Generations, their families, and communities. National Sorry Day is a time for reflection, respect, and learning together.

At our centre, we value creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment where every child and family feels a strong sense of belonging. Through meaningful conversations and learning experiences, we continue to support children in developing kindness, understanding, and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures, and histories.

Together, we can continue the journey of respect, understanding, and reconciliation.

Food Allergy Week | 24 May – 30 May

At our centre, children’s safety and wellbeing are always our priority. We carefully follow each child’s dietary requirements to help reduce allergy risks and create a safe, inclusive environment for everyone.

Our centre is proudly an egg and nut free environment, and we work closely with families to support children with food allergies safely and respectfully.

The children gathered with excitement, thinking they were about to paint, before discovering The Very Hungry Caterpillar story together. As we explored the story, the children noticed the tiny white eggs on the leaf and began learning about the beginning of a butterfly’s journey.

Using colourful pom-poms and white paint, the children created their own “butterfly eggs,” watching closely as the colours changed. They were fascinated by the transformation and excited to see the pom-poms turn white through their own exploration.

This hands-on experience supported curiosity, sensory exploration, and early scientific thinking through cause and effect learning.