Children at Brookside Preschool in Caroline Springs are learning more about the value of empathy and friendship, thanks to the ‘Buddy Bench’ that was presented to them recently by Bunnings Caroline Springs.
Buddy Benches, which have become popular at schools across the globe, are a place for children to sit when they’re feeling sad or lonely. If another child spots a peer sitting on the Buddy Bench they’re encouraged to ask them if they’re okay or to invite them to play.
Brookside Preschool is the first Melton kindergarten to receive a buddy bench as part of Bunnings’ Buddy Bench program, which aims to make a big difference in little children’s lives.
“We believe the Buddy Bench program will be a huge success around the country,” says Casey Lane from Bunnings Caroline Springs.
“We selected Brookside preschool to participate in the program so we can start teaching children and helping them at a young age to understand other children’s feelings and for them to realise when another child is upset or feeling left out.”
The Brookside Preschool community was thrilled to learn they’d received this special gift from Bunnings, which they have a long-standing partnership with.
“It’s always important for families to feel children are being supported with developing friendships and exploring feelings, which includes being able to regulate emotions,” says Brookside Preschool educator, Kristy O’Toole.
“The bench is the beginning of an ongoing project to support children. We’ve already begun talking about using it as a place to gather and talk with others to work through difficulties and conflicts but also to celebrate happy and joyful feelings too.”