Gaia's Nest in Cambridge, Tasmania, Australia | Nursery

Gaia's Nest

Locality: Cambridge, Tasmania, Australia

Phone: +61 3 6244 2077

Address: 375 Pass Road 7018 Cambridge, TAS, Australia

Website: https://www.gaiasnest.com.au/

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24.01.2022 ~ PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ~ We are excited to release the first of our external training opportunities for 2021. For Bookings:... https://www.trybooking.com/BOARS https://www.trybooking.com/BISOI Hope to see you there!

24.01.2022 Educators give time, listen, wait, react, respond, extend and ensure a balance as a partner. . When building meaning with children, educators seek and value children's comments, points of view and ideas encouraging alternative perspectives, representations, opinions and conclusions. . They use appropriate strategies to facilitate the construction of deeper meaning such as questioning, prompts, confirmation, affirmation, feedback, expansion, reflection, joint problem solvin...g, modelling, mediation and deconstructing, fostering experimentation and creativity. . Assessing for Learning and Development in the Early Years using Observation Scales. Reflect, Respect, Relate. . #educator #environment #relationship #cues #foster #connection #agency #activeparticipant See more

23.01.2022 There's something so magical about a fire. It has the ability to capture the attention of children and adults alike, igniting the collective sense of wonder, awe and beauty in our natural world. . Thank you to our wonderful families and educators who came together to create a roaring fire, toast marshmallows, share in conversation and view each child as capable and competent. .... Bonfire night has definitely left a warm internal spark that will carry us through to our next community gathering. . #bonfire #families #community #connection #capable #natureplay #bushlearning #spring See more

23.01.2022 P r e s e n t e r : Canie Bentley . Canie will explore the Steiner education ethos of truth, beauty, and goodness. Delegates will be guided in unpacking the intentional teaching opportunities storytelling provides to support children to develop a strong sense of morality, self-regulation, and emotional intelligence. . Jump into the link in our bio to secure your spot ... . #conference #waldorf #steiner #storytelling #regulation #teacher #educator #kinder #preschool #toddler #babies #gaiasnest See more

23.01.2022 The songs of the pardalote, fairy wren and swallow call to us as they flock in and invite us to witness the beginning of the berries rising from the warmth of Mother Gaia. . Rabbits and children hop over with excitement to the nearest wild berry shrubs awaiting for their fruits to be plentiful. . #spring #berries #wildtasmania #fruit #gaia... #thewaitisalmostover See more

23.01.2022 The smell of good bread baking, like the sound of lightly flowing water, is indescribable in its evocation of innocence and delight... [Breadmaking is] one of those almost hypnotic businesses, like a dance from some ancient ceremony. It leaves you filled with one of the world's sweetest smells... there is no chiropractic treatment, no Yoga exercise, no hour of meditation in a music-throbbing chapel. that will leave you emptier of bad thoughts than this homely ceremony of mak...ing bread. M.F.K. Fisher, The Art of Eating #gaiasnest #learnthroughplay #routines #rituals #lifeskills

22.01.2022 "Hmmm what is it?" asked an educator. . "It looks like a furry caterpillar. It's so big!" . Two educators pondered their discovery as they walked in to start their day. ... . Later the discussion was shared as to what others thought was laying there to greet them. . Curious, the educators returned to see if it was still there. . As they approached, this time from the other side of the glass. Laughter rumbled within them, they looked at each other and realized that it wasn't a caterpillar but a large moth laying there to greet them. . So the research began, wondering which moth greeted them that morning? . #curiosity #lifelonglearner #moth #environmentasthethridteacher See more

22.01.2022 Throughout Winter we become dragons, fierce with our breath in the cold winter air. #dragon #poem #winter #seasons

21.01.2022 Why do we bounce on the moon and walk on the earth? A question birthed in Kinder Bears recently. . "Gravity" R. says . What is gravity? ... . "Blue - The moon Yellow circle - The moons glow Pink and purple bits - Gravity and particles" D. narrates whilst illustrating his understandings. . #kinder #documentation #provocations #moon #numeracy #childsvoice #openended See more

21.01.2022 Each day, our children help to set the table for lunch. We see the value in providing an aesthetically pleasing table that allows the children to be directly involved. With the intention of making the meal a calm and intentional time. The children assist in setting out the table in a purposeful way, lighting a candle, eating from plates, drinking from cups and sharing a slower meal time. #respect #intentionality #aesthetics

20.01.2022 To create an environment that speaks to the adult and the child, it takes a village filled with hand, heart, and soul workers. . #perspective #collaboration #unity #village #weave #newbeginnings

20.01.2022 Connection to the natural environment is essential #gaiasnest #nature #connection

20.01.2022 This is a wonderful retreat...doll making and more!! There’s still a couple of spots left. If you’d like a weekend away with beautiful people, beautiful food and the gift of making a doll this is right up your alley!!

19.01.2022 Practical skills. Campfires and bush crafts. Join us for a hands-on session to explore practical skills in nature. Saturday 15th May 8:30 - 12:30pm ... Book now: https://www.trybooking.com/BOEQB #naturepedagogy #professionallearning #ecologicalliteracy

19.01.2022 We're excited to announce our conference presenters for These Hands - The identity of the creator, in a consumerist society. . Our presenters come with a breadth of knowledge grounded in Early Childhood Education and Care, blending philosophies, nature play, and much more. To find out more, keep an eye on our stories over the next two weeks! . #conference #thesehands #facilitators #gaiasnest #professionaldevelopment

19.01.2022 Walking up to the puddle, J. stopped and stared at it for a while. Slowly, he put one foot into the puddle, almost like he was testing the water and how deep it was. . Moving back he quickly jumped with both feet into the water. Running through to the other side, he spun around and stomped back through the water. . Continuing to splash in the water, openly expressing his emotions through a large smile and small laughs. ... . #toddler #bush #childled #curiosity #researcher #puddle #numeracy #kinestetic See more

19.01.2022 Music has a unique relationship with our brain, it speaks directly to our motor cortex. Deep within us, music calls our body to move, it invites us to play, to let go of our inhibitions. Music makes our brains happy. . - Three Little Birds by Elizabeth Mitchell . #100languages #bushlearning #music #connection #rhythm

18.01.2022 Winter is here! . We arrived and Gaia greeted us with, frost dusted leaves and icy bark trees. .... Our fingers turned red as our breath captured the air and we all took in that winter was here. . Today marks the first day of winter but here at Gaia's winter arrived last week! . #winter #celebrate #seasons #change #gaiasnest #firstfrost See more

18.01.2022 R. eagerly responded to an invite to collect sticks for the fire. . He walked through the bush with his peers and educator, bending down to pick up small sticks along the way as he had seen his educator demonstrating this action. . Back at the fire, R. placed small sticks in the center of the cold coals. As his educator indicated 'finished' using words and Auslan, R’s body paced around the fire eager for the next direction. His educator began scrunching pieces of newspaper... then passed a piece to R. . At first, he placed smooth sheets on top of the sticks. His educator used verbal and Auslan communication to indicate "more -paper-fire", and continued demonstrating scrunching the paper. . R. soon began scrunching the paper and dropping it loosely onto the fire. When this process was finished, the educator brought forth a box of matches. R. reached in eagerly. The educator lit the match, paused then slowly placed it onto the fire pile. They repeated this process again and again. . The educator opened the matchbox holding it out to R. R removed a match from the box dragging it down the phosphorus edge. R. dragged the match again and again. It sounded occasionally, then finally the flame came to life. R. shook his hand towards the fire as if he shook the flame off like it were something wet or sticky. . R. lifted the flame to his face and blew out the flame, tossing the used match onto the fire. . #capable #bushlearning #trust #fire #inquiry #investigation #wonder #growwgaia See more

18.01.2022 We see them along the path as we walk, clustered along branches on the magnificent Sheoak trees. . These seedpods are in abundance in our bush and are quite a loved loose part for us. . Each year the male seedpods will turn a dusky red colour as they release their pollen, making the job of pollination easier for the bees. ... . rocklea_wildflowers #sheoak #looseparts #bushlearning #natureplay #gaiasnest See more

18.01.2022 Our bush is in flower! The native Acacia dealbata was the first to flower this season. . Bringing with it new life for our fauna to explore and sparking wonder in children across the rooms. . #winter #wonder #wattle #natureplay #gaiasnest

18.01.2022 Slow spring mornings are our favouirte time to make bread or scrolls. As we kneed we sing . "We mix the dough, we knead the dough, we let it rise, we punch the dough and pat the dough, it grows before our eyes. Hot white loaf, in a little ball, it rises up to feed us all." . Rainbow magic - Shirley Barber... Gisela . #spring #breadmaking #waldorf #song #gratitude #enchant See more

18.01.2022 S. stood back watching the older children climb and engaging with one another. L. saw S. and approached her. 'Hey S, want to come over here?' holding her hand out, she took hold of her hand and followed her to the climbing space. As she reached the climbing space, L. let go of S.'s hands and began to climb up the plank. S. watched L.'s movements as she went up the plank, she instantly approached the plank and began to climb up by herself, unsuccessful S. tumbled off, wiping h...er hands clean she stood back up and began to climb again. . This time S. held on tightly, moving her body up the plank in a crawling position slowly but seeming confident. She stopped halfway, looked up at L. who was encouraging her to continue, she began crawling again to where she reached the top, she turned around clapping her hands, as she seemed excited about her achievements. . Opportunities to explore freely provide children space and time to build upon their sense of trust and in turn their resilience in a potentially challenging environment, nurturing friendships along the way. . #natureplay #trust #capable #friendship #oberve #rolemodel #toddler #bush See more

18.01.2022 Spring is here! . The warmth of the sun speaks to us as we emerge from our reflective months, guiding us to find each other and breathe in the newness that comes with the change of season. . #spring #blossom #change #poem #gaiasnest

17.01.2022 https://www.trybooking.com/BPYTM Happening this weekend for any ex-Gaia’s children. Places still available if anyone is interested.

17.01.2022 P r e s e n t e r : Sarah Grannetia . Join Sarah in a thought-provoking workshop as she guides you in unpacking your image of yourself as an educator and the ripples that you can bring about through mindful practice. . Book through the link below to secure your place today ... . https://www.gaiasnest.com.au/shop/conference-thesehands . #conference #educator #teacher #learning #philosophies #gaiasnest See more

17.01.2022 Help our Thursday Kinder Bears out by donating your old t-shirts.

17.01.2022 How do we, as early childhood educators, effectively plan and implement a program that meets the incredibly diverse needs and learning styles of the many children enrolled in our program? How can we plan for inquiry and effectively enact a learning cycle, when each day of the week brings a different combination of children? Come along to our next professional development session where these questions will be asked, answered and discussed.... Book now: https://www.trybooking.com/BISOI #programming #kinder #inquiry #NQF #EYLF #educator #teacher

17.01.2022 A week of rain is coming! Yipee! *cue rain dance . We're hoping the forecast sticks and we receive the constant flow of precious water. .... #gaiasnest #allweatherlearning #natureplay #rain #babies #toddlers #preschoolers See more

16.01.2022 "I wonder if it is a bird... or it could have been a dinosaur, I think it was a dinosaur. I wonder where it has gone now?" . Exclaimed H. after sitting by the egg shell in the bush for a very long time, pondering before making his thoughts known. . #bushlearning #researcher #curiousity #natureplay #childled #kinder

16.01.2022 Through feeling connected, children develop deep concern for, and a positive orientation towards their human and physical environments, which fundamentally prevents destructive behaviours. . High levels of wellbeing maximise children's learning potential, encouraging the positive development of children's innate exploratory drive, a sense of agency and the desire to interact with others. . #wellbeing #emotionalintelligence #reverence #happiness #vitality #senseofbelonging

15.01.2022 We've recently welcomed chickens back into our village. If you've been at Gaia's recently you have probably been greeted by our 'houdini' hen who loves to graze the property, checking out what's been happening before returning to the coop. #escapeartist A few fun facts about chickens...did you know? ... . Our chooks are an ISA Brown breed. . Chickens are omnivores, and a hen will eat their own raw eggs if they are not satisfied with their diet. . In order to clean themselves, chickens take dust baths. They dig a small pit in the ground and use the dirt to help with the oil in their feathers. . Mother hens talk to their chicks while they’re still in the eggs, and the chicks can chirp back while in the shell. . Do you have any chickens at home? . #didyouknow #gaias #chickens #inclusive #village #empathy #babies #toddler #bigs #kinder See more

15.01.2022 Immerse yourself in a 3 day professional learning, hands on conference These Hands - The identity of the creator, in a consumerist society. . Building a positive relationship with our own bodies, as a foundation for awareness of; how intentionality within ourselves interconnects with our engagement to environmental and social relationships. .... Jump into the link below for more info and to secure your spot today! https://www.gaiasnest.com.au/these-hands . #educator #teacher #conference #tasmania #natureplay ##leadership #hands #gaiasnest #play #earlychildhood #eca See more

15.01.2022 P. worked carefully at the task, hitting the nail on the head squarely. Her taps were very gentle though and the nail didn't seem to move. This didn't go unnoticed and P. changed her grip, a look of concentration passed her face. This didn't change the progress, so P. returned to her original grip. . P. persevered with the task for many more minutes, though she had started to lose focus and watch the children around her. An educator reminded her to keep on eye on her work s...o that she wouldn't hurt her fingers. Slowly she had begun bending the nail. An educator then demonstrated how to tap it on the side to straighten it. P. immediately tried it. Then she flipped the hammer over and began pulling at the nail with the hammer claw. . "I know that because Aggie and gang-gang taught me. Not your Aggie, my Aggie. In the tool shed." . #trust #activeparticipant #tools #growwgaia #capable See more

15.01.2022 Our first fire of the year is yet to be lit....but still the children feel the changes around them. As the cool air influences the environment, so does it influence the children’s play. With campfire play in full swing it will soon be time to explore our real flints as part of our winter practices. #gaiasnest #naturepedagogy #learnthroughplay #winteriscoming #autumn #campfire

14.01.2022 S A V E T H E D A T E We’re excited to announce that our Annual Conference will be going ahead this September. . 3 days that will host thought provoking keynotes, networking, presentations, workshops and environment immersions. .... Join us as we dive into These Hands - the identity of the creator, in a consumerist society. . 16th - 18th September 2020 . #gaiasnest #conference #tasmania #professionaldevelopment #thesehands See more

14.01.2022 "Look, it has blood, it's really sick," W says. "Why is it sick?" the educator asks. "Red blood, it's dying and its lost it's smell. Poor Eucaplypus leaf," he says, placing it down to rest. When children are given the names of nature, they can truly form a connection and a sense of empathy for all living things. ... #gaiasnest #natureplay #eucapyptus #wonder #curiostiy #ecology

13.01.2022 J. confidently walks into the bathroom to wash his hands after playing making playdough. . Stepping up to the stool, J. reaches for the soap and turns to the educator, as if to indicate he needs help. The educator helps J. with the soap and turns the tap on for him, he gently pushes her body away and proceeds to wash his hands, stopping to look up in the mirror in between movements. . J. then swiftly moves over to dry his hands with a paper towel and proceeds to push the t...owel into the bin once finished. . Providing children with opportunities to authentically engage with their day encourages them to take responsibility for their body and their actions. . A simple task such as washing hands provides children with the opportunity to build on their sense of belonging within the relationship to their educator and environment. . #capable #viewofchild #autonomy #childled #communication #opportunity #growwgaia See more

13.01.2022 G. observed the birds, expressing her excitement, joy and wonder as they flew to and from the birch trees in the yard. . Nurturing moments like these with simple serve and return communication fosters the connection in the relationship between child and educator, strengthening early brain development and reassuring that the relationship is safe, secure and reciprocal. . #childled #babybears #birds #serveandreturn #winter #gaiasnest

13.01.2022 Stories ignite a sense of wonder and awe in all of us, reading them engages, entices, and enchants our imagination with possibilities. . As children seek to create their own environments, they source our bracken fern laying on the bush floor to construct their cubby house. . Rainbow magic - illustration Shirley Barber.... #enchant #brackenfern #bushlearning #stories #imagination See more

12.01.2022 ‘This has got to be a bird bone,’ H. shares. . ‘It looks like a bird-shaped and I’ve never seen one before’ . #curiousities #bone #childled #bushlearning

12.01.2022 As we sit in circle and welcome the day, we give thanks to all that has come with the seasonal change. . Sharing a book or singing a song, helps us understand the change that Gaia has undergone. . #circle #songs #winter #seasons #gaiasnest

12.01.2022 What a beautiful cold autumn day! Our camp out for ex-Gaia’s children has begun. So far the attendees are enjoying catching up with old friends and exploring our old bush space.

12.01.2022 Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun. Mary Lou Cook #art #creativity #selfselection #independance #simple

12.01.2022 "ooh! I'm having a bath!" J. exclaimed as he sat inside the tyre. . Utilising the environment as the third teacher is easier when we can create 'yes' spaces for children to explore. . Loose parts are a favourite in our practice, providing children with the autonomy they need to be the creators in their play. ... . #childled #toddlebears #looseparts #imagination #provocation #winter #gaiasnest See more

12.01.2022 We're excited to open our doors for our 3rd Annual Conference - These Hands - The identity of the creator, in a consumerist society. . Building a positive relationship with our own bodies, as a foundation for awareness of; how intentionality within ourselves interconnects with our engagement to environmental and social relationships. . Jump onto our website for more info and to secure your spot today!... . https://www.gaiasnest.com.au/shop/conference-thesehands . #gaiasnest #conference #leadership #teacher #educator #natureplay #hands See more

11.01.2022 As we entered the outside space, E. crawled straight over to the music, he relaxed his body, laying on his side and instantly started playing with the shakers. Soon he found a guitar, E. moved into a sitting position where he then started strumming the guitar. . E. used his left hand to gently strum the strings, watching his fingers he slowly moved his head towards the guitar, gently placing his head down he smiled towards the educator as he listened to himself playing mus...ic. . . Providing children with opportunities to explore a myriad of music in their world fosters engagement of their brain in areas responsible for processing sound, language development, speech perception, reading, and regulation. . #childled #babybears #music #braindevelopment #causeandeffect #researcher #winter #gaiasnest See more

11.01.2022 J has become quite fond of bugs. Over the last couple of weeks he has been seeking out & exploring our yard in search of bugs. Once finding them, he gently picks them up before placing them back in their homes. #explorationofnature #curiosity #earlyyears

11.01.2022 P r e s e n t e r : Michelle Beakley . Join Michelle as she shares the evolution of weaving guiding philosophical approaches, personal passions for early childhood advocacy, and an ethos of respect into the community of Gaia's Nest . . Jump into the link in our bio to secure your spot ... . #conference #reggioemilia #waldorf #pikler #rie #naturepedagogy #teacher #educator #kinder #preschool #toddler #babies #gaiasnest See more

11.01.2022 In an Early Years environment, relationships are formed where reciprocal interactions and collaboration between educators and children lead to new understanding, knowledge and a deeper level of involvement. . This requires educators to establish an environment and opportunities that nurture through children's will, emotions and thoughts. . #environment #natureplay #bushlearning #nurture #letthemplay #reverence #thesehands #environmentasthirdteacher

10.01.2022 As the days shorten, the light that guides our way shifts from the sun to the moon. . A time for us to gather and dance to the moody melodies that surround us during the transition into winter. . #fullmoon #winter #dance #season #gratitude #enchant

10.01.2022 The relationships we build and the style of our interactions with young children are critical to their present and future wellbeing, to their learning, their development, and their social competence. Children learn about themselves and their worlds through relationships and experience. . #relationships #trust #unfolding #reverence #cicrleofsecuirty #quality #care #connections #gaiasnest

10.01.2022 A. expressed curiosity over the colour of the leaf she's holding. Wondering and questioning why it changed. . Children remind us that the small simplicities of our world are in fact the little things we adults constantly are reminded to return to. Thank you . #childled #bigbears #reflection #change #provocation #winter #gaiasnest

10.01.2022 P r e s e n t e r : Tiffany Overgaauw & Hannah Colbourn . Join Tiffany and Hannah as they tackle questions around learning in the 21st century and how we can become co-researchers with children. Through hands-on practice, delegates will be supported to ponder the following big questions: . -With information at the end of our fingertips, what does natural learning look like? ... . -How can we engage with ourselves, children, and our community in inquiry-based learning? . -What does learning with our senses feel like? . -How does this developing understanding; challenge our participation in consumerism? evolve our own sense of identity and purpose? . Book your spot today - https://www.gaiasnest.com.au/shop/conference-thesehands . #conference #natureplay #bushlearning #teacher #educator #kinder #preschool #toddler #babies #naturepedagogy #gaiasnest See more

10.01.2022 Fostering an environment that leads with curiosity enables children and adults alike to explore their world through the lens of an active participant, a researcher. . "The focus is more on developing learner dispositions rather than teaching narrower skills. There is no wrong as a result of a provocation." . geteduca... . #provocation #expand #ideas #interests #openended See more

10.01.2022 As you walk through your winter's day, have you noticed where the bare trees lay? . #winter #seasons #poem #change #wonder

10.01.2022 Book your tickets for a hands on experience that explores bush crafts that can be done in any setting using natural resources and materials. Next Saturday 15th of May Book now: https://www.trybooking.com/BOEQB... #naturepedagogy #professionallearning #ecologicalliteracy

09.01.2022 Are you interested in Gaia's Nest's Kinder aged Program? . We have limited places available for our 2021 Kindergarten aged program (4-5yrs) . Email [email protected] for more information... . #enrolments #2021 #4years #5years #gaiasnest See more

09.01.2022 Over the last few weeks, a few children in baby bears have shown a strong interest in music and making music so we thought we would go and explore the music room. . Upon arriving A. was keen to explore all of the different instruments straight away showing us that she feels safe and secure with her educators and peers. A. went up to all of the instruments very carefully and picked up each instrument examining how they work and the sound they make. As A. was examining some o...f the other instruments on the floor the sound of the keyboard caught A.'s attention and she headed straight toward it. . When she reached the keyboard she carefully tapped the keys with one finger carefully listening to each note. A. then noticed some of her peers pressing other buttons making music. A. walked over holding the table so that she was able to reach the same buttons, as she pressed each button and it made a different tune she wiggled her body "dancing" to the music. . A. is showing she is feeling safe secure and supported being able to move between rooms and different environments easily. A. is also showing us that she is developing skills to be able to investigate and experiment with different resources in her environment. . Fostering children's sense of belonging through the circle of security, enables children like A. to confidently explore with curiosity, awe and a sense of being grounded in a space where the educator or adult holds that space with reverence for them. . #relationships #babies #music #researcher #activeparticipant #circleofsecurity #exploration #trust #reverence See more

09.01.2022 ~GAIAS NEST CAMPOUT 2021~ A true connection to Gaia and community should not and does not end just because you stop coming to care everyday. By providing an opportunity for children to continue to return to the Nest, we are fostering a continued love of nature, especially to our own patch of land that they remember so well. Additionally the children can retain their connection to us as a community and their friendships that began as babies. ... #gaiasnest #learningthroughplay #naturepedagogy #community #connection #friendship

08.01.2022 It's HERE!! Check out our new website! . View our latest blogs, free resources, professional learning and services . Take a peek - www.gaiasnest.com.au ... . #gaiasnest #website #live #excitementmuch See more

08.01.2022 #gaiasnest #bushlearning #playbased #naturepedagogy

08.01.2022 As the cold winter morning coats the grass with frost, our infants and toddlers explore the wonders of ice. . The sensation of cold breath in their mouth, and awe with each exhalation of white mist. . The white frosted tips of grass - icy to touch, sending shivers and squeals through the yard.... . The rainbows that the frozen bubbles captured as the first light peeked its way through the birch trees. ... . We wonder where these investigations will lead us as we take further steps into winter? . #infant #toddler #play #bushlearning #winter #frost #ice #allweatherlearning See more

08.01.2022 To guide children into an authentic understanding of the world, is to give them a metaphorical torch of trust. . Encourage children to view themselves as a vital part in our everyday tasks, such as lighting the fire, and witness the shift in confidence, responsibility and initiative . #capable #poem #autonomy #circleofsecurity #trust #guidance #fire #realworldlearning

06.01.2022 F. carried a stick along our walk on Monday. As we observed her she appeared to be trying to stay ahead of the main group. Placing her stick on the puddles as she went. Upon further observation it was realised that F. has taken it upon herself to check the depth of the puddles for the group to keep her peers safe from falling in something unsafe. . When children are provided with opportunities to have their opinions and ideas listened to, and to make suggestions and negotiate..., their capacities are fostered to be curious, to actively listen to others, contribute and shape their understandings and their lives, while honouring the rights and achievements of both themselves and others. (Pascal & Bertram, 1999.) . This is the foundation of children's identity and sense fo self. . #kinder #relationship #numeracy #empathy #cognitive #identity #allweatherlearning #potentialofapuddle #rain See more

06.01.2022 To begin our year with an inspired mindset, we are once again hosting a morning of discussion and sharing around the programming and planning undertaken at Gaia's Nest. This session will be guided by the programs run in our Kinder room (4-5 year old's), with the content being relevant for a variety of ages from birth to 8 years. During the morning we aim to cover; ... - Daily routines and rituals; programming and documentation methods. - Inquiry based projects - Covering the NQF and EYLF by following child-led programs. This event is suitable for anyone working in both early childhood and school settings. Our intention is for attendees to leave with an understanding of our methods at Gaia's Nest and how our approach can support and empower teachers and educators to fulfil all aspects of the National Quality Framework in an authentic and simplified way. To book your ticket today, click below! https://www.trybooking.com/BISOI #programming #kinder #inquiry #NQF #EYLF #educator #teacher

05.01.2022 'Play is precious. Play builds brain pathways for thinking, creativity, flexibility, empathy and many other lifelong skills.' - Heather Shumaker #natureplay #activeparticipant #bushenvironment

05.01.2022 As we hunt for mushrooms the opportunity for developing numeracy skills in nature arises. . Similarities and differences, size, shape, and quantity are all discussed and pondered as we walk through our bush. . We find sticks to use as an extension of our fingers helping us point to and count the precious mushrooms. ... . As we come to the closing of Autumn, have you noticed any changes in the mushrooms you've seen along your path? . We've noticed a patch of mushrooms we had been observing, they had begun to die... we wondered why??? . "It’s no water. They need water" - Violet . #mushroom #season #changes #ecoliteracy #stem #literacy #childled See more

05.01.2022 Winter is almost over and we have been cooking porridge on the campfire to warm our bellies. The children cooked the porridge, patiently waiting for it to cook before serving it to each other. . This reminded many children of the bush shop we had last year and they were keen to get it up and running. . First step was to paint a sign.... . #childled #kinderbears #campfire #cooking #winter #gaiasnest See more

05.01.2022 Kinder bears were taught about sagg grass from our friends at NITA Education . It’s one of their favourite bush tucker’s as it’s so common on our land. . The children frequently pull a strand whilst playing or walking and know how to identity it from other grasses. ... . Identifying Sagg grass - Look for the two points at the end of each strand. It makes a good home for small bugs and insects . Have you spotted any Sagg grass growing near you? . #bushtucker #palawa #grateful #foodfromland #gaiasnest See more

05.01.2022 P r e s e n t e r : Trish Hodge @nitaeducation . Join Trish as she guides you through a nourishing and reflective session, Trish will share with us the deep history that runs through the land that we share. We will be challenged to question how we engage with the land, and how our practice can shape culture and community both now and into the future. . Book now to secure your place ... https://www.gaiasnest.com.au/shop/conference-thesehands . #conference #natureplay #weaving #country #learning #bush #gaiasnest

04.01.2022 Today a reader, tomorrow a leader. Margaret Fuller #eylf #NQF #childled #curiosity

04.01.2022 Kangaroo Apple grows in many places in our bush. We watch as the immature leaves change from kangaroo prints to long linear leaves. As time goes by, the children wait patiently. When will the Kangaroo Apple fruit be ripe for eating? We watch as the fruit changes from green to yellow to orange, and finally red, ripe for eating. #gaiasnest #bushlearning #native #natureplay #tasmainia #ecologicalliteracy

04.01.2022 As we emerge from this period of reflection and hibernation, may we unite in our collective ability to see each other as the beautiful humans we are. . Children often guide us back to this innate knowing, role modelling the various ways compassion can be shown for other living beings. . #bekind #empathy #human #allequal #childrenofearth

04.01.2022 It is an absolute human certainty that no one can know his own beauty or perceive a sense of his own worth until it has been reflected back to him in the mirror of another loving, caring human being. John Joseph Powell, The Secret of Staying in Love #learnthroughplay #gaiasnest #eylf #nqf

04.01.2022 I wanted you to know joy, So I laughed with you. I wanted you to feel safe, So I was there for you. I wanted you to accept others as they are,... So I accepted you as you are. I wanted you to be unashamed of your tears, So I didn’t hide mine. I wanted you to be brave, So I let you see me conquer my fears. I wanted your heart to be tender, So I treated it with care. I wanted you to follow your dreams, So I let you see me follow mine. I wanted you to be compassionate, So I showed you kindness. I wanted you to be generous, So I freely shared all I had with you. I wanted you to live in peace with others, So I lived in peace with you. I wanted you to become who you were meant to be, So I gave you wings and set you free. . L R Knost . #innerwork #rolemodel #trust #relationships #safe #nurture #environment #courage #community See more

03.01.2022 Children experiment with physical touch and eye contact as a way to initiate a social connection with peers and educators. #earlyyears #communication #babybears #senseofbelonging

03.01.2022 We're very fortunate that our native bush block hosts the C. f. xanthanotus or the yellow-tailed black cockatoo, a subspecies that is native to Tasmania. . A few insights into the yellow-tailed black cockatoo - . They are nomadic and cover large distances in search for food. ... . Unfortunately their population is slowly dwindling, with their natural habitat being cleared. . They love to eat seeds, nuts, fruit or berries from a wide range of native trees and shrubs such as eucalypts, banksias, acacia, sheoaks and hakea, and also enjoy insects, larvae, seeds and nuts of introduced flora such as pines. . Have you seen many yellow-tailed black cockatoos around your house? . #yellowtailedblackcockatoo #native #grownative #bushlearning #protect See more

03.01.2022 As we wind down for the final few hours of 2020 in our work home we wish to thank everyone for their love, support and patience. We wish you all a safe and happy Christmas and we hope your loved ones are close this year. Much love to you all, we will see you again from the 4th January. <3 January. What a spark! to begin a new year,... and make a fresh start February. We were making great progress With all our new friends and after our break we were feeling quite cleansed March Omg. What a month. Covid hit and we hit a huge bump. April Working from home was something new and we split our team straight in two. People were creative and took up the challenge tackling the task of storytelling, they recorded themselves on video and became experts at live streaming on Zoom, not Vimeo! May arrived and we came back to work, And through our days we again found our quirks, Settling in and doing our best, we tried hard to avoid a Covid test. We cleaned and we played and we played and we cleaned and the children were as happy as normal it seemed. During June and July We welcomed new children and families alike and we made fond discoveries when taking a hike It felt like it was the beginning of the year as our groove came back with a reduction in fear (of Covid) The last 6 months... We made lots of progress in our Gaia’s Nest home Building and creating for children to roam We thank all of you for supporting our efforts We now have our rain tank to help when its wetter And whilst many things were put on hold We will be back stronger just watch us unfold Our fair, Winter Solstice and crafting will return More fun than ever as we share and we learn For some the year has been harder than ever As loved ones were separated and some lost for ever We are thinking of you and send all our prayers And hope that you find peace in the love that we share. We say farewell to our children heading off in the world We will watch from afar as your lives unfurl Keep your imagination alive and remember to play As you bring joy to us all and such delight to each day So as this year ends, we send all of our love And say thank you to all who have shared all the above To those of you leaving or moving afar it won’t be goodbye, but instead, au revoir <3

03.01.2022 "Trust children. Nothing can be more simple, or more difficult. Difficult because to trust children we must first learn to trust ourselves, and most of us were taught as children that we could not be trusted." John holt . #trust #relationships #innerwork #responsibility

03.01.2022 Big Bears have incorporated the use of Auslan signs into our days. Using certain signs to communicate with each other and regularly use the colour signs in our days as the children have responded very positively to these. We regularly sing and sign the song 'I can sing a rainbow' together in some of our circle times. . One morning an educator sat with a small group of four children including E. and made some slime together. Two trays were sat out on the art table and we beg...an by pouring cornflour into each tray. E. was very excited to begin mixing the slime and as the water was poured in, she asked the educator if we could put a colour in. . "Yes, that's a great idea, E." replied the educator, and retrieved a box of different food colours, placing them on the table. "Can we make ours green?" asked T., who was paired with E. "Oooh, yes, green!" agreed E. excitedly, who then showed the educator the colour green using the AUSLAN sign. "Yes, that's green." said the educator, who then picked up the green bottle and dropped some dye into the slime. . The educator picked up the red bottle as the other children had decided they wanted to colour their slime pink. "They are having Red." said E., showing the Auslan sign for red. E. watched on as the red dye was dropped into the tray of white slime, turning it pink. Noticing that the slime was now pink, E. signed the colour pink and turned back to the tray of green slime in front of her and continued her exploration alongside her peer. . E. has shown that she is an enthusiastic participant in learning the Auslan signs and is capable of transferring that knowledge into different settings. . #environment #communication #bilingual #colour #activeparticipant ##socialconstructivist #pedagogy #bigbears See more

02.01.2022 Perception can be a funny thing, it seems to play tricks on us, but if we can pause, take a few deep breaths and view the world through a whole-hearted lens, oh what a magical way it is to live. . #viewofthechild #perception #heartcentred

02.01.2022 Children more than ever, need opportunities to be in their bodies in the world jumping rope, bicycling, stream hopping and fort building. It’s this engagement between limbs of the body and bones of the earth where true balance and centeredness emerge. ~ David Sobel #natureplay #inquiry #exploration #grossmotor

01.01.2022 The warmth of the weekend arrived, spring was in the air and it was a glorious day for the Gaia's Nest day out at paintball followed by an evening campfire. . Our team came together, overcoming fears, stepping into action as we took to combat and went into a friendly but serious battle. . Across three courses, dodging paint, hiding in planes, behind barrels and jumping through busses, it was a day we won't forget. ... . #team #village #family #grateful #culture #educators #teachers #gaiasnest See more

01.01.2022 Join us for a hands-on session around the campfire, where we explore the basics of extracting colour from the plants around us. You will have the opportunity to experiment with dyes, paints and print-making using kitchen scraps and locally foraged plants. We will share with you how we implement both ecological literacy and the practices of natural dying into our programs with children at Gaias Nest. ... This session is suited educators, teachers, parents or any individual looking to explore the basics of experimenting with Eco dyes. - All materials will be provided for the day. Book your ticket with the link below! https://www.trybooking.com/BOARS #ecodying #naturalprints #forage #ecological #literacy #educators #teachers #parents #newskills #campfire #hobart