Children develop a sense of connectedness to groups and communities and an understanding of their reciprocal rights and responsibilities as active and informed citizens
Early childhood education services are communities. Children, educators and families come together in one space. These people may be very different, but they have common goals.
Children's services also exist within wider communities. Some within large, bustling cities and others within very remote regions.
Early education professionals can help children learn about and belong to the various communities in their lives.
Learning experiences
- Make a list of groups that your children are connected to, like their family. Some children may attend church or play a sport.
- Go on a walking excursion to a nearby event or playground.
- Invite members of a community group to visit your children. Ask them to tell stories and share skills.
- Invite a police officer to visit your service, to discuss how people in the community can keep each other safe.
- Write a letter to your local government or council, about issues that affect children in your area.
- Provide a cooking experience to celebrate a culture that's connected to your children.
- The EYLF suggests building “partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations that are genuine and sustainable”. Cultural competence training for educators is a great first step.
Explore the EYLF
Explore other areas of Learning Outcome 2, Children are connected to their world.
Explore all the EYLF Learning Outcomes, with links to children's interest topics, on The Interest Forest.