Exploring Ecological Relationships in Early Childhood Settings Workshop

Hosted at the Darebin Parklands, home of Yarralea Children’s Centre’s Bush Kinder program, this session will include a visit to the centre’s bush kinder site led by Yarralea staff and a practical workshop exploring ecological relationships led by retired kindergarten teacher and academic Ann Smith.

The bush kinder site visit will highlight how children develop understandings about insects, birds, plants, fungi, seasons, and ecosystems through direct experiences in nature. The session will explore how young children build understandings about the relationships between organisms, environments, and living systems through everyday experiences, inquiry, and nature based learning.

Yarralea Staff Sharing:

• Yarralea Children’s Centre’s sustainability and ecological science approaches

• The role of bush kinder experiences

• Examples of children observing seasonal ecological changes

• Learning about insects, birds, plants, fungi, habitats, and interdependence through direct experiences in local environments

• How repeated visits support scientific thinking, noticing patterns, and understanding ecological relationships over time

In the practical workshop component, we will provide hands on exploration of resources and experiences, including:

• Invertebrate, plant, and fungi life cycles

• Simple ecological science provocations

• Practical tools and resources educators can use within their own settings

• Ideas for embedding biological sciences into everyday play and inquiry

Educators will share practical examples from their own programs, including:

• Germinating and growing experiences

• Sustainability embedded in daily practice

• Supporting children to care for living systems and environments

Collaborative Discussion about:

• Current ecological and sustainability practices within centres

• Challenges, successes, and practical ideas

• Building confidence in embedding ecoliteracy within early childhood programs

Venue Access

The Gleeson Centre is located on the western edge of the Darebin Parklands, at the eastern end of Separation Street, Alphington. Access to the venue is via the door on the eastern side of the building.

Please dress appropriately for outdoor conditions, as part of the session will take place within the bush kinder environment at Darebin Parklands. We recommend comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and weather appropriate clothing, including wet weather gear if rain is forecast.