Early Learning Centre

Chalk Play on Pavement: Expressing Creativity, Culture, and Voice Through Open-Ended Play

When a child is given a piece of chalk, the pavement becomes more than just ground it transforms into a space for storytelling, imagination, and cultural expression. Through drawing, children explore their ideas, experiences, and surroundings, bringing to life scenes from their daily lives, communities, and traditions. This open-ended activity supports early literacy and numeracy as children experiment with symbols, shapes, and patterns, while also strengthening fine motor skills and coordination. In a Fijian early learning context, chalk play allows children to reflect their identity capturing elements of village life, markets, the ocean, and family connections making learning deeply meaningful and relevant. As they create alongside others, they build social skills, share stories, and develop confidence in expressing their voice. Ultimately, chalk play is not just art it is a powerful pathway for children to make sense of their world and proudly share who they are.

Morning Plant Care: Nurturing Responsibility, Patience, and Connection to Nature

Each morning, as little hands gently water the plants, children are engaged in more than a routine task they are participating in a meaningful practice that nurtures responsibility, patience, and care for their environment. This simple act strengthens fine motor skills and coordination while encouraging children to move with intention and mindfulness. In the context of an early learning setting in Fiji, watering plants can also reflect cultural values of respect for the land and community, connecting children to the natural world around them. As they observe changes in the plants over time, children begin to understand growth, consistency, and the impact of their actions, building a sense of pride and belonging. Through this daily ritual, they learn that even the smallest acts of care contribute to something larger than themselves.

At our Early Learning Centre, children celebrated Diwali by dressing up in traditional attire and exploring the beauty of this Festival of Lights. This hands-on cultural experience helps young learners understand and respect different religions, cultures, and traditions from an early age.

Through dress-up activities, storytelling, and interactive discussions, children develop:
• Cultural awareness and respect – learning to value diversity and inclusion.
• Social-emotional skills – sharing, collaborating, and celebrating together.
• Creativity and imagination – expressing themselves through dress, colors, and patterns.
• Language and communication – discussing traditions, meanings, and stories behind the festival.

By introducing children to celebrations from around the world, we nurture curiosity, empathy, and a lifelong love of learning about others.

Celebrating diversity, culture, and learning one festive outfit at a time! 🪔🌺✨

🪔 Roti Making for Diwali: Sensorial Learning at Early Learning Centre 🌾

This Diwali, our young learners at the Early Learning Centre experienced the joy of making roti a hands-on activity that goes far beyond cooking. Through this sensorial learning experience, children explored textures, smells, and tastes while connecting with cultural traditions.

Why sensorial learning matters:
• Fine motor skills: Kneading and rolling the dough strengthens hand muscles and coordination.
• Cognitive development: Following steps and measuring ingredients helps children understand sequencing, problem-solving, and cause-and-effect.
• Language skills: Talking about ingredients, actions, and experiences expands vocabulary and communication.
• Cultural awareness: Making roti for Diwali introduces children to the Festival of Lights and fosters respect for diversity.
• Social-emotional growth: Sharing tasks, waiting turns, and tasting together teaches patience, cooperation, and confidence.

At the Early Learning Centre, we believe learning through experience helps children connect their senses with knowledge, laying the foundation for lifelong curiosity and understanding.

Celebrating culture, senses, and learningone roti at a time! 🪔🥄🌾

Our middle schoolers at Pacific Nations School had an exciting lesson learning about the Nanai (Cicada) with their educator, Ms. Serafina Naivaluwaqa. They also learned that it is even featured on Fiji’s $100 bill. Front design features Fiji’s Nanai (Cicada). Fiji has the richest fauna of cicadas in the south west Pacific with 19 species, all of which are endemic. Cicadas are well known for their loud calls, some of which resound through Fiji’s forests. Larval cicadas live underground and feed on the sap from roots of forest trees. They then emerge, shed their larval skins and enjoy a short, noisy adult life in Fiji’s forests. Maka is the common Fijian name for cicadas in general, but the Nanai is unique due to its striking appearance. Nanai is extremely well known to the inland communities of Viti Levu as it emerges in enormous numbers once every eight years and is not otherwise seen.

Tuesday Fruit Sharing Day 🍎🍌🍍
At the Early Learning Centre and Pacific Nations School, Tuesdays are extra special! Each week our children bring along fruits to share, creating a colorful table of goodness. This tradition not only teaches the importance of healthy eating, but also the values of sharing, community, and caring for one another. A simple act that brings big smiles and reminds us that learning happens best when hearts and hands are connected. 🌱✨

🌼 September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month 🌼

Every year thousands of children and families face the toughest battle of their lives — childhood cancer. This month we pause to remember the brave little fighters, honor the survivors, and stand in solidarity with families who carry the weight of this journey every day. 💛

🎗️ The gold ribbon is the symbol of childhood cancer awareness — wear it proudly, share it widely, and start conversations that matter.

👉 Let’s raise awareness.
👉 Let’s support families.
👉 Let’s believe in brighter tomorrows.

💛 Together, we can bring hope. 💛

Today, our Papua New Guinea students at the Early Learning Centre and Pacific Nations School came together to celebrate the 50th Independence Anniversary of their beloved country. It was a moment filled with pride, culture, and unity as the children honored their heritage through song, dance, and community spirit.

As we reflected on this milestone, we were reminded of a powerful truth: “A country’s true strength lies not only in its history but in the dreams of its children who will carry its story forward.”

Papua New Guinea at 50 is not just about looking back on five decades of independence, but also about looking ahead to the bright future its young people will create. Today’s celebration was a beautiful reminder that the spirit of independence lives on in the hearts of the next generation.