Blog Posts | Phoenix Support For Educators

Barefoot isn’t just for Babies

In early childhood, barefoot play is often celebrated. But in School Age Care (SAC), shoes are frequently the default - kept on from the classroom to the OSHC space. What if we paused and asked: what ...

Barefoot Children's autonomy Children's development Children's wellbeing Nature play OSHC, OOSH & SAC Sensory experiences

9 Sep 2025 Blog

It is OK to be Angry – Why Anger doesn’t belong in the ‘Red Zone’

Anger is often misunderstood, particularly anger in children. Many adults perceive anger as a negative emotion that must be suppressed or avoided. However, modern research in psychology and neuroscien...

Angry children Basic human needs Behaviour guidance Behaviour management Children's development Children's wellbeing Emotional regulation in children Emotional resilience in children Managing emotions Needs literacy Neuroscience Processing emotions Tantrums The Phoenix Cups® Framework

8 Jun 2025 Blog

Reclaiming Play

Let’s face it: childhood today looks a bit different than it used to. When was the last time you saw a child climb a tree like it was Mount Everest or turn a pile of sticks into a pirate ship? If you ...

Barefoot Children and technology Children's development Children's wellbeing Emotional regulation in children Fine motor skills Flow in early years Group time Loose parts Nature play Physicality Play-based learning Risky play Sensory development Sensory play Sensory processing Wellbeing and exercise

13 Jan 2025 Blog

From Behaviour ‘Management’ to Fostering Wellbeing – A Way Forward

Psychology: The science of behaviour (Carlson & Buskist, 1996) was the first textbook I owned as a bright-eyed undergraduate embarking on my mission to leave the world just a little bit better. It was...

Behaviour guidance Behaviour management Behaviourism Children's behaviour Children's development Children's wellbeing Connection Cup® Educator wellbeing Freedom Cup® Fun Cup® Intrinsic motivation Mastery Cup® Pedagogy Positive psychology Safety Cup® Self-worth and belonging Skill to Fill™ The Phoenix Cups® Framework Will to Fill™

26 Jun 2024 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

7 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

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

Creative Craft Activity or Craptivity

Creative craft activity or craptivity? It's all in the delivery. You decide. ‘Craptivity’ memes and subsequent support of this term, has recently besieged educator forums. An audience was divided last...

Children's development Craft activities in early years Developmentally appropriate pedagogy Fine motor skills Loose parts

31 Aug 2019 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 Blog

Getting started with Bush Kinder

Written by Birdwings Nature, Jennifer McCormack and Narell Neville All children should have the opportunity to engage with nature. Fortunately, it is not difficult to get out and about to learn outsid...

Bush kinder Children's development Nature play Risk assessment Sustainability

30 Jul 2019 Blog

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

Guest

Login

Register

My Cart

My Wishlist