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...]
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...]
Promoting a Sense of Agency
So what does “sense of agency” actually mean? Children spend considerable time in child care environments where they experience an array of experiences, resources and relationships, all of which influence their sense of self, how their view themselves and others and they respond to their environment. How we, as educators view the child … [Read more...]
Children’s Challenging Behaviours
Children’s behaviour …. One of the world’s most interesting phenomenon. It has been researched for decades, there are many ‘causes’ that have been identified, parenting styles have changed over the years because of this research and more and more children are displaying ‘challenging behaviours’ which require medical attention and support. People … [Read more...]