Our Rituals
Oxanda Education implements outstanding Rituals as part of our Curriculum.
Rituals provide children with a sense of security, identity and belonging.
This is because they are special things that are done together with the educators and they create shared memories that build relationships.
Kinder Leadership Program
Kinder children have the opportunity to practise the important values of respect, care, valuing difference, responsibility, friendship and including others as they spend time with children in the younger studios.
Kinder Buddies enable younger children to feel safe and cared for while older children feel valued and respected.
When Kinder children feel connected to their environment, they also feel valued and safe and this reduces negative behaviours such as bullying.
Our Kinder leadership program contributes to a positive and caring culture and contributes to more positive behaviour by providing positive role models.
Sleep & Relaxation Times
Children who sleep are provided a bed with sheets, a blanket and a relaxed atmosphere.
Children’s beds are typically laid out in a circle, with an educator sitting in the middle at reach of the children, to provide them with an added sense of comfort and security.
When the weather is appropriate, some of our centres also have the practice of sleeping outdoors under a tree or in the shade.
For children who do not sleep a relaxation period in the day is allocated where quiet experiences are planned. These experiences might include weaving, pom-pom making, yoga etc.
Uninterrupted Curriculum
Dedicated teaching times are provided through uninterrupted curriculum times that foster positive learning dispositions, skills and knowledge through long periods of play.
Children are supported to enquire and investigate the world around them through deliberately planned play-based learning environments that support valuable educational experiences.
Meal Times
Mealtimes are an important part of each day and are offered according to the individual needs of the children. Incorporating progressive meal-times into the educational program allows children to choose to eat over a longer scheduled period of time without interrupting valuable learning engagement of others.
Mealtimes also offer an important social time for children and provide natural opportunities to discuss nutrition.
Educators support independence and autonomy in developing children’s self-help skills, offering a ‘home-like’ experience where children are encouraged to play an active part in the whole meal experience. This includes setting the table, serving themselves and cleaning up afterwards.
Yarning Circles
A yarning circle is a harmonious, creative, and collaborative way of communicating to encourage responsible, respectful and honest interactions between participants.
Educators and children sit or stand in a circle, providing everyone with the opportunity to talk or listen.
This ritual provides a focus on building trusting relationships, fosters accountability, and provides a safe place to be heard and to respond.
Tea Time
A cool/warm herbal tea is made and small groups of children are invited to the ritual of tea time.
Sharing conversation around principles of gratitude and kindness are prioritised at this time. This ritual is often an important part of our week and serves as a time to ‘be still’ and mindful.