We are all aware of the phrases “global warming”, “going green” and “sustainability” and there are debates over whether global warming is a true fact or sensationalised by the media. Whatever your take on this phenomenon, we should all agree that teaching young children about sustainability and caring for the environment, regardless of your … [Read more...]
Creating Natural Play Spaces for Children
We all love to get outside and feel the grass between our toes, watch the leaves change colours or smell the scent of flowers in the air... but too often we take these experiences for granted. We do not consider the impact this can have on young children's well-being. The EYLF talks a lot about "bringing the outside in" or "creating natural play … [Read more...]
Extending children’s thinking through open-ended questions
Open-ended questions (those commonly starting with what, why, how) are often used in early childhood as a way to support and facilitate thinking and discussions with children. While these are more effective than a closed question usually resulting in a yes/no answer… open ended questions, I feel could be better… even more effective hence promoting … [Read more...]
Supporting Protective Behaviours in Young Children
According to Australian Government (FAHCSIA) “Protective behaviours’ refers to a proactive and empowering set of preventative and adaptable living skills that enable people to develop workable strategies to better help them preserve their physical and emotional safety in unsafe, or potentially unsafe situations” Consider this statement in the … [Read more...]
The Importance of Block Play for Children
The importance of Block Play! We often tell families about the importance and outcomes of play. However have you ever seriously considered and reflected on children’s play and the opportunities you provide to achieve these outcomes. Let’s look at block play… a part of the room that is often not used well and do we reflect on the resources, … [Read more...]
The Importance of Art & Children’s Development
How you view art and creative development will have a significant impact upon children’s development and self esteem. Art enables children to explore and make sense of their world, investigate, imagine, create and problem-solve. It enables children to make choices and achieve! Your art area should be available every day with extensive choice of … [Read more...]
Becoming a Critical Reflector
We all “reflect” in various ways such as in our children’s portfolios and documentation, daily curriculum reflections, staff meetings, staff appraisals… National Quality Standard, Quality Area 1.2.3 states critical reflection on children's learning and development, both as individuals and in groups, is regularly used to implement the program. … [Read more...]
What Message Do your Meal Times Send to Children?
Picture this…. Sophie is 4 years old. She is asked to sit at the table for lunch… it is tuna bake today. Sophie really dislikes tuna and they never eat it at home… as Dad dislikes it too! Sophie is best friends with Ava and they love to chat over lunch, however they are always placed at different tables because they talk too much. Sophie … [Read more...]
Supporting Literacy Development in Children
From birth children are developing the knowledge and skills that are important foundations for later literacy development, even though it may be some time before they will develop the skills to read, write and verbally communicate in the conventional way. As educators we need to support the development of children’s emerging literacy skills … [Read more...]
The Common Cold
We are getting close to that time of year when children are coming into our services with coughs, runny noses and medication! According to the Children's Youth and Women's Health Service, children get around 6-10 colds per year, with the highest number usually being during the first two years in child care, kindergarten or school. There are … [Read more...]