By BEST Childcare Consulting
There is something deeply comforting about a shared cup of tea. It invites us to slow down, to sit together, to notice one another. In a world that often feels rushed, these small, quiet moments become the ones that matter most.
For children, these experiences are not about the drink itself—they are about connection. They are about feeling seen as they pour for a friend, proud as they help prepare food, and valued as they sit alongside others in a shared space. These are the moments where empathy begins, where relationships deepen, and where a sense of belonging truly grows.
On May 21st, International Tea Day and Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea gently come together to offer something more than just an activity—they offer an opportunity. An opportunity to teach children about caring for others, to honour the many ways families and cultures connect, and to show what it means to be part of a community that supports one another.
In these simple acts—pouring, sharing, gathering—we are not just creating experiences. We are shaping values that children will carry with them long beyond their early years.
Helping Others Together: Talking to Children About Our Morning Tea Fundraiser
Hosting a fundraiser like Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea can be a simple yet deeply meaningful experience for young children when approached with care and honesty. At its heart, it’s about coming together to help others. You might explain to children in gentle, age-appropriate language that sometimes people get very sick with something called cancer, and there are helpers—like doctors, nurses, and scientists—working hard to make them better. By sharing a morning tea, we are helping those helpers and showing kindness to families who might be feeling sad or worried. In practice, children can be involved in preparing simple foods, setting up tables, creating decorations, and welcoming families, helping them feel a strong sense of contribution and belonging. The focus should remain on kindness, helping, and community—“We are doing this to care for others”—rather than fear or complex medical detail. This creates a positive, empowering experience where children learn that even small actions, done together, can make a meaningful difference.
Educational Programming Ideas
1. Tea Around the World
Explore how tea is shared across different cultures.
- Introduce simple cultural practices (e.g., sitting together, pouring carefully, using special cups)
- Discuss how different families drink tea or share food
- Encourage children to role-play hosting and serving
Resource:
- World Tea News – https://www.worldteanews.com
2. Host a Service Morning Tea
Create a meaningful fundraising experience inspired by Cancer Council Australia
- Invite families to attend or contribute baked goods
- Children help prepare, set tables, and serve
- Discuss helping others and why fundraising matters
Official Event Info:
- Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea
https://www.biggestmorningtea.com.au
3. Caring for Others Role Play
Extend learning into empathy and relationships.
- Set up a “care café” dramatic play space
- Children practice offering drinks, checking in on others (“Are you okay?”)
- Link to emotional literacy and kindness
Resource:
- Raising Children Network
https://raisingchildren.net.au
4. Tea & Storytime
Use books to explore connection and cultural practices.
- Read stories about families, sharing, and traditions
- Discuss how different families connect
Suggested Book:
- Whoever You Are by Mem Fox (beautiful for belonging and global connection themes)
5. Sensory Tea Play
For younger children, focus on exploration.
- Smell herbal teas (peppermint, chamomile)
- Pouring water between teapots and cups
- Explore textures (dry leaves vs warm water)
QIP Write-Up
Quality Area 1 – Educational Program and Practice
Practice was embedded in service operations:
Educators intentionally embedded experiences that explored cultural rituals, social connection, and community contribution through tea-based play, discussions, and real-life events. These experiences were consistently reflected in planning cycles and daily practice.
Practice was informed by critical reflection:
The team reflected on how everyday routines, such as sharing food and drink, can be used as meaningful teaching opportunities to build children’s understanding of empathy, diversity, and social responsibility.
Practice was shaped by meaningful engagement with families and/or the community:
Families contributed recipes, attended the morning tea event, and shared their own cultural traditions, enriching the program and strengthening connections.
Quality Area 2 – Children’s Health and Safety
Practice was embedded in service operations:
Safe food handling, hygiene practices, and supervision were consistently maintained during food preparation and serving experiences.
Practice was informed by critical reflection:
Educators reflected on how to balance children’s independence (e.g., pouring, serving) with safety considerations, adapting environments to support both.
Practice was shaped by meaningful engagement with families and/or the community:
Families were consulted regarding dietary needs and cultural food practices to ensure inclusive participation.
Quality Area 3 – Physical Environment
Practice was embedded in service operations:
Environments were thoughtfully arranged to include inviting tea spaces, sensory stations, and culturally inclusive materials that supported exploration and social interaction.
Practice was informed by critical reflection:
Educators evaluated how environments encouraged calm, connection, and collaboration, making adjustments to enhance these experiences.
Practice was shaped by meaningful engagement with families and/or the community:
Resources and ideas from families influenced the setup of tea spaces, reflecting diverse cultural practices.
Quality Area 4 – Staffing Arrangements
Practice was embedded in service operations:
Educators worked collaboratively to plan and implement experiences, modelling respectful interactions and shared responsibility.
Practice was informed by critical reflection:
The team reflected on their role in modelling empathy, conversation, and inclusive practices during shared experiences.
Practice was shaped by meaningful engagement with families and/or the community:
Educators engaged with families to deepen their understanding of cultural traditions and community values.
Quality Area 5 – Relationships with Children
Practice was embedded in service operations:
Respectful, responsive interactions were evident as educators used tea experiences to build connection, communication, and emotional understanding.
Practice was informed by critical reflection:
Educators reflected on how shared rituals strengthen relationships and a sense of belonging.
Practice was shaped by meaningful engagement with families and/or the community:
Children’s home experiences and family practices were acknowledged and incorporated into daily interactions.
Quality Area 6 – Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Communities
Practice was embedded in service operations:
The morning tea event provided a meaningful opportunity for collaboration, participation, and community contribution.
Practice was informed by critical reflection:
The service reflected on how events can move beyond tokenism to genuine connection and shared purpose.
Practice was shaped by meaningful engagement with families and/or the community:
Families were actively involved in planning, attending, and contributing to the event, strengthening partnerships.
Quality Area 7 – Governance and Leadership
Practice was embedded in service operations:
Leadership supported initiatives that aligned with community engagement, wellbeing, and social responsibility.
Practice was informed by critical reflection:
Leaders encouraged reflection on how everyday practices can contribute to broader community awareness and action.
Practice was shaped by meaningful engagement with families and/or the community:
Feedback from families informed future planning and strengthened service direction.
Links and Resources
- International Tea Day
https://www.un.org/en/observances/tea-day - Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea
https://www.biggestmorningtea.com.au - Cancer Council Australia
https://www.cancer.org.au - Raising Children Network
https://raisingchildren.net.au
BEST Childcare Consulting
Moments like these remind us that meaningful learning doesn’t always come from big events—but from simple, intentional experiences that bring people together. A shared cup, a thoughtful conversation, a chance to care for others—these are the foundations of strong, connected communities.
By embracing opportunities like International Tea Day and Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, your service is not only supporting children’s development but also fostering empathy, cultural awareness, and a genuine sense of belonging for all.
As always, use these inspirations to lead your service throughout the whole year in your everyday practices to truly earn an exceeding rating.
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