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. Over the last decade we have seen a huge change in how society looks at literacy, what we … [Read more...]
Early Childhood Learning
Here you'll find great bits of information on early childhood learning. Find out what's happening in the industry and around Australia. Keep informed and up to date with early childhood learning. Education is everything, and if you are or are interested in becoming a childcare expert, its best to educate yourself first. It's such a fascinating world. We hope you gain some insight into it.
Superhero Play – Chaotic or Creative?
We often tell families about the importance and outcomes of play. However we often think negatively about Superhero play, we re-direct and ask children, in so many words, to engage in “real” play. But have you ever seriously considered and reflected on the importance and significance of children’s Superhero play? I have fond memories of taking … [Read more...]
The Power of “Loose Parts Play”
Did you know there is a theory about "loose parts play"? First proposed by architect Simon Nicholson in the 1970's, the theory of loose parts play has begun to influence early childhood educators and the people who design play spaces for children quite significantly. Nicholson believed that it is the 'loose parts' in our environment that … [Read more...]
Have you got what it takes to be an Educator?
Being an Early Childhood Educator is serious business! I become frustrated by those who say this career is "easy" or "fun" or "we just play all day".... while yes... we do engage in play and yes it should be fun and enjoyable... however I take this role a little more seriously! Supporting, nurturing and scaffolding children's development in the … [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...]
Behaviour – it’s just communication!
Children’s behaviour …. One of the world’s most interesting phenomenon. It has been researched for decades and many ‘causes’ have been identified, parenting styles have changed however more and more children are displaying ‘challenging behaviours’ which require medical attention and/or support. But have we got it wrong? Are we looking at … [Read more...]
Planning for Infants
In a time where projects, curriculum webs and planning for children's interests consumes much of our planning time and conversations I often have educators ask "but how do we do this for the under 2's?" We often say.. "planning for the under 2's is the same as older ages... we still follow their interests and needs"... but for the most part this … [Read more...]
Significant role of the Educator. Could you do this?
Have you ever wondered what a career in Early Childhood Education would be like? Working with young children is so much more than “having fun” and while play is an important part of a child’s day, their learning and understanding of their world, our role as an educator is quite significant. When we consider that the first 5 years of a child life … [Read more...]
“Being” Outside…. so much more that outdoor play!
It was only just yesterday my daughter and I quietly sat outside in the afternoon sun and watched fine cobwebs sway in the breeze and small insects buzz about us. We had just finished throwing the ball for our dog and picked new lemons off the lemon tree. As we sat I made the comment "I love this time of day" and my daughter responded "i just love … [Read more...]
Children as “Risk Assessors”
A recent conversation with one of my students, Justine, got me thinking! As we talked about allowing children to take risks in their play as well as opportunities to make decisions about their play, this led us on to talk about could children be part of "risk assessment" in our services? Justine shared with me a strategy she used in one of … [Read more...]