Building Togetherness through Our Everyday Moments

In our early years setting, togetherness grows from the natural rhythm of being and doing alongside one another. As we explore, make choices, and express our ideas, we learn what it means to be independent -
• to trust our own thinking
• to take initiative
• and to act with confidence

Yet, within this independence, lies an unfolding awareness of interdependence that our actions, words, and care have meaning within a shared space.

We nurture this balance by creating environments where collaboration emerges organically. Through shared problem-solving, empathy in play, and collective care for materials and living things.

Each one of us is valued, and at the same time, we begin to understand that our growth is connected with others. In this way, togetherness becomes something living. A gentle weaving of independence and belonging that supports the flourishing of everyone from within.

Conversations often emerge naturally in our group discussions. Through these exchanges, we listen, respond, and build upon each other’s ideas. Nurturing a sense of connection and shared understanding within the group.

Danika’s careful observation of the changing colours of the leaves shows her growing awareness of seasonal transformation. As she notices how the red leaves begin to fall from the branches, she connects her sensory experience with her understanding of the natural cycle around her.

Luka observes the rich diversity of colours - red, orange, and yellow - showing his ability to focus on details and nuances in his surroundings.

The vibrant yellows of the leaves catch Kalyan’s eyes. He pauses, zooming in to explore their richness. A moment that reveals his deep engagement and sensitivity to the world around.

Whether it is shared meals, collective projects, or simply moments of listening, having rhythms of “being together” helps nurture belonging. These natural rituals remind us that we are part of something larger.

As each one of us follows our own curiosity, we witness moments where independence takes form: the courage to try, to wonder, to decide. These moments, however, are never isolated. They ripple outward, connecting with others who are observing, responding, or joining in.

As each one of us engages in creating our own pumpkin artwork, we express our individuality. Our unique ideas, colours, and ways of representing what a pumpkin means to us. Yet, as these individual pieces come together, a collective story begins to unfold.

Through this process, we experience that togetherness does not mean sameness. Each one’s contribution adds to the authenticity and individuality of the togetherness.

This process invites each of us to notice, connect, and appreciate one another’s efforts which are the key aspects of social-emotional learning and community building.

As educators, we can intentionally use such art experiences to foster belonging. By displaying all our pumpkin artworks together or inviting us to talk about our process, we model respect for differences and help us see ourselves as co-constructors of a shared environment.

In play, collaboration happens not because it is asked for, but because we feel its value. We borrow ideas, offer help, and negotiate differences, discovering that being interdependent does not mean being alone. Rather, it means holding one’s own voice while listening to the voices of others.

As educators, we hold space for these relationships to unfold gently. Offering time, attention, and trust. We see how interdependencies blossoms when we are given room to act on our ideas and to experience the joy of contributing to a shared purpose.

Together, we are learning that community is a living dialogue. Independence and i interdependence exist not as opposites, but as threads woven through the same fabric of belonging.

As a community, we pause to notice these everyday gifts. We ask questions such as:

• What makes you happy today?
• Who do you want to thank?
• What are we thankful for in our classroom?

Gratitude can be built into the rhythm of the day. We call it our “Gratitude Circle”. A simple practice where each friend names one thing they like, someone they want to thank, or something that makes us smile.

“I am thankful for Mom … and Dad … and friends” - Anthony.

“I am thankful for my toys, Mom, and Dad” -Luka.

“I am thankful for love … Hannah … and myself” - Emily.

“I am thankful for you (Hannah) … thankful for Dhanika … and thankful for Kalyan … Tvisha, Ryan, and Luka” - Rebecca.

“I am thankful for you (Hannah), Tvisha, Emily, Mom and Dad … yeah and my family” - Kalyan.

“I am thankful for Gina, … Emelia … and Kalyan” -Tvisha.

“I am thankful for my Dad, mac ‘n’ cheese, and oofie … (pointing) Hannah … (thinking) Mom and Dhanush” - Dhanika.

“Mom … Dad … (nodding) sisters … (nodding) friends” - Ryan.

When our artworks are placed side by side, we can see that while each creation is different, we all belong to a shared journey and community.

Happy Thanksgiving! We are grateful for the journey together where each one of us has been sharing our individual moments to become our collective story!

Kindest,
Children & Friends.