We were a small wee group today and walked 10.5km (more for the boys who played tag several times during the day) and adventured by train to Elizabeth Quay. On the way to the train station we talked about mindful meandering or movement meditation and how wonderful this can be to quiet our mind and ground into our bodies. We all had a turn at the 5 senses walking meditation. After exploring Elizabeth Quay and a big game of tag at the playground, we walked through London Court and the city to the Old Shanghai and had some dumplings. We chatted about how wonderful it is living in a multi-cultural country and where our favourite food was from. We also imagined what it might feel like to migrate to another country, and how challenging it would be if we didn't speak the language yet. We arrived at the state library only to find there had been a muddle up with the booking, and there was a minimum number of 6 anyway, so we shared a megga pretzel and began the Northbridge Multicultural walking tour instead which was really interesting, although time got away. We journeyed home by train and the boys unknowingly created their own mindful movement from the train station, gently kicking a rock or honky nut all the way. We finished the afternoon with a 10 minute sound bath, and they felt the vibration of the bowl in their feet xx

Art

• The children learned to observe their surroundings and appreciate the multicultural aspects of the city. They also may have experienced different architectural styles during the walking tour.
• Encourage them to create art inspired by their journey, such as drawings or paintings of the places they visited or the diverse cultural elements they encountered.

English Language Arts

• Through their discussions about migration and living in a multicultural country, the children gained an understanding of different perspectives and experiences.
• Encourage them to write a short story or reflection about imagining life in a different country or the feelings of experiencing new cultures and languages.

History

• The children were exposed to various cultural influences and may have learned about the history and heritage of different communities during the multicultural walking tour.
• Encourage them to research and create a timeline or presentation about the history and traditions of a particular culture they encountered during the tour.

Music

• During the 10-minute sound bath, the children experienced the vibrations of the singing bowl and its effect on their senses.
• Encourage them to explore making music or creating rhythmic patterns using everyday objects they encountered during their adventure, such as rocks, leaves, or wooden items.

Encourage the children to continue exploring their creativity and curiosity about different cultures and experiences. They can maintain a journal of their adventures, including drawings, reflections, and research about the places they visit.

Book Recommendations

• Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate: A novel about a young refugee new to America and the challenges he faces.
• The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg: A story about siblings who run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and embark on a captivating adventure.
• A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park: A novel based on the true story of a young boy's journey through war-torn Sudan and a girl's struggle to survive in present-day South Sudan.