A Curated Experience

Throughout the Early Learning Centre, educators recognise children’s play as complex and dynamic. It is meticulously crafted, and the intentionality of play that underpins each child’s experience, is highly purposeful and curated.

To the untrained eye, play provocations and experiences are simplistic and repetitive, however, they are anything but. Home corners, which may include communication tools such as phones, computers or construction tools, encourage children to practise their oral language and interpersonal skills as well as dabble as engineers and scientists. Areas such as our pretend play corners, which may include community themes such as vet centres or hospitals, or may revolve around fantasy ideas such as space or mythical creatures, help children push their imagination and share their ideas with others.

At Toorak, we believe the value of developmental play is powerful and the engine of learning and development, with the Early Years Learning Framework stating that “physical, social, emotional, personal, spiritual, creative, cognitive and linguistic aspects of learning are all intricately interwoven and interrelated.”

Play in our Early Learning studios is supported by the deliberate design of an aesthetically pleasing learning environment where materials and spaces are created with the intention of drawing children in and engaging their curiosity and problem solving instincts. Rigorous planning processes underpin our program to ensure that each child’s development is supported and nurtured, with educators using their knowledge and skills to create intentional teaching moments that are thoughtful, informed, and deliberate.

It is through play, and through each teaching moment, that children further their knowledge and develop their skills whilst embedding their love of learning.

Mrs Leanne Jensen and Mrs Rowena Thorne Wardle House Teachers