Australian early childhood education
- Master’s degree, Monash University
- 10 years with children aged 0 to 8
- EYLF, NQS and the Victorian Curriculum
- Montessori-inspired, hands-on learning
HomeAbout
The founder of Bright Pandas
Meet Raina
Early childhood teacher, former professional Chinese dancer and mum, on a mission to help every child feel connected, included and confident to explore the world.
Raina’s photo goes here
Hi everyone, I’m Raina.
I graduated from Monash University with a Master’s degree in 2016 and have been working in early childhood education in Australia for 10 years. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with children aged 0 to 8 and developed a strong understanding of the Australian education system, including the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), the National Quality Standard (NQS) and the Victorian Curriculum, with a particular focus on the early years.
My teaching approach is play-based, child-centred and inclusive. I love creating fun, creative and meaningful learning experiences that recognise every child’s individual interests, strengths, culture and way of learning. I also incorporate Montessori-inspired approaches and hands-on learning experiences into my teaching.
Before moving to Australia, I was a professional Chinese traditional dancer and dance teacher in China. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Dance and Choreography, and I spent several years training and performing professionally before becoming a dance teacher. I taught Chinese dance to children aged 5 to 12, and I really enjoyed sharing my passion for dance and Chinese culture with young learners.
Two worlds, one joyful idea
Where early learning meets Chinese dance and culture
Over the years, I discovered a natural connection between my two professional worlds: Australian early childhood education and my background in Chinese dance and culture.
Chinese dance and culture
- Bachelor’s degree in Dance and Choreography
- Years of professional training and performing
- Taught Chinese dance to children aged 5 to 12
- Music, movement, stories and props
I began bringing elements of Chinese culture, music, movement and hands-on learning into my teaching, creating experiences where children could learn through play, participation and discovery.
As Australia is such a wonderfully multicultural country, I believe children can benefit from being exposed to different cultures and perspectives from around the world. Alongside developing their knowledge and skills, I hope to give children opportunities to experience something different, build curiosity about the wider world and develop an appreciation for cultural diversity.
I love seeing children become curious, engaged and excited when they experience something new.
For me, learning is not just about what children know, but also about helping them feel connected, included and confident to explore the world around them.
Raina
About Bright Pandas
How Bright Pandas began
After becoming a mum in 2023, I continued working casually as an early childhood teacher while also delivering cultural incursions in kindergartens, schools and community libraries. Seeing children smile, laugh and become excited as they experienced something new inspired me to create Bright Pandas.
The panda is a national treasure of China, and it has always been my favourite animal.
To me, “Bright” represents positivity, hope and the unique spark in every child, because every child has their own way of shining.
What we believe
Children are naturally curious
Experiencing something new and different encourages them to ask questions, use their imagination and see the world from different perspectives. Cultural learning gives children opportunities to explore new ideas while developing curiosity, respect and an appreciation for the diverse world around them.
At Bright Pandas, we believe learning should be joyful, meaningful and inclusive. We create experiences that encourage children to:
Explore
Discover something new and different.
Engage
Join in and learn through play.
Experience
Connect with culture through dance, music, stories, games, dress-up and hands-on activities.
We believe every child should have the opportunity to participate in their own way, discover something new and let their own light shine.