Reflective practice in child care helps Educators to approach ongoing challenges, situations and ways of doing things. By engaging in critical reflection, Educators are better informed when it comes to making decisions. Naomi McLeod on "The Reflexive Educator" in Empowering Early Childhood Educators (Routledge, 2019) believes Educators who engage in reflection can open up new [...]
Every child has the right to quality early childhood education. When we value these rights, it compels us to provide learning in an environment based on high-quality pedagogy. Reflecting on our teaching strategies in early childhood is crucial to improving pedagogy. When we question the purpose of education and explore early childhood contemporary approaches, we [...]
How do you help your child bounce back from disappointments and life’s challenges? You may have heard about the importance of building resilience in children, but do you know what it is and how to nurture it? Raising resilient children means being a good role model. Nurturing resilience depends upon having a good relationship with [...]
The relationships children build at child care are at the centre of all learning. Research shows that Educator-child relationships matter as do those with other children. "Secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships" is one of the five core principles of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). Educators need to prioritise their relationships with children, as reflected [...]
Pretend play is an essential part of every childhood. In the past, you may have viewed imaginary games as merely a fun activity. But are you aware that playing make-believe and imaginative role play benefits children’s development and learning? There is now a growing body of evidence that shows engaging in make-believe benefits early childhood [...]
Natural materials should be an integral element of a child's play. Loose things such as twigs, leaves, shells and sand benefit a child's early years experiences by stimulating their creativity and imagination. Natural materials are easily accessible and encourage children to learn about nature. The different textures, smells, sizes, colours, and sounds attributed to natural [...]
Learning to use the toilet is such a huge step for a young child. Child care, Educators make it look so easy, but when children get home, it may not always go as smoothly. To help you get your child to the potty, we've put together several toilet training tips from the experts. Parents have [...]
An inclusive practice in childcare promotes and encourages ALL children to participate in education and care. As Educators, we support an inclusive practice across our entire program, so that it embraces the right of every child to be, to belong and become in a diverse world. Often our understanding of inclusion is limited to children [...]
Hand washing songs can help young children practise important hygiene routines. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends washing hands regularly with soap and water. They estimate it should take about 20 to 30 seconds to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water which is about the time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice. [...]
Try these fun physical activities for children to keep them engaged and inspired to exercise. You can encourage your child to be active and healthy with these easy indoor and outdoor exercise activities that will improve their gross and fine motor skills Exercising has many benefits for children. It quickens their breath and heartbeat, strengthens [...]
