At Sanctuary Early Learning Adventure, we believe that fostering emotional well-being in early childhood is just as important as early education. In honour of Children’s Mental Health Week, our team at Sanctuary Ashmore took on The Sanctuary Challenge, a special initiative led by Educational Leader Sarah Harris. This challenge was designed to create dedicated Sanctuaries—safe spaces where children can self-regulate, express emotions, and find comfort in their learning environment.
The importance of a Sanctuary in Early Learning
Early childhood is a critical time for developing emotional intelligence and self-regulation skills. The Zones of Regulation, a widely recognised framework, was integrated into our Sanctuary spaces to support children in identifying and managing their emotions effectively.
By encouraging children to create, explore, and reflect on their emotional well-being, The Sanctuary Challenge has empowered them with lifelong skills in self-awareness and emotional resilience.
How each learning space brought the sanctuary to life
Across the different studios at Sanctuary Ashmore, educators and children collaborated to design unique Sanctuary spaces tailored to their needs:
Starfish Studio
- Educators redesigned the environment to create space for movement and calmness.
- A wooden archway cubby house with hanging fabrics and photos set the tone for relaxation.
- Zones of Regulation charts were placed to help children identify and express their emotions.
Jellyfish Studio
- Two separate Sanctuary spaces—a small, intimate nook and a larger, open space.
- Sensory bean bags, created by the children with tie-dyed socks filled with beans, provided comfort.
- Laminated emotion cards with faces, words, and colours made emotions easier to understand.
- Family photos and a ‘loved ones’ basket added familiarity and emotional security.
Dolphins Studio
- The wooden archway cubby house and a smaller cubby were transformed with soft fabrics, carpets, and pillows.
- Sensory bottles and mirrors were incorporated to encourage self-reflection and emotional exploration.
Turtles Studio
- A cozy nook with fairy lights, soft scarves, pillows, books, and a small armchair created a peaceful retreat.
- Educators and children collaborated on a custom Zones of Regulation prompt to reinforce emotional learning.
Coral Studio
- A rocking chair, pillows, books, and a cubby corner with soft scarves created a relaxing environment.
- Children’s photos displaying different emotions helped foster self-awareness and understanding.
Seagulls Studio
- A curtain-covered cubby provided a calm escape, with input from children guiding its design (e.g., adding fairy lights as suggested by Boston).
- Bookshelves were incorporated, as educators noticed children naturally gravitated towards books when needing self-regulation.
- A nearby shelf for special items from home offered additional comfort.
- Zones of Regulation were personalised using children’s photos.
The power of reflection and emotional growth
Throughout the challenge, educators documented the process in their Learning Journey Books, collecting observations, photos, and reflections. Children were encouraged to voice their ideas, making them active participants in shaping their Sanctuary spaces.
By creating environments where children feel safe, understood, and empowered, the team at Sanctuary Ashmore have created spaces that are more than just a quiet corner—they are a foundation for lifelong emotional intelligence, resilience, and well-being.
Why it matters for families at Sanctuary Early Learning Adventure
At Sanctuary Early Learning Adventure, we understand that emotional development is just as important as academic learning. By embedding initiatives like The Sanctuary Challenge, we help children develop a strong sense of self, build meaningful relationships, and thrive in their early years.
If you’re looking for an early learning centre on the Gold Coast that prioritises your child’s emotional and cognitive development, we invite you to explore Sanctuary Early Learning Adventure Ashmore or our other centres; Sanctuary Early Learning Adventure Maudsland or Sanctuary Early Learning Adventure Health and Knowledge Precinct.
📍 Want to learn more? Book a tour today and see the difference for yourself!
