As an early childhood practitioner, you need to start developing your collection of resources.
There are several highly recommended text books that will assist you in completing your studies and will become a fantastic resource that you will continue to refer to as an educator within the child care environment.
These can be purchased via online Bookstores such as Booktopia or Fishpond. The list is as follows;
Text Books
Birth to Big School
This text book, highly recommended for Certificate III, introduces concepts and principles relating to child development and looks at play as a learning strategy. It also looks at documentation and the key elements of a quality early childhood program.
The Big Picture
This textbook gives you a great introduction and insight into the early childhood industry. Another great book for Certificate III.
The Business of Childcare
This introduces you to the business side of planning, supervising and coordinating staff. This is a great textbook for Diploma students or those wanting to take on supervisory roles.
Frameworks for Learning & Development
This textbook is highly recommended for Diploma students as it explores children’s development along witht he skills and philosophies needed to design programs for individuals and groups.
But it doesn’t end here….
As an educator you also need to gather resources to use in your everyday work. These might include, and are not limited to;
- Children’s story books
- Puppets
- Collection of songs and poems
- Games (snap, memory)
- Puzzles for all ages
- PLaylists
- Musical instruments
- Multicultural resources
- Collection of recycled materials for collage (boxes, different types of paper, foam, corrugated cardboard, material..)
- Natural materials from the environment (pine cones, leaves, bark..)
Where can I get these you might ask?
There are many great places to source these… and some are, but not limited to;
- The Reject Shop
- Spot Light
- The Book Garden
- Recycled materials from home (empty containers, material, etc)
Your own back yard!