Magic Moments at Bruce Early Childhood Centre: Embracing Country

At Bruce Early Childhood Centre, we believe in embedding Indigenous culture into our everyday activities to foster a deep and lasting respect for the rich heritage of Australia’s First Nations people. We recently celebrated Reconciliation Week and are now celebrating NAIDOC Week. These celebrations feature a series of engaging activities that emphasise the rich cultural heritage of the Indigenous Australians and our connection to the land.

A few weeks ago, the children participated in a special Reconciliation Week celebration. The event began with an Acknowledgment of Country, encouraging the children to observe the clouds, feel the breeze, and appreciate their surroundings. Faith, one of our educators, then led the children’s Acknowledgment of Country with accompanying actions:

“Here is the land, here is the sky. Here are my friends and here am I. We thank the Ngunnawal people for the land on which we play and learn. Hands up, hands down We’re on Ngunnawal ground.”

This was followed by a reading of ‘Mununja the Butterfly’ by Don Bell, the first children’s book written in both English and Ngunnawal language. The story came alive as Faith invited the children to flutter around the nursery yard like butterflies, engaging with the native flora.

To deepen their connection with nature, Livia P (another of our lovely Bruce Early Childhood educators) organized an activity where children explored natural materials such as leaves and sticks, along with butterfly and insect figures. This sensory and messy play experience, involving painting, was a highlight for the children.

Integrating Indigenous Culture into Everyday Learning

The children regularly participate in activities that teach them about Indigenous traditions and the natural environment. For instance, the nursery children engaged in a tummy time activity with sea creature toys.

During NAIDOC Week, we have an exciting lineup of activities planned to celebrate and educate our young learners about Indigenous culture.

Baby playing with leaves and other materials.

Picture of babies painting at Bruce Early Childhood Centre

Children dressed as butterflies at Bruce Ridge Early Childhood Centre.

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