Earlier this week it was a great pleasure welcoming many new IGS Early Learners and their families for an orientation session ahead of Term 1 commencing – the final session in a series of visits as part of our unique IGS Early Learning Orientation Program.
Children engaged in play experiences in their new classrooms, met their teachers as well as new class members and their families.
Behind the scenes, Early Learning Teachers and Educators work collaboratively to ensure children and families experience a welcoming, inclusive environment at the Centre. Our strong focus, especially in the early part of the year is that each person experiences belonging, and relationships are crucial to a sense of belonging. We are looking forward to getting to know each child and their family.
Our new Early Learners have prepared photo books to share pictures of their family members, pets and other important information about themselves and their families with their new teachers and classmates. Families have been reading the IGS Early Learning story book at home, to prepare with their child for the first day.
We recognise that after a long break, some children returning to the Centre from school holidays may benefit from experiences and interactions with educators and friends that promote reconnection, and possibly re-familiarising with daily routines and experiences in the Centre.
At IGS our practice is influenced by the Reggio Emilia approach, valuing the environment as the ‘third teacher’. Careful curation of physical spaces and experiences hold potential to influence what and how children learn at IGS. Many new Early Learners have experienced the beautiful spaces of the Early Learning Centre for the first time this week, and we look forward to welcoming further Early Learners for their first day on Monday.