The Crescent Early Learning Centre

National Reconciliation Week

This week, our children engaged in experiences that encouraged connection to Country, culture, family and community. We explored natural materials and Indigenous-inspired provocations, to viewing family photographs and creating artworks, children were invited to investigate, question and deepen their understanding of the world around them.

By engaging in conversations, creative expression and hands-on learning, our children demonstrated that reconciliation is something everyone can be part of.

Being “All In” means listening, learning, respecting and taking action together. It reminds us that reconciliation is a shared responsibility and that even our youngest learners can contribute to building a more inclusive and respectful future.

Our Banksia children visited the local Tremshed through flower market, admiring all the beautiful blooms and choosing their favourites along the way 💐

We had lots of pointing, chatting, smelling flowers and “wow!” moments throughout the morning 🌼

Creating Our Own Bird Feeders

Our Eucalyptus children had so much fun designing and making their own bird feeders.

The excitement of spotting birds around our outdoor playground sparked lots of conversations about Australian birds, where they live and how we can help care for them. A simple experience that encouraged creativity, responsibility and connection with the natural world.

A fun and creative way to practise fine motor skills using pool noodles, pipe cleaners and beads!

Our Banksia children explored different ways to thread, twist and create patterns using a range of simple materials.

A simple and engaging way to encourage problem-solving, persistence and confidence as children explore different ways to manipulate and connect materials.

🌿 Exploring Scent Bags 🌿

Our Fern children explored homemade scent bags today using dried citrus, herbs and other natural materials. Through touching, squeezing, smelling and observing, The children were encouraged to touch, squeeze, smell and use their senses to explore and discover the different textures and scents.

Experiences like these help support children’s sensory development, language and communication skills, fine motor skills, curiosity and concentration in a calm and engaging way.

F I V E L I T T L E D U C K S 🐥 🐥 🐥 🐥 🐥

This much-loved song has inspired and provided so many hands-on experiences for our children to explore. Our Banksia children has been using loose parts and natural materials, with some of our little rubber duck friends, bringing the story to life in their own unique ways.

They sang and recalled the rhyme, practised counting and sequencing, collaborated and used their imagination to create stories and play.

A simple song can spark rich learning opportunities, where literacy, numeracy, creativity and social skills come together naturally through play.

💛

Who speaks for the children? Today, I am energised by the federal government's announcement that it will consult on a national early childhood education and care commission. This truly feels like an idea whose moment has come.

In my media statement welcoming the move - below - I said that this does not need to be about significant extra funding, but better coordination, better planning and the right powers to stand against an aggressive market and stand for children.

Well done Jason Clare MP and Dr. Jess Walsh.

Our media release here: https://lnkd.in/g2Yxpw9K

And you can read more about what an ECEC Commission could do here: https://lnkd.in/gqdM2_W4

Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at The Crescent 💕

Thank you to all our wonderful mums, grandmothers and loved ones who joined us for our Mother’s Day celebration.

We appreciate everything you do and hope you felt extra loved and celebrated today 💐

A Special Visit to Our Centre

We were delighted to welcome our CEO, Dr Ros Baxter, to our centre 💛

Ros spent time connecting with educators and engaging with our children as they explored and played. It was a wonderful opportunity to share the meaningful relationships, learning experiences and dedication that make our centre special.