Take A Sneak Peek At A Day In The Life Of An Early Childhood Teacher

Do you ever reflect back (way back) on your time in kindergarten? 

Much like us, early childhood education has evolved over the years – largely in response to the changing needs of children and their families. However, the impact an early childhood teacher can make on the lives of children remains unchanged – and this impact can transcend generations!

One such teacher is Brooke O’Brien, who was awarded the Victorian Early Childhood Teacher of the Year at the 2022 Victorian Early Years Awards. 

Brooke is an early childhood teacher who started a Bush Kinder program to support the development of children in her kindergarten, many of whom are experiencing trauma and benefit from supports that help them to regulate their emotions.  

We chatted to Brooke to hear about everything she gets up to with the children on any given day. 

While it probably varies, what does a ‘normal’ day look like for you? 

In the morning, I prepare myself by getting to work half an hour before the children so that the environment is ready for them to begin exploring as soon as they arrive. 

The morning starts by welcoming the children in to put their bags away and to find a play space or spend time saying hello to their friends. I have quick chats with their families, then we engage in play-based experiences together. This might include dramatic play, visual arts, reading, relaxing in the quiet area, physical play both inside and outside, and doing puzzles—this is also a time I can check in with all the children and support them to settle in the mornings.

We then gather to do an Acknowledgment of Country. We might also read books, sing songs, have ‘show and tells’ or play games. 

For lunch, we set the table up for a smaller group of children to have a meal together. This allows for a more relaxed mealtime where the smaller group can have conversations together that are supported by one of our teaching team while the other children remain engaged in the program’s activities. 

We build flexibility into our afternoon to suit the children’s needs on the day in line with the goals of our program. We may go for a walk in our local community, or invite children to complete any art from the morning. 

To end the day, we tidy up together, every child is involved in creating pride in our shared space. They pack their packs and I make sure I say a warm goodbye to all of them.  

Can you walk us through ‘sensory play’ and how you incorporate it into the Bush Kinder program? What does it entail?

The children are surrounded by and given many opportunities to be involved in sensory play when at Bush Kinder supporting them to build connections with their environments. They are often found playing in mud and bark and collecting leaves and sticks, where they can explore the textures and patterns of our natural world. We encourage them to play with water, explore and observe the sky and the clouds, and smell different native plants as they play. We also show them how to practice mindfulness as they listen to the leaves in the wind, the birds and animals, and the rain. We are always role-modelling to the children how to get the best sensory experience when out in nature, so you’ll see us down at the children’s level getting our hands dirty too!

What's something kids are learning now that you wish was taught when you were in kindergarten? 

We are teaching more and more about our Aboriginal history, culture and language, which not only helps children develop empathy and respect for others but also provides them with opportunities to learn about traditional knowledge and practices that have been passed down through many generations. It is important for everyone to develop an appreciation for diversity and understand the history of the land we live on.

The Victorian Government has made kindergarten programs free for three- and four-year old children across the state. If you’re keen to be part of the most significant changes to early childhood education in a generation head here to learn more about how to become an early childhood teacher or educator.

Editor’s note: this article was produced in partnership with Vic Gov. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.

Images: Supplied.