Children aren't born in litters, so why teach as if they are? Before I answer the question posed in the title of this blog,let’s remind ourselves of the purposes of group story and song sessions in early childhood settings. Purposes of group story and song sessi... Child attention span Flow in early years Group time Language and literacy Language development Literacy development Mathematics and numeracy Music in early years Pedagogy Play-based learning Professional development Reading in early years School readiness Singing in early years Transition to school 17 Jul 2023 Blog
Reflections and Confessions of a Collage Addict Got some magazines? Got some scissors? Got some glue? Congrats, you’re joining my new cult. It’s called the Collage Cult… Collaging in a reflective journal can offer numerous benefits and positive out... Critical reflection Educator journal 30 Jun 2023 Blog
The Loose Parts Challenge Looking to boost curiosity and creativity in your classroom? Or maybe its collaborative problem solving, sustainability or resilience you’re prioritising for the children? Whatever your focus, it may ... Child-led learning Children's development Educator resources Heuristic play Loose parts Schematic play Sensory development Sustainability 6 Dec 2022 Blog
Schematic Play Written by Louise Porter, PhD, Child psychologist Compiled by Phoenix Support for Educators Pty Ltd © 2021 TYPES OF PLAY There are many types of play: 1 ※ Schematic play: in which children have a stro... Children's development Craft activities in early years Educator resources Flow in early years Music in early years Play-based learning Rotation schema Schematic play Sensory play Trajectory schema 29 Oct 2021 Blog
Behaviour Guidance from my point of view The Short Story My approach to guiding children’s behaviour comes from understanding behaviour as communication to meet human needs. I believe that once educators have a deeper understanding of this, ... Behaviour guidance Behaviour management Children's development Developmental red flags Educator ethics Inclusion support in education National Quality Framework (NQF) Play-based learning Sensory processing Strength-based practice 29 Oct 2021 Blog
The Advocate for Childhood Let’s discuss ‘that child’ found in many education and care settings. However, let’s not label him ‘that child’, and respectfully use his real name, Jacob. Jacob is spirited, energetic and a non-confo... Child-led learning Childhood advocacy Flow in early years Freedom Cup® Group time Intrinsic motivation Nature play Play advocacy Professional development Risky play School readiness Sensory development The Phoenix Cups® Framework The delight of childhood 30 Jun 2021 Blog
Getting started with Bush Kinder - Part 2 What exactly is Bush Kinder? Bush Kinder is a general term used for facilitated place session with children in nature. Ideally, bush kinder will involve free time for children to explore a natural env... Bush kinder Children's development Nature play Pedagogy 31 Jul 2019
More than just nappy changes and sleep times In the realm of early childhood education, much thought and focus is given to the kindergarten age group (3-5 years), however, adversely, the younger years are often overlooked or glossed over (Sumsio... Children's development Educational Leader Immune system development Nappy changes Neurosensory development Pedagogy Reading in early years Self-worth and belonging Sensory development 30 Jun 2019 Blog
Get Muddy! No Sanitiser required A few years ago, this photo would have made me squeamish. Mud. Yuck. Now, I’m an educator advocating for this kind of messy play. In fact, when I sat together with this little man, smooshing mud and s... Australian Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) Barefoot Behaviour guidance Behaviour management Child-led learning Children's health Immune system development Nature play OSHC, OOSH & SAC Pedagogy Reggio approach Sensory development 31 Dec 2013 Blog