World of Learning Holland Park West celebrated Children’s Week by inviting award-winning author Dannika Patterson to read her book The Big Book of Rights to kindergarten children at the centre.
The children enjoyed a morning of reading and art activities, while learning about children’s rights.
Author Dannika Patterson said that the fun and engaging activities support the children to delve deeper into learning more about their rights as children.
“There are 54 rights for children and if we can just learn a few or all 54 of them, and have open conversations with children, it is a powerful way to make change,” said Ms Patterson.
“Your rights are yours to enjoy, to share, to stand up for, to have fun with. I hope the core message that children take away from this book is that rights are for everyone.”
Celebrated from 18-26 October, Children’s Week is a national celebration of children’s rights as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), and highlights a child’s right to enjoy childhood, be heard and thrive.
This year’s Children’s Week theme is based on the UNCRC article 42 which is ‘Everybody should know about Children’s Rights’.
World of Learning’s Chief Education and Learning Officer Ali Evans said it’s important to use child friendly language when explaining children’s rights to children.
“It is important for children to understand what children’s rights actually mean, and we do this using child friendly language through books and conversations. It’s essential they understand that they have a right to be happy, healthy and safe,” said Ms Evans.
Centre Manger Kirstie Moore was thrilled to have Dannika Patterson visit World of Learning Holland Park West and said the children even received a new learning resource gifted by Dannika, a book called The ABCs of Children’s Rights. “The children loved the new book, it’s a great resource to read to the children to support their learning in an age-appropriate way.”
Celebrations are being held across the nation to celebrate the little ones in our lives. Children’s Week is an important reminder for everyone to support children to feel seen and heard, and to teach them the importance of their rights.