Playing Together. Learning Together. Being Together.

Childhood is a time to be, a time to wonder, and a time to make meaning of the world. Fundamental to this is our ability to nurture a sense of belonging, being and becoming.

At Toorak, our focus is on developing rich, respectful and reciprocal relationships. This year, we decided to undertake a research project called 'What is community' that would include all members of our Early Learning community. In Terms 1 and 2, ELC Educators created many opportunities to support and develop each child’s understanding of what a community is.

Initially, children were asked to share their ideas about what a community is. From their responses, it was evident that many varied theories about communities exist!

“Being nice and being respectful and not being rude to people.” Ted C

“Dancing and eating.” Patrick H

“Working together.” Khloe M

“Saying hello.” Arlo H

“Being nice to friends.” Saskia N

“Looking after our world.” Oliver T

“It’s when you are in a big group.” Primrose S

In Term 1, children were invited to work collaboratively in mixed groups to create a pictorial community through drawing. Children created their 2D communities which included homes, local parks, pools, shops and even libraries.

As the term progressed, children were invited to transmediate their 2D community drawings into 3D communities with the use of loose parts and clay constructions. Many more ideas, concepts and theories emerged!

It was very evident on their return to school in Term 2 that they were understanding the importance of community connections and how important it is to belong to a community.

We explored the different relationships that we have within a community and the joy and comfort those relationships can bring. This exploration was supported by reading 'Under the Love Umbrella' by Davina Bell, and reflecting on who would be under their love umbrella with them.

Ms Pat Barbieri - Director of Early Learning