EDN353- Assessment One: Sense of place & belonging: essay

Introducti on

The process that characterises the bond established between individuals and an important place, aid in discovering a
connection and sense of belonging (Marques, 2020). The concepts of place, connection and belonging plays an
essential role in a person’s wellbeing and links to building their identity. Belonging acknowledges children’s
interdependence with others and the basis of relationships in defining identities (Denise, R., 2019). Developing a
sense of place is linked to a sense of belonging. Discovering a sense of belonging contributes to children’s overall
social and emotional development and is an essential aspect of school readiness (Mankiw, 2015). Fostering a sense
of belonging for children can create an environment where learning can thrive (Denise, R., 2019).

My Sense of Place

Growing up moving from town to town, I found it difficult to find a connection to any particular place. However, I
have recently developed a connection to a small place that is not well known and sometimes difficult to find. This
place has a sense of peace, beauty and encourages relaxation. This place is a small suburb located in the Peel region
of Western Australia just off the Old Coast Road, between Mandurah and Bunbury just beyond Mandurah's urban
area. It is on a narrow strip between Lake Clifton and Yalgorup National Park to the west, and Harvey Estuary to the
east. At the end of a road lies a small little inlet with a ramp and length of white sand to walk and get your feet wet
or watch the sunset. This location is known as Herron Point, which is part of the Harvey Estuary (WA Now and Then,
2020). When I am at this location I feel a connection to the land, a chance to dig my feet in the sand, feel the breeze
through my hair, smell the salt in the air, as I listen to the birds above. The connection I discovered to my
environment through my sense of sight, touch, smell, and sound, allows me to feel as if I am apart of my natural
environment. This location is my place to escape mental pressures and to build a physical sense of belonging.
Through further knowledge of this location I feel I could develop a deeper connection to the land of which I live.

This Place and its Connecti on

Herron Point is situated in a small suburb known as Herron, of which was known as “Koolijerrenup” by the local
Noongar people. The history behind Herron point is difficult to come across, however it is known amongst the locals
that the inlet was originally used as an important crossing place across the estuary to Islander Point. Now with higher
tides is only suitable for, walking through the water on the sand banks, crabbing and walking animals such as dogs
and horses. Now a popular camping location for the locals to get away or go crabbing for the weekend. Whilst the
locals may see a little bush camp alongside the estuary today, it was once a community of approximately three-
hundred people, who lived in lean-to’s and shelters that were run down, falling apart and ridden with rubbish
(Sunday Times, 1953). According to a newspaper article published in 1953 by the Sunday Times Western Australia,
this community was locally known as “Smelters” or “Poverty Point” and was one of the worst living areas in
Australia. This article continues to describe the rough and unacceptable living conditions of the people of Poverty
Point, whose dwellings were constructed from sheets of galvanised-iron and old chaff bags, leaving them susceptible
to the harsh Australian weather (Sunday Times, 1953). The residents at the time varied in ages and trades, most of
whom were aged pensioners who could not afford suitable living. Minimal written content on the happening of this
location between then and now, has left this little location unknown to many. Many used by farmers, other locals
and the odd tourists during crabbing season.

A Sense of Place and Belonging Within the Classroom

Geography is taught within social studies instruction because it plays a crucial role in developing children’s
awareness of relationships between people and their environment. According to the work of Jean Piaget, children
begin to develop their sense of place during early childhood, where they explore materials in their environment to
understand the world around them (Gandy, 2007). Before developing into the study of physical geography and
human geography, of which students study the connection humans have to their natural environment (Mankiw,
2015). A sense of place is an essential part of cognitive, social, and emotional development. A sense of place comes
from a feeling of connectedness, be it physical, emotional, or spiritual, to a specific geographic area (Mankiw, 2015).
Developing a sense of place through geographic experiences helps build the social and emotional foundation
EDN353- Assessment One: Sense of place & belonging: essay
children need and will one day use as adults (Mankiw, 2015). “The motivation to interact with the environment
exists in all children as an intrinsic property of life, but the quality of the interactions is dependent upon the
possibilities for engagement that the environment provides.” As a teacher it is important to create a classroom
environment that students can develop a sense of place and belonging. A positive classroom environment where
diverse students can come together to discover their identities and learn about past and present places of which
other people of diverse cultures found a sense of belonging.

Conclusion

It is important for children to develop an understanding of themselves, to develop their own personal and cultural
identity (Denise, R., 2019). Connecting to one’s surrounding environment establishes knowledge and appreciation of
its past, present, and future existence (Playful Learning, 2021). Through personal experience and connection to the
environment, as a teacher I believe it to be important to provide students with the knowledge needed to develop
their sense of place and belonging. Student motivation and success can be achieved through their connection and
participation within the classroom.
EDN353- Assessment One: Sense of place & belonging: essay

References

Brillante, P. & Mankiw, S. (2015). A Sense of Place: Human Geography in the Early Childhood Classroom.
https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/jul2015/sense-of-place-human-geography

Denise, R. (2019). Creating a Sense of Belonging for Children. https://childwatch.com/blog/2019/12/10/creating-a-

sense-of-belonging-for-children/

Gandy, S.K. (2007). Developmentally Appropriate Geography. Social Studies and the Young Learner 20 (2): 30–32.

Marques, B., et al. (2020). Sense of Place and Belonging in Developing Culturally Appropriate Therapeutic
Environments: A Review. Societies 10(4), 83.

Playful Learning. (2021). Developing A Sense of Place. https://www.playfullearning.net/resource/developing-sense-

place/

Sunday Times Western Australia. (1953). They Call It Poverty Point- And No Wonder 3.
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/59552040

Western Australia Now and Then. (2020). Herron Point. http://www.wanowandthen.com/Herron-Point.html