ANZAC Day holds a significant place in the hearts of many Australians, and here in Canberra, that significance is often felt even more personally. Within our St Luke’s Early Learning Community, many families have direct connections to Defence, service, and the wider impacts of war. For some, these connections are historical. For others, they are very present and ongoing.
As an early learning community, we recognise the responsibility that comes with holding space for a day like this, especially when young children are involved.
In the days leading up to ANZAC Day, our focus has not been on activities for the sake of doing, but on thoughtful, developmentally appropriate learning that honours both the meaning of the day and the needs of the children in our care.
Beginning with the right question
When significant dates appear on the calendar, it can be easy to feel pressure to plan something visible... an activity, a display, a moment that shows acknowledgement. Instead, we intentionally slow down and begin with a different question:
What learning is meaningful for children at this age?
Young children learn through relationships, emotional safety, shared experiences and gentle conversations that connect to their lived world. Starting from this understanding helps guide thoughtful decisions, rather than defaulting to tradition or expectation.
Honouring ANZAC Day in age‑appropriate ways
In the lead‑up to ANZAC Day, our educators created opportunities for children to explore ideas connected to the day in ways that felt calm, creative and emotionally safe.For our youngest children, this meant continuing to prioritise:
- Secure, nurturing relationships
- Predictable and calm environments
- A strong sense of belonging
For older children, learning unfolded through:
- Creative exploration of simple symbols, such as poppies and their colours
- Gentle conversations about caring for others and helping within a community
- Opportunities to express ideas and questions through art and discussion
These experiences were never about explaining war or sacrifice in adult terms. Instead, they supported children to engage with values such as kindness, compassion and togetherness, concepts that are meaningful and accessible in early childhood.
Choosing intention over “busy”
Not every important day needs to be translated into a planned experience. In early learning, doing less, when done with intention, is often a sign of deep professional reflection.
We are thoughtful about when to step back, when to listen, and when to allow learning to remain open‑ended. Some of the most respectful responses are quiet ones: holding space, responding to children’s cues, and allowing meaning to emerge naturally rather than being directed.
Choosing not to turn something significant into an activity is a conscious decision to honour both the day and the developmental needs of children.
Holding our community with care
On ANZAC Day, we pause together at St Luke’s with awareness of the many ways service and war have shaped the lives of families within our community. These connections are honoured with sensitivity and respect, recognising that experiences of service and loss are deeply personal.
By approaching ANZAC Day with intention, restraint and care, we aim to honour its meaning while remaining grounded in what matters most for young children: safety, connection, kindness and belonging.
