Keeping you up-to-date on early childhood.

In this issue of ECA WebWatch we begin with Early Childhood Australia's positive response to the government's apology to the Stolen Generations.

Also in this issue:

• honouring children's rights to play
• engaging children in literacy learning
• how to get a free copy of the acclaimed Your child's first year at school: A book for parents
• why praise does not necessarily help children
• the third in Early Childhood Australia's 2007 highlight series
• making the most of digital media.

Plus, this issue contains an overview of important events and a guide to some of the great quality-assured books available from Early Childhood Australia.

The apology to the Stolen Generations

Early Childhood Australia commends PM's decision to apologise
In our previous issue of ECA WebWatch we highlighted the need for a public apology to the Stolen Generations. The apology was delivered at the opening of parliament on 13 March 2008.

Early Childhood Australia's National President Margaret Young commended the decision to deliver the apology:

'The apology is an important recognition of the impact of past actions on those children and families whose lives were so deeply affected, and the lasting repercussions that are still present today – not only for those directly involved, but for Australia as a nation.'

Honouring children's rights to play

The child's right to play
It is through play that children learn about cause and effect, and gradually build up their knowledge base. Play is also a vehicle for the development of creativity and flexibility, invaluable qualities in human development.

Engaged literacy learning

Interactive literacy
This collection of ideas on engaging children in their literacy learning makes a great handout for parents and a useful attachment to a newsletter.

Get a free copy of Your child's first year at school

'A new year, a new start' mini-catalogue (PDF)
For a strictly limited time, early childhood services can get one free copy of Your child's first year at school: A book for parents (valued at $39.99) – the bestselling publication produced by Early Childhood Australia and the Australian Primary Principals Association. Simply make a purchase of $100 or more worth of books from ECA's 'A new year, a new start' mini-catalogue (PDF).

One copy of Your child's first year at school is available to each early childhood service who takes advantage of this limited offer.* Previously, it has only been available in bulk to Australian primary schools for $9.99 each.

Order now – this offer ends 31 March 2008.

Please download the electronic version of the catalogue (PDF) to order, or contact Early Childhood Australia on 1800 356 900 (freecall) to receive a free printed catalogue.

Your child's first year at school: A book for parents is sponsored by the Australian Scholarships Group. Australian Scholarships Group is an independent, not-for-profit Friendly Society helping families to provide for the future costs of their children's education. Over the past 33 years, Australian Scholarships Group has supported children, families and teachers through a range of support initiatives, including publishing activities, parenting support and resources, social–emotional curriculum programs and multimedia educational products.

* Free book only available with single orders of $100 or more worth of books from ECA's February/March catalogue (not including subscriptions or memberships).

Praising children

What we know about the use of praise
It's important to know how to praise. 'That's a good answer.', 'You did really well.', 'Oh, that's excellent.' – this kind of praise doesn't help children learn and can even weaken their self-motivation.

Raising self-motivated children (PDF)
This article from High/Scope provides a valuable overview of how and why adults should encourage children, rather than just heap them with praise.

Early Childhood Australia 2007 highlights: Part 3

Early literacy resources (Supporting Best Practice)
Early Childhood Australia is constantly searching the web for quality links. In 2007 we launched a new section of our Supporting Best Practice web directory – dedicated to young children's literacy resources. It contains over 50 links to the best online early education resources, divided into eight areas.

Young children and digital media

D is for digital (PDF)
This is a long document, but well worth reading. It provides a comprehensive overview of new technology and how we may harness its educational potential.

New resource for selecting violence-free media
Young Media Australia, the non-profit media monitoring organisation, has compiled a list of 200 TV shows, films and video games to help parents and other carers reduce the amount of violent media young children are exposed to.

Quality-assured books from Early Childhood Australia

The Circle of Security: Roadmap to building supportive relationships provides an easy-to-access guide to the Circle of Security approach, which helps educators and carers to look beyond children's immediate behaviour to meet their genuine relationship needs.

Literacy learning in the early years is a comprehensive overview of the different literacy issues facing early childhood carers and educators, providing practical examples in childcare, preschool and school contexts.

Upcoming events

Early Childhood Australia National Conference
Children: A nation's capital – Investing in our children
3–6 October 2008
National Convention Centre, Canberra

Don't miss Early Childhood Australia's 70th birthday conference!

Deb Curtis and Margie Carter conferences
March 2008

Deb Curtis and Margie Carter are early childhood experts and authors who have trained carers and educators around the world for many years. They are the authors of the new book Learning together with young children: A curriculum framework for reflective teachers and other titles, available from Early Childhood Australia.

In March 2008 they will be running one-day conferences in Melbourne, Wagga Wagga, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.

Unpacking Conference
Possibilities of representation
14–15 March 2008
Macquarie University, Sydney

This conference presents a challenge to critically reflect on how meaning about children and early years education is created through visual representation and pedagogical documentation.

First National Gathering of Parents, Families and Carers
Parents, families and carers: Our place in the human services, our agenda for change
17–18 March 2008
University of Sydney

This national gathering will explore innovative developments in Australia and overseas, and develop an agenda for policy change, system re-design, innovation and empowerment, and tackling the political obstacles to change.

Keep track of what's on – visit Early Childhood Australia's online calendar.

Let us know what you think ...
We welcome any suggestions or comments you have: webwatch@earlychildhood.org.au.

Past issues of ECA WebWatch are available on the Early Childhood Australia website.

Subscribing
If you have received this copy of ECA WebWatch from a friend and wish to subscribe yourself, simply send a blank email to subscribe@earlychildhood.org.au.
Unsubscribing
If you do not wish to receive ECA WebWatch, send a blank email to unsubscribe@earlychildhood.org.au from the email address it was sent to.
Change of address
Please send an email to webwatch@earlychildhood.org.au, clearly stating your old email address as well as your new address.

(Please remember to add webwatch@earlychildhood.org.au to your safe senders list to ensure that you receive your copy of ECA WebWatch promptly.)

ECA WebWatch - Issue 46, February#2 2008. © Early Childhood Australia.