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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…
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How to create a learning environment

This blog was originally posted during the pandemic but reflects on children spending time at home and shares tips on creating a learning environment.  With additional social distancing, self-isolation, school closures and working from home…
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Having each other’s back

Professionalism in times of uncertainty—a conversation worth having, writes CATHARINE HYDON, who, among many contributions to the sector in Australia, is a leading advocate on ethics for early childhood education and care.  In all…
Disengagement from learning

Disengagement from learning

Why are so many young children disengaged from learning? How do we know if children are, or are not, engaged in learning? GILLIAN KIRK and MARIANNE KNAUS explore this through research and share findings from a case study examining classroom…
That ‘research’ word…

That ‘research’ word…

We caught up with DR MELINDA MILLER who will be presenting at ECA’s 2020 AJEC Research Symposium next week, sharing outcomes from a collaborative research project with G8 Education and Phoenix Support for Educators. In this piece, Dr Miller…
ECA’s top reads this year

ECA’s top reads this year

It can be hard to keep up with new ideas and early childhood developments during the year, so to help you catch up or for inspiration to start the year on a strong footing, we’ve put together a list of ECA’s top reads from across the last…
Right to play

Right to play

Protecting children’s right to play Play is a vital avenue for learning and development in young children. Early Childhood Australia (ECA) is consulting with early childhood experts to find out how to stop it from diminishing. If…
Where to for the registration of early childhood teachers

Where to for the registration of early childhood teachers?

Pathways to professionalism and equal status, as well as a nationally consistent approach, are among the aspirations for professional registration of early childhood teachers. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR MARIANNE FENECH looks at a review of teacher…
Home » What’s in a box? Maths!TEXT SIZE A A A What’s in a box? Maths!

What’s in a box? Maths!

Who has given a gift to a young child only to see the child play and enjoy the box the gift came in more than the gift? DR AUDREY COOKE and ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR JENNY JAY observe young children playing with a cardboard box and notice the…
Shaping the power of talk

Shaping the power of talk

Language is a vital tool for learning as it enables children to build knowledge and extend their thinking. Associate Professor Sheild Degotardi will be presenting at the 2021 ECA National Conference. In this blog, Sheila gave us a little…
sustainable practice

Education for sustainability in practice

If we all take the time to care for our environment, we will make a difference together. DR SUE ELLIOTT and Australia-Aotearoa Alliance for Early Childhood Education for Sustainability (The Alliance) share how to implement sustainable ways into…
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Five steps for early childhood educators to create a Conceptual PlayWorld and encourage a love of STEM

With a pushdown of school-style curriculum into preschools, kindergartens and childcare centres, it can be difficult for teachers to maintain a play-based program. Fleer’s Conceptual PlayWorld provides a model for teaching through play, and…