Posts

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Reconceptualising documentation: Authenticity, purpose and educator wellbeing in early childhood education

In our service, we pride ourselves on being strong advocates for inclusion. We adapt our environments, our daily rhythm and our teaching to meet the diverse needs of every child in our care. We discuss individual learning styles, walking in…
Child playing

Infant and toddler participation is not what we say. It is what we do

Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN, 1989) affirms that children have the right to express their views on matters that affect them, and to have those views taken seriously. Despite the clarity of…
Understanding resilience: adversity, supports and skills

What Surrounds Us Shapes Us: Brain Building in the Early Years

This week, as part of Brain Awareness Week, we celebrate the science of how brains grow, learn and adapt throughout life. One of the most powerful insights from neuroscience is simple but profound: children’s brains are shaped by what surrounds…
‘Stretched time’ in early childhood education and care

‘Stretched time’ in early childhood education and care

Sometimes a question can stay with you: ‘Are we making the best use of children’s time?’ This was Chloe Kerr1’s question after an In Service day in Shetland last year about slow pedagogies. Chloe’s question is key to reconsidering…
Responsive language: Alternative language with real life situations

Responsive language: Alternative language with real life situations

The words we use daily with children matter. How we communicate and the words we use with children has a great effect on the relationships we build with them. UNICEF (n.d.) explains that ‘Every interaction you have with your child is a form…
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…
A time to educate, not celebrate: 26 January

A time to educate, not celebrate: 26 January

The date 26 January holds a complex place in Australia’s history. While some celebrate it as Australia Day, this date also marks a day of mourning for First Nations people as the date the first British colonies landed, starting centuries of…
Graduation practice isn’t in the EYLF.

Graduation practice isn’t in the EYLF.

It was early December 2023, and I was talking with a colleague, a Tertiary Supervisor visiting student pre-service teachers on their first ECEC placement. The student she had visited that day was experiencing a challenge. As with most practicums,…
Understanding the connection between mind and body: Why is movement important for the developing child?

Understanding the connection between mind and body: Why is movement important for the developing child?

An internationally recognised stereotype of modern Australia is that of athletes, weekend sports and physically active citizens enjoying the sun outdoors. However, when we begin to delve deep into the research and studies in relation to physical…
The Leap

The Leap

Imagine traveling 2 plane flights and over 8 hours to your first teaching job- with little people who spoke a different language and who were from a different cultural background to you. You might be forgiven for thinking that the scenario…
“This is a wonderful day. I’ve never seen this one before”. (Maya Angelou)

“This is a wonderful day. I’ve never seen this one before”. (Maya Angelou)

The privilege of working with our youngest citizens. The engine room of any organisation is the most important and influential. This is where the key driving force for ongoing propulsion happens. Everything moves forward when this room is in…
Children’s wellbeing and literacy – how they go hand in hand.

Children’s wellbeing and literacy – how they go hand in hand.

Early childhood is an undeniably critical life stage. Decades of research and neuroscience supports this and the knowledge that quality early education and care (ECEC) programs are beneficial for children’s learning and development (OECD,…