Posts

Why Is It Important to Make Children’s Thinking Visible?

Why Is It Important to Make Children’s Thinking Visible?

If we see learning as a consequence of thinking, then it is paramount that children have the opportunity and are supported to explore their ideas and thinking during the learning experience.  This allows children to then understand their own…
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…
‘Professional love’ in early childhood education: The transformative power of emotional connections

‘Professional love’ in early childhood education: The transformative power of emotional connections

The concept of ‘professional love’ in early childhood education and care has been gaining momentum as educators and researchers recognise its profound impact on young children’s development and wellbeing. Dr Jools Page, a respected expert…
‘I wish I was small enough’, How could a green screen make this a reality?

‘I wish I was small enough’, How could a green screen make this a reality?

‘I wish I was small enough to go inside the house!’ (Audrey, age 4) Statements like this open the door to think differently about how children engage with technology. Why couldn’t they shrink and jump into or out of an imaginary world…
Dare to dreams—An early years strategy and the unwavering rights of the child

Dare to dreams—An early years strategy and the unwavering rights of the child

The future of Australia relies on developing a strong vision for the early years. This vision should reflect the needs of children, families and the community, focusing on improving positive outcomes for all children. As a signatory to the…
A story of self-care within early childhood education and care

A story of self-care within early childhood education and care

I was very fortunate to attend the Early Learning Summit hosted by The Front Project in Canberra late last year. On the journey home, I found myself reflecting on the conversations and future visions for our sector along with a lingering question:…
Reflections on the Early Years Summit

Reflections on the Early Years Summit

I recently participated in the Early Years Summit, convened by Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth MP and Minister for Early Childhood Education and Care Anne Aly MP, to begin work on the national Early Years Strategy. This summit…
Empowered to impact change: Learning together through Communities of Practice

Empowered to impact change: Learning together through Communities of Practice

Early childhood education is a constant revolving door of new information, insightful understandings, complex perspectives and thought-provoking research. Our role as early childhood educators and teachers is to dive headfirst into this pool…
Fostering connection through Skye’s Street Library

Fostering connection through Skye’s Street Library

Skye Children’s Cooperative (Skye) is an early childhood education and care (ECEC) service built on the homeland of the of the greater Kulin Nation. Opened in 1988, Skye has always operated as a community not-for-profit service with all profits…
The forgotten power of reading aloud

The forgotten power of reading aloud

I recently read the book The Enchanted Hour (Gurdon, 2019) in which the author recalls what novelist Kate DiCamillo once said to her: ‘We let down our guard when someone we love is reading us a story … We exist together in a little patch…
Digital documentation vs interaction with children: Finding the right balance

Digital documentation vs interaction with children: Finding the right balance

As an educator and carer, I see digital documentation from the perspectives of both the sender and the receiver. In my work with children, I observe them, document their learning and share it with their families online. On weekends I often care…
Relationships matter

Relationships matter

I have worked in the early childhood profession for many years. First, as an educator in a variety of different settings and now as a university lecturer and researcher. I have always valued the importance of relationships with children and…