Australian Early Years Learning Framework
MOST IMPORTANTLY...
When Gibson ‘belongs’ to you and your children, and they grow to love him, share him with the other children, and want to include him in their activities, it will help the children learn about building relationships...
As expressed in ‘Belonging, Being, Becoming’ The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia, relationships and the self esteem they engender in children are vitally important as they grow and learn:
For instance, the authors say in the chapter, ‘A vision for children’s learning’...
“Belonging acknowledges children’s interdependence with others and the basis of relationships in defining identities. In early childhood, and throughout life, relationships are crucial to a sense of belonging. Belonging is central to being and becoming in that it shapes who children are and who they can become.” P.7
In caring for Gibson Gorilla in their own home the children learn about nurturing and taking responsibility for others, a vital skill for life...
When Educators promote the children’s interactions with Gibson Gorilla and facilitate the chance for them to take him home to look after, they are...
“giving priority to nurturing relationships” which “can assist children to develop the skills and understandings they need to interact positively with others.” (Belonging, Being, Becoming p.12)
For many more links to the Early Years Learning Framework see ‘Teacher's Manual and links to the EYLF and Te Whariki ’, the documentation which is supplied with the Gibson Gorilla Kit.