Goya Dmytryshchak
Laverton Community Children’s Centre is abuzz with a beehive bringing joy to the children.
Educational leader Tina Ludvigsen said the beehive had provided many new and surprising learning opportunities for the children, their families and the educators.
“It started from children’s conversations and their curiosity about the bees they spotted in the garden,” she said.
“We investigated how we could observe bees more closely and provide more learning about how important they are to our natural environment.
“This is an area of passion for us as educators at Laverton Community Children’s Centre.”
Ms Ludvigsen said after exploring options, the centre created a bee observatory with a real beehive.
“We were very fortunate to receive an environment grant from Hobsons Bay City Council to support and start the project,” she said.
“We are also working closely with our local beekeeper, Carmel, who helps us manage it.
“The observatory is located outside the building but close to the window near the entrance where everyone can see it.
“Children have been involved by creating artwork for display at the observatory, watching honey be abstracted from the hive, tasting the honey straight from the honeycomb and talking to their parents about how bees make honey.
“By observing the process of honey harvesting the children learn more about the bee colony and how bees live together. It has sparked new awareness and created conversations among our community about bees.
“Amazingly, children and staff all find the bee’s observatory to be a calming and relaxing place to be.”
