Posts

Policy and Advocacy Facebook

Early Learning Matters Week Wrap Up Event—Address

Senator the Hon Dr Jess Walsh  Minister for Early Childhood Education Minister for Youth Labor Senator for Victoria Senator the Hon Dr Jess Walsh, Federal Minister for Early Childhood Education, delivered an address at the Early…
Kate Reading to Kindy Children

Why I will always choose to teach in early childhood

Recently I was asked to speak at a career expo for pre-service early childhood teachers preparing to transition to the field. I guess the universe heard me loud and clear when I said I was ready to say ‘yes’ to new challenges and things…
Early Learning Matters Every Day, But It’s Critically Important Right Now

Early Learning Matters Every Day, But It’s Critically Important Right Now

Early Learning Matters Week reminds us of the critical importance of high-quality early childhood education and care. As the week comes to a close, it is a timely reminder to consider the significance of current policy interest in the early…
Tinker play with unplugged tech

Tinker play with unplugged tech

Tinkering with non-working digital technologies, writes Honor Mackley, a Brisbane-based primary teacher and ECEC researcher at Australian Catholic University, increases children’s wellbeing, boosts active learning and interest in technologies,…
Playwork at Forrest Out of School Hours Care

Playwork at Forrest Out of School Hours Care

In this article, the FOOSHC team discusses the Playwork Principles, which the service has embedded in its practice, resulting in strong developmental outcomes for children and awards for excellence. Forrest Out of School Hours Care…
Understanding the benefits of music education for three to five-year-old children

Understanding the benefits of music education for three to five-year-old children

Three to five year olds love to engage with music and movement and naturally enjoy singing, dancing, exploring sound sources, listening and being creative. At this age, children also experience many great advances in development. Music education…
‘Don’t miss out on the exciting future we are creating’: Get involved with Early Learning Matters Week

‘Don’t miss out on the exciting future we are creating’: Get involved with Early Learning Matters Week

Early childhood educators, parents, carers and community leaders will gather at services around the country from 17–21 October 2022 to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of early learning and the difference the profession…
Play in the Home: Why it’s essential for early childhood development

Play in the Home: Why it’s essential for early childhood development

This article appeared in Every Child magazine Vol. 28, No.2, 2022  The home offers rich and authentic opportunities for play-based learning, Joanne Grimmond observes. Children’s formative experiences of play in the home lay the foundation…
Block play as an enduring, powerful toy

Block play as an enduring, powerful toy

Associate Professor Kym Simoncini shares research and findings ahead of her masterclass ‘STEM in the early years: We can all do STEM’ at the ECA National Conference from 5-8 October 2022.  If you’re interested in seeing Kym present…
Music education and play-based learning

Music education and play-based learning

Australian early learning settings follow a play-based pedagogy, in line with the emphasis placed on play in the national frameworks. Music is not a core part of this pedagogy, perhaps because of the perception that music education is about…
Leading play-based pedagogies

Leading play-based pedagogies

In this article, Lennie Barblett, Sandra Cheeseman and Catharine Hydon emphasise children’s right to learn through play no matter the age. Additionally, they suggest that all educators lead and be articulate in their advocacy of play-based…
Creative arts in early childhood

Creative arts in early childhood

Artistic pursuits such as music, dramatic play and the visual arts contribute to how children understand creativity and develop their own sense of identity. Popular theories in this field suggest that children’s artistic abilities are often…