Blog Posts | Phoenix Support For Educators

8 Articles

Sensory × Children's development ×

From the ground up

In early childhood, barefoot play is often celebrated. In School Age Care (SAC). however, shoes are frequently the default. Kept on from the classroom to the OSHC/OOSH space without question. But what...

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

9 Sept 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 June 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

12 Jan 2025 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

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 July 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 June 2019 Blog