After an unpredictable and stressful year, we all deserve a party. Unfortunately, planning festive celebrations and graduations this year may come with a few added complications due to the ever-shifting sands of COVID-related social restrictions. Celebrations will be more important than ever this year — for children and educators. We share some ideas to kick […]
Working in early education and care is an incredibly rewarding job, but the role can come with numerous challenges. This is especially true for educators in charge of children presenting with trauma, self-regulation and behavioural issues, or from challenging home environments. At times it can feel like you’ve tried everything you know of to try to […]
In the lead-up to welcoming children back or embracing new infants and children into services in 2021, it is a timely reminder of the importance of ensuring that your service is ready to implement safe sleep and settling practices. Cindy Davenport, Director of Safe Sleep Space/Sleep Smart shares vital tips for understanding sleep in infants […]
A new curriculum is available in Australia that aims to teach children kindness. The Kindness Curriculum is available for children of all ages and has been designed to complement existing curriculums. There is a specific section for children aged birth to five years that links to The Early Years Learning Framework. The Kindness Curriculum is […]
The topic of school readiness stirs emotion and provokes debate. Some educators fear their children will struggle with the primary school transition – socially and academically. Other educators are concerned about the unnecessary pressure on children to reach benchmarks because early childhood education is about being and belonging, not just becoming. When you really boil […]
Risky play is always a hot topic in Facebook groups, forums and PD sessions. While many of these discussions focus around sharp tools, climbing to great heights and engaging with heavy loose parts, the common garden stick rarely rates a mention. The dangers of running with sticks and eyes being poked out are never far from the minds […]
Protecting children from harm is a fundamental part of being an early childhood professional. Preventative education is also crucial and should be an integral part of any child-safe organisation. Early childhood education consultant Nicole Talarico shares how early education professionals can help children to understand that they hold the power when it comes to their bodies […]
STEM Storytime is a new activity for early learners and carers, presented by Australia’s Women in STEM Ambassador Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith and supported by Questacon. We share how the project is helping to challenge gender stereotypes and how you can get involved. By Lauren Sullivan, Project Officer, Women in STEM Ambassador About STEM Storytime STEM […]
Regular Amplify writer Deborah Hoger, a Dunghutti woman and early years Indigenous educational resources specialist, shares how we can ensure that Acknowledgement to Country is done with respect and as a way to extend learning and understanding. By Deborah Hoger “Here is the land (arms open wide) And here is the sky (arms pointing to […]
Outdoor Classroom Day is a global initiative that promotes outdoor learning and love for the natural world. Children are spending more time indoors compared to previous generations, and academic learning is often prioritised over free play outside. Each year there are two dedicated outdoor classroom days. The next is on the 5th of November 2020, […]
