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
Critical Reflection: Reflective Questions based on Quality Areas 1-7 The Importance of Critical Reflection In the early childhood education and care sector, critically reflecting on our practices is of utmost importance. It allows us to continuously improve and provide... Critical reflection Cultural inclusion Educational Leader Educator ethics Educator journal National Quality Framework (NQF) National Quality Standard (NQS) Planning & programming Professional development Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) Resources Risk assessment Safe sleep practices 30 Jun 2023 Resources
Let there be light! Sleep. What an intense conversation topic, particularly amongst new parents whose group gatherings often sound like this: “Who sleeps through the night? When do you transition from three naps to two? ... Child safety Child supervision guidelines ECEC regulations National Quality Framework (NQF) National Quality Standard (NQS) Safe sleep practices 14 Nov 2021 Blog
Being professional in Early Childhood Education Being a member of a few Early Childhood Educator Facebook groups, I often see there is a lot of disagreement among these groups (and throughout the sector) about what being a professional in Early Chi... Australian Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) Children's behaviour Children's wellbeing Critical reflection Educator advocacy Educator ethics National Quality Framework (NQF) Play-based learning Professional development Risky play 30 Oct 2021 Blog
The day we met Jet Pack Man; A story about fun cup filling Transitions were not Jaxon’s favourite thing. In fact, he would resist every one of them. Time to go inside? Nope. Time to wash our hands? I don’t think so. Group time? Not happening. Jaxon taught his... Behaviour guidance Behaviour management Child engagement Critical reflection Flow in early years Fun Cup® Group time Imaginative play Play advocacy The Phoenix Cups® Framework 29 Oct 2021 Blog
Angry about 'under the roof ratio'? You're doing it wrong If you cringe when the words 'Under the roof' are uttered, then chances are you’re doing it wrong. The Australian National Quality Framework (NQF) brought with it ratios intended to improve outcomes f... Child safety Child supervision guidelines Compliance ECEC regulations National Quality Framework (NQF) National Quality Standard (NQS) Under the roof ratio 31 Aug 2021 Blog
Need a behaviour chart? The power of positive interactions in supporting children's behavioural learning By Sandi Phoenix B.Psych.Sc Sticker charts, rewards, and positive reinforcement systems are commonly used to ‘shape’ ch... Behaviour charts Behaviour guidance Behaviour management Connection Cup® Interaction ratio Positive interactions The Phoenix Cups® Framework 1 Aug 2021 Blog
Educators - Know your Stuff Four things that Educators who know how to exceed do that Educators working towards the National Quality Standard don’t. I have noticed something interesting… the difference in the practice of service... Aboriginal perspectives Australian Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) Behaviour charts Critical reflection Educational Leader Educator ethics National Quality Framework (NQF) National Quality Standard (NQS) Pedagogy Planning & programming Professional development Risk assessment 31 Jul 2021
Recommended Resources Reflections of an Educator Our sister company. Diaries, journals, and more. I need these in my life Early Years TV Interview style PD by Kathy Brodie from the UK. You'll find loads of videos here from... Children's development Educator resources Learning stories National Quality Framework (NQF) National Quality Standard (NQS) Pedagogy Professional development Resources 10 Jun 2021 Resources
What is technology really doing to our children? The amount of screen time children receive is alarming. Ernest et al. (2014) report that on average, 83% of children under the age of 6 years old in the United States today use some form of screen tim... Children and technology Children's health 1 May 2016 Blog