The 12 days of Christmas (except when it’s more!)

The 12 days of Christmas (except when it’s more!)

‘Being a professional requires you to exercise pedagogical judgment—every day. It does seem though we now have a ‘Christmas’ curriculum and it starts early.’ Karen Hope encourages educators to reflect on more than just the art and…
STEM Superstars in early childhood education

STEM Superstars in early childhood education

Sixty accomplished women in science, technology, engineering and maths and technology have been announced as Australia’s newest Superstars of STEM. The Superstars of STEM program, supported by the Australian Government’s Department of…
Imagination at the heart of cognitive development

Imagination at the heart of cognitive development

Michelle Carrick shares some of her experiences and observations of being an early childhood teacher for over 20 years. The focus in this piece is on research that underlines the importance of play and imagination as being critical components…
The values we lay in outdoor play

The values we lay in outdoor play

‘The outdoor environment is suited to meeting children’s needs for all types of play, and builds on their firsthand experiences.’ Claire Warden shares the value of indoor and outdoor play through 10 visions and values collated from different…
How can schools nurture children as they start formal schooling during a pandemic

How can schools nurture children as they start formal schooling during a pandemic?

Starting formal schooling is a significant life event for children and families. In 2021 schools will be receiving young children who have had significant life events in their year prior to school and as a result are likely to be a cohort unlike…
WA-Chrisitine-Legg-blog

Early learning matters for babies, but what do they even do?

‘Early learning matters for babies because babies are learning All. The. Time.’ DR. ANDI SALAMON highlights the importance of early education for babies and the complexities behind it. I recently sat down in a room with seven babies…
Early Childhood Music Education Does delivery matter

Early Childhood Music Education: Does delivery matter?

Research shows us the benefits of music for language and literacy as well as self-regulation and mental health. But does how we teach music matter?Musician and early childhood teacher, AMY ROTHE explores different methods of teaching music…
Ethics blog

Deconstructing early childhood practices

In this one blog, we bring you three perspectives on translating research into practice. Dr Andi Salamon, Leanne Gibbs and Mandy Cooke share their insights about using the ‘theory of practice architectures’ in three very different early…
What can the new ‘normal’ teach us?

What can the new ‘normal’ teach us?

What can the new ‘normal’ teach us about how and what young children should be learning? ‘Is it possible that we can use this opportunity to create a new normal around what and how young children learn?’ KAREN HOPE explores theories…
Transition (back) to school

Transition (back) to school

Some children have started returning to education settings in some parts of Australia. The word ‘transition’ is being used in the COVID-19 context—but what do we already know about transitions and can this knowledge help support children,…
Reading, books and libraries

Reading, books and libraries

ECA caught up with the Executive Director of Public Libraries and Engagement, from the State Library of Queensland, Louise Denoon, who shares insights into how children can develop a love for reading and the role adults can play in that. Louise…
Remote learning

Remote learning in early childhood: can it work?

This is a view from the frontline. Writing during the lockdown, MEG ANASTASI, an early childhood educator in a long day care setting, reflects on the push to online learning caused by COVID-19. She worries it is submerging what we know about…