In the lead up to Anzac Day, Oz Education children learnt about its significance and expanded their knowledge in human, society and its environment (HSIE), a key learning area of our early learning curriculum.
Through simple yet fun experiences, our little ones deepen their understanding of Anzac Day traditions, of what they see and hear – the dawn service, commemoration of soldiers and laying of the wreath.
At our Homebush centre, our inspiring educators brought our children outdoors to explore natural materials that could be used to make a wreath for Anzac Day. Our children enjoyed going outdoors and finding needle-like pine leaves which they observed were ‘thin’, ‘pointy’ and ‘easy to bend’. Indoors, they worked together to decorate a homemade empty wreath with red cupcake cases and the materials they found.
Children at our Tuggerah centre had a fun messy time marking Anzac cookies with their friends and educators and enjoying their delicious creations at afternoon tea.
Building on their interest in Anzac Day, Oz Education educators read and discussed the moving story ‘My Grandad Marches on Anzac Day’ by Catriona Hoy and Benjamin Johnson with the children. They learnt how Anzac Day is commemorated and why we remember those who gave their lives for their country from the point of view of a little girl. The colourful illustrations ignited their curiosity which led to interesting discussions about the pre-dawn Anzac Day parade and service, further building their literacy and listening skills.
Throughout the week, every Oz Education child participated in creative Anzac Day inspired crafts. In a sensory and manipulative play craft, our children had fun decorating paper plate poppies while having conversations about ANZAC Day and those who have made sacrifices for us and our world:
“Poppies are red.”
“We wear them on ANZAC Day.”
“To remember our heroes.”
In Campsie, our children used their beautifully handprinted poppies to create a spectacular window display to remember the brave men and women who serve our country.
“We’re proud to see our children engaged in the various Anzac Day activities with their educators through a combination of play and project-based learning activities. These fun experiences help each child to develop a love for learning history, culture and other early skills,” says Raeda Raaj, Centre Director of Oz Education Auburn. “As families have to be apart this Anzac Day, they also learn that we can still work collectively, by standing together in our homes to remember our Anzacs.”
Lest we forget. This Anzac Day, we will remember.
