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, […]
Many preschools hold art exhibitions within their own centres – it’s a great way to showcase the abilities of children and to build collaborative relationships with families. Miranda Kindergarten Director and CELA member Jenny Hind is a strong advocate for the power of arts in the early years. Together with 15 other members of the […]
Many studies have proven that we not only enjoy music and song but that it’s great for our wellbeing and invaluable for child development. Centre director and CELA trainer Jenny Hind shares how music and rhyme can be beneficial throughout the day provides simple tips on how to incorporate rhymes and songs into a broad […]
The theme for Space week 2020 (Sun, 4 Oct – Sat, 10 Oct) is ‘Satellites improve life’. It might seem like a challenging theme to discuss with preschoolers until you realise how many satellites are part of our daily life. Hayley Bates from Little Scientists talks us through how we could start discussions and investigations […]
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 […]
