A Case for Beauty
Our children deserve the very best. As we live our day at the Centre, why should the children have anything less than ‘breathtakingly beautiful environments’ (Sentia Family Framework, 2023)? Families focus time and money on creating and maintaining beautiful homes. We want children to enjoy a harmonious experience and make no apology for curating a world of beauty for them at Sentia.
Why?
The case for beauty is not a new one. Nietzsche suggests that part of what it is to experience something as beautiful is to experience it as beneficial in the highest degree. Classical Philosophy treated and conceived beauty alongside truth, goodness, love, being, and the divine. Beauty is timeless, opening the portal to belonging, being and becoming.
How?
Absence of Clutter – some suggest that a cluttered environment contributes to a cluttered mind. Children seem to find it easier to focus on a task and pack away by themselves when the number of resources in a space is not overwhelming. By starting with a clean, blank canvas, there is room for a masterpiece.
Natural light – A purpose-built space inundated with natural light creates connections between outdoors and indoors. Sunlight builds health and immunity.
Well-researched colours – We all know that colours affect moods. By setting a calm, neutral stage for learning, children enter from a baseline of peaceful serenity. We strategically avoid overstimulating primary colours in our decor. This encourages children to bring the colour of their personalities, creativity and friendships to the environment.
Plants – A lush, green environment enhances well-being and nature connection. Plants store carbon dioxide in their fibres, helping to clean the air and reduce the negative effects that CO2 can have on our environment.
Quality furnishings – Everything brought into the environment is painstakingly chosen with sustainability, durability and functionality in mind. Resources are ethically sourced and meticulously maintained.
Homelike touches - Who doesn’t want to curl up on the couch, snuggle under a throw, prop up some cushions and read a good book by the light of a lamp? An early learning centre should not be a factory assembly line for children; it should be a home-like environment where they feel relaxed and happy. This sets the stage to nurture positive dispositions for learning.
Ahhh… beautiful Sentia: Home Sweet Home.