🌟 Meet Sarah – Wattle Group Kindergarten Teacher – Interviewed by parent, Delphie Dib-Milston.
“Play helps children to discover, explore, extend their knowledge and build their self-identity.”
🌱Q: How did you begin your journey in early childhood education?
I first began working at primary school camps during my high school years, supporting young children. After high school, I moved to the UK, where I worked in a nursery (preschool) while exploring Europe. While completing my education qualification, I worked in a kindergarten on the Sunshine Coast. I have been teaching Prep and Early Years in a local Kenmore school for the past seven years, and before that, I worked in primary schools in the Centenary suburbs.
🌱Q: What does play mean in a kindergarten setting?
Play means child-led and chosen. Play is about discovering and being curious about their environment, their culture and their world.
* Play is building skills – social, emotional and physical.
* Play helps children to discover, explore, extend their knowledge and build their self-identity.
* Play is the adventures and imagination of untold worlds.
* Play is everything!
🌱Q: How do you see children in the classroom?
I see children as independent, capable learners who each come with their own personalities, capabilities and requirements. Children are unique. I see children as scientists as they discover their world, as teachers as they teach each other new skills, as sportspeople as they develop their physical skills and teamwork, as builders/engineers who like to share their creations with others, and many more incredible qualities.
🌱Q: What role does the teacher play in kindergarten?
The teacher’s role in Kindergarten is to support the whole child in all learning areas, gently guiding them to encourage kindness, acceptance, and inclusive behaviour. To support all children in all aspects of development to achieve active learning and a confident self-identity.
Personally, I have many role models (I have been so fortunate to work with many amazing and inspiring teachers). I do, however, adore Calypso in Bluey, who calmly weaves and facilitates children’s reflection, encouraging social interactions and a growth mindset.
🌱Q: What do you hope children take away from kindergarten?
I hope children have a strong sense of belonging within the Kindy where they have space to grow their sense of self. Where they feel safe to be curious, explore, listen and be heard. Where a growth mindset is the usual way to think, and where resilience and perseverance are present in all moments.
I hope children and families have wonderful memories of their time in Kindergarten, where a zest for lifelong learning is nurtured.
🌱Q: What is it that makes Kenmore West such a special Kindy?
Kenmore West Kindy has a unique and special space, which fosters beautiful connections with the environment, promoting sustainability. The stunning environment encourages the ability to be barefoot and climb trees, which facilitates a strong connection to nature.
KWK has such an inclusive, encouraging, and supportive community. I appreciate how KWK encourages strong family involvement in all areas of Kindy life. It is a gorgeous setting and a lovely community to be a part of.
🌱Q: Finally, if you had to pick three of your favourite books, and yes, I know it is hard, what would they be?
It is especially hard to choose, so here is what I am currently reading: a 1920s detective series, I have also been reading Agatha Christie books and I am reading a book called “Soul Rest” by a local Kenmore author.
Three children’s books I am reading now are “Monkey Puzzle” by Julia Donaldson, “Do not open this book” by Andy Lee and “Kindness rocks” by Kasey Rainbow.
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