Spring has brought a wonderful sense of discovery to our outdoor classroom as the children have been observing the many native bees visiting our garden. Their curiosity quickly grew when they learned that many of Australia’s native bees are stingless, which helped them feel confident to look more closely and spend time watching these tiny pollinators at work.
To deepen their understanding, the children read The Sugarbag by Nola Turner‑Jensen, a beautifully told story that introduces young readers to the world of native bees through First Nations knowledge and connection to Country. The book sparked thoughtful conversations about how bees live, how they help plants grow, and why caring for them is important.
Inspired by what they had learned, the children decided they wanted to share their knowledge with others. Working collaboratively, they created an educational sign for our entrance to help families spot the bees too and to spread the message that these native visitors are friendly and safe to observe.
Their sign is now proudly displayed at the entrance to the playground—so next time you’re in the garden, take a moment to look closely. Can you spot our native bees as well?
This learning experience has been a beautiful example of children connecting with nature, engaging with literature, and taking ownership of their environment. We look forward to seeing where their curiosity leads next.