Ashmore Early Learning Centre – Sanctuary Early Learning Adventure – is creating a living classroom through its native flora and sustainable gardening program.
At Sanctuary Early Learning Adventure in Ashmore, the gardens are blooming with purpose and passion. The centre’s commitment to growing native flora is not just about beautifying the surroundings but also about creating a rich, educational experience for the children and fostering a deep connection to the land. With the guidance of Chef Mitch and Assistant Director Madi, the centre explores the myriad uses of native plants, from their medicinal properties to their culinary potential. This initiative is a testament to the centre’s philosophy of the outdoor classroom and their passion for Caring for Country and privileging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings.
The gardens at this innovative Ashmore Early Learning Centre are more than just a place to grow plants; they are a living classroom where children can learn about Australia’s rich and diverse history and landscape. The Centre’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) team is passionate about Caring for Country. This ethos has driven the decision to focus on the gardens and introduce native flora. The team believes that, in some contexts, the deep connection to the natural environment and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives can get lost. By cultivating native plants, the centre aims to honour and integrate these perspectives into their daily routines and programs.
The living classroom at Sanctuary Early Learning Ashmore
The children’s involvement in the gardens is integral to their learning experience. They love watching and helping as the team works in the garden. They gain a firsthand understanding of the effort and care that goes into cultivating plants. This hands-on involvement helps to foster a sense of ownership and pride in the garden’s success.
Sanctuary’s Ashmore Early Learning Centre has always placed a strong emphasis on exploring the natural environment. Excursions to Forest School and The Spit forming a key part of their curriculum. Introducing native flora into the centre’s gardens is a natural extension of this focus. By bringing local context into the centre, the team aims to create a seamless connection between the children’s outdoor adventures and their everyday learning environment.
This initiative is not just about growing plants; it’s about embedding a philosophy of sustainability and respect for nature into the children’s lives. By learning about native plants and their uses, the children gain a deeper understanding of their heritage and the importance of caring for the environment. This knowledge is crucial in fostering the next generation of environmentally conscious individuals.
Growing your own veggies at Sanctuary Early Learning Ashmore
Paddock-to-plate initiative at Sanctuary Ashmore Early Learning
One of the most exciting aspects of Sanctuary Ashmore’s gardening initiative is the paddock-to-plate project led by Chef Mitch. This project focuses on teaching children about the journey of food from the garden to their plates, highlighting the importance of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. With the help of Sanctuary’s little gardeners, Mitch regularly harvests produce like lettuce, mushrooms, capsicum, basil, and mint from the garden. He then incorporates these fresh ingredients into the centre’s meals.
The paddock-to-plate initiative offers numerous learning opportunities and outcomes for the children. For instance, lettuce is harvested semi-regularly and used in sandwiches, while mushrooms are picked and added to various recipes. Mitch teaches the children the best practices for harvesting each product, ensuring they understand the importance of timing and technique. This hands-on experience not only enhances their gardening skills but also gives them a tangible connection to their food.
In addition to these everyday uses, Mitch and Madi are working hard to create recipes that feature native ingredients. One of their projects is devising a recipe for lemon myrtle iced tea using leaves from the lemon myrtle plant. This innovative approach aims to incorporate native flavours into the children’s diets. It also provides them with a unique and culturally enriching culinary experience.
A broader vision for early education
Sanctuary Ashmore’s dedication to growing native flora and integrating these plants into its educational programs reflects its broader vision for early childhood education. By fostering a deep connection to the land and instilling values of sustainability and respect for nature, the centre aims to cultivate a generation of environmentally conscious and culturally aware individuals.
The success of this initiative at this Ashmore Early Learning Centre has also inspired plans to expand the use of native ingredients across all Sanctuary Early Learning centres. Chef Mitch and Assistant Director Madi are leading the charge. They are creating recipes that can be shared and enjoyed by children at other centres. This collaborative effort ensures that the benefits of this program extend beyond Ashmore. It is enriching the children’s educational experiences across the entire Sanctuary Early Learning community.
If you would like to know more about Sanctuary’s Ashmore Early Learning program, visit the Sanctuary Early Learning Adventure website. Or call them on 07 5551 6730.
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