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...]
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.
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...]
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...]
The Importance of Water Play for Children
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 water play… We usually only provide this type of exploratory, sensory play in the warmer months however water play really should be … [Read more...]
Superhero Play- Creative or Chaotic?
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...]
Creative Arts & Brain Development in Children
How you view art and creative development will have a significant impact upon how to design your creative art experiences and spaces, hence impact upon children’s brain development, self-esteem and mental health. Let's think about the brain. Research suggests that while the right hemisphere controls muscles on the left side of your body, it … [Read more...]
The Importance of Outdoor Play for Children
The Importance of playing outside… even when it’s cold!! We all know time outside enjoying fresh air and sunshine is important for children and has many health benefits, however why do we stop outside play when it gets cold or when the sun disappears? There are many “myths” around the weather such as playing in the cold will give you a … [Read more...]
Environmental Sustainability – it’s Children’s Business!
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...]
