Journey Early Learning Templestowe

Building on our exploration of Miimi Marraal, Mother Earth, our nursery children continued to express their understanding of their connection to the earth through creative experiences.

Using recycled paper pulp, the children created their own artistic interpretations of Miimi Marraal, Mother Earth. As they explored the texture and sensory qualities of the pulp, they carefully shaped and decorated their artworks, expressing their ideas about nature, belonging, and caring for the world around them.

The children worked together to create a special meeting place within their room. This space has become a place for gathering, connecting, and sharing an Acknowledgement of Country, fostering a sense of belonging and respect for the land on which we learn and play.

The children explored Indigenous symbols through art and storytelling, using marks, patterns, and designs to represent people, meeting places, and connections to nature.

Our nursery children have been discovering the beauty of their environment through imaginative nature photography! with toy cameras, they ventured outdoors, pretending to capture photographs of leaves, flowers, their friends, and the natural world around them. Through play, the children developed their observation skills and appreciation for the wonders of nature.

As part of our learning, we shared the beautiful story Miimi Marraal, Mother Earth, which explores the special connection between mothers, babies, and Earth. The story encourages conversations about how we are all connected to the earth and how nature helps us grow, learn, and thrive.

The children reflected on their relationship with the natural world as they explored their surroundings, noticing the colours, textures, and shapes as they carefully collected leaves and placed them in our centre’s coolamon, a traditional Aboriginal carrying vessel inspired by those carved from the bark of gum trees. This experience provided opportunities for children to engage with natural materials while learning about Indigenous perspectives and connections to Country.

Through storytelling, imaginative play, and hands-on exploration, the children are developing a deeper understanding of their place within nature and the importance of connection to country and the land we are living on.

Today, our kindergarten children headed out for their tennis lessons at Bulleen Tennis Club! 🎾

We had such a wonderful time building community connections while developing our gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The children enjoyed learning new tennis techniques, practising their movements, and having fun with their friends in a supportive environment.

Experiences like these help build confidence, encourage active lifestyles, and strengthen important physical skills through play and participation. We can't wait for our next lesson! 😊

During group time, kinder explored a variety of Indigenous symbols and discussed how symbols can be used to represent ideas, places and stories. We talked about symbols such as meeting places, waterholes, people, campsites and pathways, and discussed their meanings in a respectful and age-appropriate way.
Children were then invited to create their own interpretations by using natural materials including leaves, sticks and wooden pieces to arrange patterns and represent different symbols on our tabletop display. Through this experience, children engaged in observation, creativity and collaborative conversations while developing an appreciation for Aboriginal perspectives and the importance of storytelling and connection to Country.

You're Invited!
Come and discover Journey’s Kinder+ Program. Designed to build confidence, independence and school readiness through play-based learning, intentional teaching and a personalised learning approach 🌱
📅 Date: 23rd June
⏰ Time: 6:30 Pm
📍 Location: 271 Thompsons Road, Templestowe Lower, VIC 3107
✨ Meet the team
✨ Learn about our School Readiness approach
✨ Walk through our Kinder space
✨ Q&A with Educators
A great opportunity to get to know our centre and feel confident about your child’s next step 💛 RSVP here: https://brnw.ch/21x3hBy See less

Today, we were happy to welcome Hope from GKR Karate for a special karate incursion in celebration of UN International Day of Play.
Through physical exercise, the children explored their rights, personal safety, and the importance of using their voices with confidence. They practised assertive phrases such as "Stop, I don't know you" and "Stop, I don't like it," helping to build self-esteem, confidence, and the skills needed to communicate boundaries and keep themselves safe.
These experiences empower children to recognise that their voices matter and that they have the right to feel safe, respected, and heard.
A heartfelt thank you to Hope and the team at GKR Karate Templestowe for providing such a meaningful and empowering experience for our children. We are grateful for your support in helping our children develop confidence, resilience, and important life skills in a fun and engaging way.

We have been reading a beautiful book "Mimi Marraal, mother earth," along with our acknowledgement to country as children connect with nature and the world around them. Children took this experience and inspiration to create their own meeting place.

You're Invited!
Come and discover Journey’s Kinder+ Program. Designed to build confidence, independence and school readiness through play-based learning, intentional teaching and a personalised learning approach 🌱

📅 Date: 23rd June
⏰ Time: 6:30 Pm
📍 Location: 271 Thompsons Road, Templestowe Lower, VIC 3107

✨ Meet the team
✨ Learn about our School Readiness approach
✨ Walk through our Kinder space
✨ Q&A with Educators

A great opportunity to get to know our centre and feel confident about your child’s next step 💛 RSVP here: https://brnw.ch/21x3hBy

Our Toddler children enjoyed a wonderful walk to visit a nearby The Neighbourhood House cafe at Ted Ajani Hall for babycinos!
This exciting community outing provided children with opportunities to build confidence, develop social skills, and learn about the people and places that make up their local community. Along the way, the children practised road safety, observed their surroundings, and engaged in conversations about community helpers and local businesses.
At the café, the children enjoyed sitting together, sharing babycinos, and practising important life skills such as using manners, taking turns, and communicating with others in a real-world setting.
Experiences like these help children develop a sense of belonging within their community while fostering independence, confidence, and meaningful social connections.

Today, our Toddler children ventured out into the local community to donate collected cans and learn about the importance of sustainability and caring for our environment.

As part of this experience, the children explored how recycling helps reduce waste and protects our planet. They proudly participated in donating the cans, gaining an understanding of how small actions can make a big difference within their community.