Regular outings and exploring the community are an important part of our early education curriculum at Aspire.
Aspire Early Education Kalkallo have recently introduced weekly community walks as part of their excursion program at the centre. All nine rooms and age groups will be participating in a walk each week, under supervision of the educators. Check out some happy snaps from our first community walk last week!
The purpose of these community walks is to give the children the chance to explore their community surroundings, and the natural environment around them. It also promotes greater awareness of road safety and meaningful conversations with the educators and families about what the children have seen on their walks.
This will be an ongoing weekly experience for the children, and the team at Aspire Kalkallo are excited to start this program!
Why Introduce Community Walks?
Community walks offer numerous benefits in early education settings, positively impacting children's physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. Here are some key benefits:
Physical Benefits
- Encourages regular physical activity, which helps to reduce their risk of health problems.
- Improves their motor skills through walking, running, and exploring.
- Provides sensory experiences that stimulate sight, sound, touch, and smell.
Social and Emotional Benefits
- Facilitates interactions with peers, educators, and community members, enhancing communication and socialisation skills.
- Encourages teamwork and cooperation during group activities.
- Reduces stress and anxiety through exposure to nature and outdoor activities.
- Builds confidence and independence as children explore new environments.
Cognitive Benefits:
- Stimulates curiosity of the real-world and encourages questioning and exploration of new environments.
- Expands vocabulary through conversations about new sights, sounds, and experiences.
- Encourages descriptive language and storytelling as children share their observations of what they see on their walks.
Community and Environmental Awareness:
- Helps children understand their local community which fosters a sense of belonging.
- Encourages respect for community members and the environment.
- Strengthens ties between our early education centre and the local community through interactions with local businesses and landmarks.
- Promotes an appreciation for nature and the importance of environmental conservation.
- Teaches children about local plants and flowers, fostering a connection to the natural world.
Practical Life Skills:
- Educates children on road safety, navigation, and awareness of their surroundings.
- Promotes self-regulation and responsibility in group settings.
- Establishes a routine that provides stability and predictability, which is important for a young child’s development.
Community walks provide many benefits to a child’s development, all while fostering a lifelong love of exploration and learning.
To learn more about Aspire Kalkallo’s weekly community walks, book a tour of the centre online, or contact the team on 1800 978 429.
