This week was incredibly enriching as we celebrated Grandparents’ Week! This special occasion provided us with the opportunity to honour our grandparents, elders, grand-friends, relatives, and all those who play an essential role in the lives of children and families. It was a meaningful time to appreciate the immeasurable contributions these individuals make to our families and communities, fostering an environment of inclusion, dignity, and respect for all ages.

Throughout Grandparents’ Week, we organized a variety of inclusive activities that invited participation from children, grandparents, and educators alike, creating an atmosphere of joy and community. This celebration of diversity allowed us to highlight unique traditions and stories, enriching our collective experience. The children were especially eager to show their grandparents around the spaces where they play and learn, warmly introducing them to their favourite educators. This intergenerational exchange fostered great conversations filled with shared experiences, showcasing the vibrant tapestry of our community (Beloglovsky & Daly,2015). I also got a chance to build relationships with the grandparents of the children.

We began the celebration with an Acknowledgment of Country, recognising and honouring the land and its elders. This practice reflects our commitment to cultural competence and respect for the traditional custodians of the land, setting a respectful tone for the week. I then enjoyed dancing to popular songs like “Taba Naba” and “The Hokey Pokey” with children.

Following our dance, we gathered for a delightful snack time, which served as an excellent opportunity to chat, share stories, and enjoy delicious treats. During this time, children encouraged their grandparents to share ideas for future activities, highlighting the importance of equity by ensuring that every voice was heard and valued. This intergenerational collaboration allowed us to celebrate our differences while recognising our shared experiences and connections. This celebration resonates deeply with the principles of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), which underscores the vital role of family and community in children’s learning and development. By actively engaging with grandparents and elders from diverse backgrounds, we are not only fostering children’s sense of belonging and identity but also enhancing their connections with family and community, reflecting our commitment to equity and inclusion. The activities we organised align beautifully with the EYLF outcomes, as they encourage children to develop social skills, empathy, and communication (AGDE,2022). Through storytelling, dancing, and sharing snacks, children gained insights into their family history and traditions while nurturing their relationships with elders, ultimately enriching their learning experiences and promoting a sense of well-being (NAEYC, 2019). This week has wonderfully illustrated the core principles of EYLF as we came together to honour and learn from one another, embracing dignity, equity, diversity, cultural competence, and inclusion in all our interactions (AGDE, 2022).