The 3yo Jellyfish kindergarten children and the 3-5 year old Sea Stars daycare children participate in Bush Kinder in the beautiful Curlew Reserve that surrounds Seawinds ELC. Spending time in nature has been shown to support mental and physical health in children and adults and provides a multitude of opportunities for learning with and from the natural world. Children explore plants, animals, rocks, hills and weather, absorbing information and experiences through active play and spontaneous discussions. These regular Bush Kinder visits allow children to observe how the land changes throughout the seasons and are encouraged to make the connection between what they see and feel to the six Boonwurrung seasons of Bullarto nye-wiiny, Weegabil, Gareeal, Manemeet, Beerreen and Pareip as they change.

Our 4yo kindergarten children attend a Beach Kinder program at Capel Sound foreshore on Fridays during terms 2-4.  They explore the beach and dunes, create sandcastles, run, jump and climb together and with their teachers. They learn about caring for the coastal environment by ensuring they help to pick up rubbish, leave shells and seaweed for the animals and listen to the foreshore rangers.  Each session includes an Acknowledgement of Country, for children to deepen their understanding of the role and position of the Bunarong and Boonwurrung people as the first people of the area and those entrusted with its care. This is a meaningful way for children to learn on Country, an approach that supports all children’s learning, particularly those of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage.

Seawinds has a relationship with two local aged care facilities – Regis Rosebud and Regis The Village Glen. Our Leafy Sea Dragon 4yo kindergarten children and our Sea Stars 3-5 daycare children make regular walking excursions to both places and enjoy visiting, craft activities, stories, songs and Hey Dee Ho music sessions. We also welcome our Regis Grand-Friends to visit the Leafy Sea Dragon 4yo group once a month on a Friday during terms 2-4.

Benefits of Intergenerational Learning

• Makes life better for both age groups
• Strengthens the bonds of our communities
• Acts as a bridge between generations
• Improves thinking and social skills
• Promotes emotional well-being

At the same time, they give older adults a renewed sense of purpose and connection (Generations Working Together, AAIP, 2021).

Throughout the year we make spontaneous excursions to other local places, such as Eastbourne Primary School to play on the ‘big kids’ playground and explore the huge garden and hills for rolling down. Depending on children’s interest, we may visit the local post box, the nearby small supermarket or a simple walk through the streets to look at all the different houses, wave to neighbours and count the numbers on the letterboxes. Thanks to strollers and a wagon purchased with a 2026 Bush Kinder grant, we are now well resourced for all children, regardless of age or mobility, to participate in Out and About programs, extending and expanding their learning and experiences.