During National Reconciliation Week, our children at Aspire Cranbourne West participated in a special project, creating a beautiful tent adorned with their handprints. This activity was designed to help them understand and embrace the concept of "Reconciliation." Building on this collaborative effort, we established a Reconciliation Room. This is a place where both children and educators can come together to foster stronger relationships and take a much-needed break when feeling overwhelmed. This dedicated space not only enhances their knowledge of reconciliation but also provides a supportive environment for emotional well-being.
This room is a safe space where children are able to go to take some time out to calm down. The relaxed lighting, greenery, and simple toys allow children to take a breath and refocus, allowing them to go back into their rooms when they are ready.
Check out the Reconciliation Room in the following video!
Having a "quiet room" in an early education centre offers numerous benefits for children. One of these is by providing a dedicated space where they can calm down and regulate their emotions. This tranquil environment helps children develop essential self-regulation skills, enabling them to manage stress and anxiety more effectively. It serves as a safe haven where they can retreat from the sensory overload of a busy classroom. This leads to promoting mental well-being and reducing the likelihood of behavioural issues.
Additionally, a quiet room fosters emotional intelligence by giving children the opportunity to reflect on their feelings and learn healthy coping strategies. This nurturing space supports overall cognitive and emotional development, creating a more harmonious learning environment for all.
Aspire Early Education & Kindergarten Cranbourne West is always looking for ways to serve their children best. This is the most recent of many in-centre initiatives to listen to, and better the mental health of, the children. If you are want to be a part of the Aspire Cranbourne West family, click here to join the waitlist! If you’d like to visit the centre, and see the calm room for yourself, book a tour here.