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‘Stay and Play’ at the QUT Children’s Technology Centre during Live Wires

‘Stay and Play’ at the QUT Children’s Technology Centre during Live Wires

During the 2023 Live Wires Digital Technology Forum, we invite you to take part in one of our ‘Stay and Play’ sessions at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Children’s Technology Centre on the fourth floor of the Education Building…
Think differently: a Live Wires approach

Think differently: a Live Wires approach

As many readers will know, Early Childhood Australia (ECA) has been committed to supporting educators in the digital space for many years. While in many ways our children are living in a digital age, ECA entered into this space cautiously, and…
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…
What’s the ‘big ideas’?

What’s the ‘big ideas’?

How quality STEM education can be integrated into family day care through children’s everyday activities. Research shows that young children— including infants—are capable of learning mathematics and science concepts (Baroody, 2003).…
Can robots support development?

Can robots support development?

Using robots to support children’s social and emotional development: A five-step framework In an early learning centre, George (3 years and 8 months old) and Theo (4 years and 2 months old) are playing with a LEGO BOOST robot that is coded…
Fostering girls’ interest in STEM

Fostering girls’ interest in STEM

Science and gender equality are both vital for the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Over the past decades, the global community has made a lot of effort in inspiring…
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…
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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…