Not all cubbies constructed from palm leaves go to plan… This was the lesson children at Flinders Early Learning Centre (FELC) learnt recently when the rain cleared and they were able to reconnect with one of their favourite programs, the Bush Kindy. The program sees small groups of 10 children explore and engage in the wetlands forest runnings between FELC and Matthew Flinders Anglican College.
FELC Director Jo Osborne says the children have been excited to safely access new areas of forest on their Bush Kindy explorations.
“The children enjoy building in the bush and have been carefully choosing logs, branches, leaves, sticks and other natural resources to create a shelter,” Mrs Osborne says.
“Of course, cubbies aren’t always as sturdy as we imagine they will be. But this becomes a good lesson in ‘thinking on our feet’ and adapting to changes. The children join their friends in finding stronger branches and tougher sticks. Then they can rebuild a shelter that is big enough and strong enough to get inside.”
Mrs Osborne says the children also love regularly visiting Farmer Jeff at the College’s half-hectare Flinders Farm. There are animals to talk to and feed, vege gardens and orchards to water and harvest, and beehives to marvel at. Not to mention fresh produce and treats to enjoy.
“A recent Bush Kindy project had children collecting limes, lemons and oranges and then planning, drawing and having conversations about what to make with their bounty,” Mrs Osborne says.
“All agreed it would be delicious to cook lemon cake and make citrus juice — and it was! Through these organic processes, children develop resilience, persistence and the ability to follow through with an idea.”
Moving moments with seniors and early learning students
Children at FELC are also building strong connections with their VIPs. The seniors visit each Thursday morning through the school’s Moving Moments program. This program brings together seniors who are living independently and children of all ages to share in fun, play-based activities. All activities are supported by professional educators and artists.
“The mornings bring a continual chatter and warm welcomes as the children celebrate the arrival of their VIPs,” Mrs Osborne says.
“Each week the relationships continue to form and strengthen. The children display a deep sense of empathy, compassion and mindfulness of their actions to ensure their friends’ safety.”
This is displayed through many small actions. Children hold their VIPs’ hands and guide them around the gardens. They slow their play so no water is splashed. Paints, pencils and paper are shared to make art together. They also invite their VIP friends to join in their cooking play, pouring them special ‘coffees’ in the bark kitchen.
These are just some of the ways children at FELC learn through planned and spontaneous play experiences. The child-centred Reggio Emilia philosophy inspires all experiences. Along the way they build relationships, share, cooperate, develop self-control, test ideas and friendships.
They also extend their range of experience, form associations and develop the five senses. This provokes wonder, curiosity and intellectual engagement.
The Flinders Early Learning Centre (FELC) supports 120 families with children aged from three to six years through creative Pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten programs. Located in a beautiful rainforest setting in Buderim next to the Matthew Flinders Anglican College campus, FELC is a licensed child care centre delivering compassionate and caring play-based programs in natural environments inspired by the child-centred Reggio Emilia experience. The aim is to ensure the learning is inviting, fun and creative.
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