Loose Parts Play has become extremely popular and rightly so, considering it's great benefits! However what I really love most about this play is that it is easy and affordable to implement! I have gathered photos of examples of loose parts play and how you can use recycled items as well as items from nature. Not only is this play great for … [Read more...]
Child Care News
Childcare News and industry updates. Here are a few of the hot news stories in the childcare industry. Stay informed and keep on top of current issues facing those in the workplace.
Christmas Celebrations in Children’s Services
If I asked you ... "how do you celebrate Christmas?" What would your answer be... Do you celebrate Christmas? Or maybe your family celebrates other celebrations? Is Santa, Christmas Trees and baby Jesus relevant to your celebrations? Some of you would have yes, while others would have said no! So, how can we ensure that Christmas in … [Read more...]
Does the Weather control your Play?
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 cold…in actual fact this is not true! You need to come in contact … [Read more...]
Fostering 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 will … [Read more...]
Social Sustainability in Early Childhood – are you happy?
We talk a lot about "sustainability" in our early childhood settings and I think for the most part we are doing environmental sustainability well. However we often focus so much on this and fail to discuss "social sustainability". Social Sustainability is probably the least defined and least understood of all the different ways of approaching … [Read more...]
Resilience… where has it gone?
"Children just aren't resilient these days" is a common statement I hear a lot lately.... and it makes me wonder... Considering that some children will naturally be more resilient than others because of their temperament and genetics... (these are those children who can get on with it even after disappointment). However what about those children … [Read more...]
It’s that time of year…
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...]
Would you like to become an Educator?
Being an Early Childhood Educator is a rewarding, challenging and extremely important position that should never be underestimated. Planning and nurturing young children's growth and development, supporting families and reflecting on our daily practices is not just "fun and games".... it is important and significant work! So do YOU … [Read more...]
Sustainability Day 24 (Last one!!)- So why should we do this?
Children who understand the basics of sustainability, who engage in sustainable practices daily and who observe others role modelling will understand just how important it is! Over the last 23 days I have explored various ways we can incorporate sustainable practices and attitudes into our every day and as you can see they can be simple yet … [Read more...]
Sustainability Day 23- Social Sustainability…. are you happy?
Social sustainability is probably the least defined and least understood of all the different ways of approaching "sustainability". In a nut shell, social sustainability is about well-being, equity, social justice, cultural competence, adaptability and being socially responsible. So, obviously very relevant to our work with children and … [Read more...]
