Spotlight on Learning

Learning in Walga

During one of our group times, we came together to talk about feelings. We began by looking at the emotion faces displayed on our classroom wall and tried to guess how each one might be feeling. This sparked some thoughtful conversations and wonderful observations from the children.

We then watched a fun song about different emotions, which helped us explore how feelings can look and sound. After this, I invited each member of Walga to choose a teddy bear card that caught their attention. Sitting together in a circle, each child had a turn sharing what emotion they thought their bear was expressing.

We finished our session by reminding Walga that our bodies can experience many different feelings in one day, and that no feeling is “wrong.” We spoke about how preschool is a safe place, and that there are always educators here who care deeply about them. It is both our role and our privilege to support the children whenever they need us.

“Happy” was an emotion that many children found easy to articulate. When I asked, “Can you share a time you felt happy?” these were some of their responses:

*Riley – When I play with my friends at preschool, I feel happy.

*Serena – I feel happy when I’m at the pool or beach. And playing with Arthur.

*Sunny – I feel happy when I’m hugging my little brother.

*Levi - I feel happy when I’m in the pool with my cousin Sophie.

*Arush – Playing soccer makes me happy.

*Adriana – I felt happy when I went on a ride at the Canberra Show.

*Yoedsel – Cuddling my family makes me happy.

*Theo – Going to my new swimming school makes me happy.

*Arthur – I feel happy when I go to the zoo with my family.

*Silas – Is happy when he is on the preschool swing.