Early childhood educators understand the importance of outdoor play: fresh air, vitamin D, gross motor development and connecting with nature. Health precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic have made outdoor play even more desirable, but getting outside in the winter months can be challenging. Children benefit from being outdoors in all but the most extreme weather […]
The Bright Tomorrows app, which is free to download, has been designed to help parents and carers to support children’s brain development. Developed by Telethon Kids Institute and Minderoo Foundation through their CoLab partnership, the app translates groundbreaking early years research into tailored tips for parents and carers of children under five. According to CoLab […]
Back in 2017, Amplify shared an interview with Bambini of Lilyfield centre director Anmol Lohia, whose powerful belief in creative arts education had led to many positive outcomes for the children at the centre, and the local community. This included a fundraising event where artworks created by the children helped to raise thousands of dollars […]
Early childhood educators have always been masters of reusing and repurposing materials – it’s how we make ends meet with tight budgets. Upcycling takes this thrifty and sustainable trend a step further, boosted by the rise of ‘Loose Parts Play’. The term ‘upcycling’ was first used in 2002 and the most succinct definition is ‘the […]
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many elderly residents of care homes have been left feeling more alone and isolated than ever – particularly those with no relatives to talk to via phone or digital devices. Research1 has found that perceived social isolation and loneliness are associated with depression, cognitive decline, poor sleep quality, a weaker immune system, and […]
While many families are sending their children back to preschools and childcare centres, the need for remote learning is likely to continue as some families continue to isolate at home. This week we have gathered together some of the best links to home learning resources that you can use in your own programs, or share […]
By Hayley Bates, House Certifications Coordinator at Little Scientists Chemistry. The word may remind us of school or if we are lucky, love! But is it accessible to children? Should we, could we, or even… must we, touch upon chemistry with children? Chemistry is part of life. The opportunities to explore chemistry with children pop […]
Each year in April, we celebrate the international day of human space flight. During a time when young children may feel that their worlds have become much smaller, it could be helpful to remind them that they’re part of something so much bigger. Learning about space is about venturing into the unknown, promoting creative thinking, […]
Literacy in the early years encompasses much more than reading, drawing and writing. Leonie Arthur explores early childhood educators’ critical role in supporting and extending children’s literacy learning. Contemporary definitions of literacy encompass viewing and creating visual and multimodal texts as well as the more traditional skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening. In an […]
Has anyone recently asked you to look at things from a different point of view? Maybe you’ve been invited to think outside the box? How about turning your frown upside down? It’s occasionally unsettling, but more often refreshing and engaging, to change the way you view everyday activities. Even more so when you can apply […]
