Pebbles, puddles, and the possibilities of nature play A commotion erupted along the bush kinder path. “Move back! It’s a leech!” Evie announced, arms stretched wide like a pint-sized superhero, holding her friends at bay as they leaned in for a closer lo... Bush kinder Cup-Filling Nature play Pedagogy STEAM connecting first nations nature pebbles puddles 27 Nov 2025 Blog
Strong Foundations: neuroscience and emotional development in the early years Picture this: a vibrant early childhood learning environment, walls and tables adorned with colourful posters, flashcards, and even stones, all decorated with faces attempting to demonstrate intense e... Childhood advocacy Freedom Cup® Group time Music in early years National Quality Framework (NQF) National Quality Standard (NQS) Needs literacy Neuroscience Pedagogy Positive psychology The Phoenix Cups® Framework 23 Apr 2025 Blog
Re-thinking “School Readiness” and how to actually support children to be ready for school What makes a child ready for school? There is no singular answer to that question. Some individuals believe it may be self-help skills such as toileting, opening their own food or tying their shoes. F... Developmentally appropriate pedagogy Emotional regulation in children Group time Mathematics and numeracy Pedagogy Reading in early years School readiness Transition to school 31 Oct 2024 Blog
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 16 Jul 2023 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
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