Australia’s Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) takes a child-rights approach to education and promotes children’s active citizenship.
It encourages early years educators to introduce child rights into children’s daily practice, using the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child as a guide, and including the right of children to ‘be active participants in all matters affecting their lives’.
The Commissioner’s Student Voice Postcards initiative has been very popular in primary schools since its introduction in 2019. In 2023, at the request of many early years educators, it was extended to include preschoolers aged 3-5 years.
A postcard designed specifically for this age group was produced and distributed to preschools and childcare centres throughout the state. This is the second year of the Early Years Postcards initiative.
A total of 156 postcards were received from children attending eight preschools and childcare centres across South Australia. Most of the children who participated in the Early Years Postcards initiative were 4 years of age.
This mini report summarises what preschool children shared was their favourite thing about being outside.