Duncraig Early Learning Centre

A big appreciation for our wonderful cook Deb 🌿

Deb continually goes above and beyond in her role, generously giving her time to come into the rooms and cook alongside the children. These shared experiences provide meaningful opportunities for children to be involved in the preparation process, to explore and taste ingredients, and to engage in hands-on learning around food.

Deb supports the children through each step with a calm and intentional approach, gently guiding, modelling, and encouraging participation and curiosity throughout the experience.

Her presence in the rooms enriches the children’s learning and strengthens their connection to food. Thank you Deb for all that you do!

Bike Day at DELC 🚲

One of our favourite days of the year! Twice a year, the children bring their bikes from home and enjoy a day full of riding, fun and excitement.

From zooming around with friends to learning about road safety, Bike Day is always a highlight for everyone involved. We love seeing the children build confidence, coordination and awareness while having so much fun! 💛

Exploring colour and water through a simple provocation 🌈
The children used spray bottles on hanging tissue paper, watching colours run, blend, and drip into the tuff tray below 💧

A beautiful moment of curiosity, repetition, and discovery through play 💫

Today we welcomed Association for the Welfare of Child Health (AWCH) for a hospital incursion 🏥

The children explored medical equipment, shared their own experiences, and learned about hospital visits. We also extended learning through dramatic play, where children took on roles as doctors, nurses, paramedics and patients 👩‍🔬

Today’s sensory play: ice exploration ❄️

Little hands were busy exploring, squeezing, and discovering how to get the pom poms out of the ice

Moments like these support curiosity, problem-solving, and early scientific thinking through hands-on play 🤍

We are so lucky to have so many birds around DELC 🐦

The Bindi Bindi children have shown a strong interest in watching the birds in our yard, especially the small parakeets gathering and feeding in the gum trees. They’ve been engaged in observing their movements and listening to their sounds.

To extend this interest, we created a bird watching experience with a nest, bird figures, and bird cards to support identification and spark further curiosity.

This experience supports children’s observation skills and connection to the natural environment 🌿

Did you know? During Djeran, shelters are repaired in preparation for the colder, wetter weather. This week, the children are learning about the Djeran season and exploring Aboriginal ways of living 🌿

Using natural materials like paper bark, they have been creating their own miniature Mia Mia shelters, deepening their understanding of connection to Country and how shelters are traditionally made.

A meaningful experience as we deepen our understanding of Aboriginal culture and the changing seasons 🌏✨

Our Djidi Djidi babies experienced their first outing to Trinity, exploring through play and sharing moments of connection with the residents. A gentle introduction to the wider community, supporting curiosity and developing a sense of belonging 🤍

This week, our learning spaces were filled with Easter-inspired experiences that supported creativity, exploration, and sensory development.

The children engaged in a variety of hands-on activities including sensory trays, painting, and gluing natural materials. These experiences encouraged curiosity, fine motor development, and opportunities for children to explore different textures and materials at their own pace.

From carefully placing natural treasures to freely exploring sensory trays, each moment supported important learning through play, building concentration, creativity, and confidence.

Wishing all of our families a Happy Easter! 💛🐰

Recently the Djidi room explored nature bracelets, using sticky tape to collect and create with leaves, flowers, and natural treasures. But something interesting happened… many of the children carefully placed their items on, only to peel them straight back off again!

Did you know this is very common for children aged 1–2?
This “stick and remove” stage is an important part of their development.

When your child glues, sticks, and then pulls things off, they are:
✨ Exploring cause and effect
✨ Building fine motor skills (little finger muscles getting stronger!)
✨ Learning about textures and resistance
✨ Developing independence and decision-making
✨ Engaging in sensory play and curiosity

So if your child loves to stick… then unstick… then restick again, you’re not alone! It’s all part of how they learn and make sense of their world 💛

Our educators are proud to wear new shirts featuring artwork by Aboriginal artist Tayla Donaczy, a proud Mutthi Mutthi Woman. DELC supports Aboriginal artists by sourcing resources & clothing that celebrates culture, stories, and connection to Country.

Inspired by this artwork, the children in the Yonga Room explored painting their own vibrant interpretations. Through this experience, they are learning about connection to land and caring for Country. ✨