What does it take to be an amazing kindy teacher?EARLY LEARNING

from Kids on the Coast Magazine | Sunshine Coast - Issue 98. Jul/Aug 2020

NEWS: Community news from across the Sunshine Coast

MEET THE KINDY TEACHER

HAYLEY WALKER Early Childhood Teacher at Sanctuary Early Learning Adventure Buderim.

Preparing little learners for formal schooling, the Kindy year is one of the most important. We chat to Hayley Walker from Sanctuary Early Learning Adventure Buderim, to find out what really matters in that critical year and what it takes to be an amazing Kindy teacher.

What is your background? I have over ten years experience working in Early Childhood. I have had the pleasure of teaching children from babies to kindy kids.

If you weren’t a Kindy teacher, what would you be? I’ve always wanted to be a teacher; I can’t imagine not being a teacher. I’ve always had a passion for working with children.

What do you love most about your role as a Kindy teacher? I love watching the children develop a love for learning and being a part of their journey. I really enjoy watching the children’s development grow so much within the short time they spend at Kindy.

What do you like to do when you aren’t in the classroom? When I’m not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going to the beach, exercising and reading a good book.

What is your superpower? When I asked the other educators I work with, they told me my superpower is that I am kind and calm. Pretty good superpower to have, I think!

What program do you deliver at Sanctuary? We offer a play-based Kindy program. "is allows the children to learn while engaging in play, which is the best way for children to learn. Our program focuses on extending on the children’s interests and, through this, introducing them to new learning experiences. We offer an indoor/outdoor program, which allows the children to engage in both learning environments.

Why do you feel that this style of learning is best for Lastly, integrating technology into the program is also important. young children? "ere are many different ways to do this, we use programs such as Play-based learning gives children a sense of independence and Jolly Phonics and an interactive smartboard to gently introduce allows them the opportunity to become confident and capable technology in a group environment. individuals. All while having fun and enjoying being children. What can parents expect from Sanctuary What facilities are important to properly Early Learning Adventure Buderim? support learning in a Kindy year? I think that beautiful and engaging learning environments for children to explore make a huge difference. Alongside a play-based program, a wellContact At Sanctuary Early Learning Adventure, we believe that your child’s learning and development should be an extension of their home environment. "e centre is dedicated to providing the absolute equipped environment will support the acquisition of lifelong skills. Additional programs such as sports and excursions support our curriculum. We offer weekly sports and yoga programs, as well as excursions each term for Kindy. Communication between parents and teacher is SANCTUARY EARLY LEARNING ADVENTURE 140 Jones Rd, Buderim QLD 4556 sanctuarylearning.com.au 07 5322 5247 highest level of education, experiences and care. We value family, community, culture and home life and use these as the cornerstones for our philosophy. We believe there needs to be a holistic approach in this fast-paced technological world we live in, not only to ensure that our children can keep up also critical during the Kindy year, so there needs to with education and technology, but to provide be an effective communication strategy in place. an outlet for them to explore their creative flair We use Storypark – a secure online learning portfolio through art, music and sports. It is fundamental – which is great to actively engage parents in their child’s learning. to also ensure they are able to slow their mind and bodies down

To ensure our children have enough energy to learn and explore, and understand the importance of rest and relaxation. "erefore our chef prepares healthy meals that are approved by a paediatric we also include practices such as yoga, mindfulness and general selfnutritionist each season. awareness for all children.