Running, spinning, banging and shouting – preschoolers can sometimes seem to have limitless energy. In some cases, it may be a child’s way of signalling that they are feeling overloaded or seeking sensory stimulation. Engaging children in ‘heavy work’ activities can be a great way to channel this energy and calm the mind by giving children a sense […]
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 […]
Striving to be ‘greener’ has led three award-winning services on very different journeys that have improved other learning and development outcomes. In Part 2 of our focus on Education for Sustainability we find out how KU Children’s Services are embracing environmental sustainability, which led to two services winning SPROuts (Sustainable Projects Recognising Outstanding Practice) awards […]
When we think about early learning for environmental sustainability the first things that come to mind for many are improving recycling, reducing waste and setting up a compost bin or worm farm. But there’s so much more that can be done. Since 2005 the NSW Early Childhood Environment Educators Network (ECEEN) has encouraged services taking […]
The COVID-19 pandemic has put a new focus on the need for outdoor spaces and the ability to separate groups – but outdoor space is often limited in ECEC, particularly in city and suburban areas. With a focus on welcoming and innovative play spaces at the heart of their centre’s layout, the team at Newcastle’s […]
What do plastic lids, bees wax and Qantas CEO Alan Joyce have in common? They were all involved in exciting waste reduction initiatives driven by young children and their educators. Last week was Recycling Week and we profiled the first of a number of services who have embraced environmental protection with projects that have engaged […]
What do plastic lids, bees wax and Qantas have in common? They were all involved in exciting waste reduction initiatives driven by young children and their educators. Since showing respect for the environment became embedded in Outcome 2 of the Early Years Learning Framework (Children are connected with and contribute to their world), services and […]
Annie O’Sullivan is an early childhood educator and mentor of 30 years experience who now shares her knowledge, with a colleague, as the Early Years Education Specialists. Annie lectures part time at Wollongong University and recently graduated from Macquarie University with a Master of Early Childhood. In today’s story, Annie celebrates her experience of embracing risky […]
We introduced you to Linda’s family day care (FDC) and some ideas on risky play with an Amplify article featuring her ‘River Kindy’. If you missed it, catch up here. Last week we began a new piece from Linda, sharing the thought processes and experiences that led to her adoption of such a strong nature play […]
We introduced you to Linda’s family day care (FDC) and some ideas on risky play with an Amplify article featuring her ‘River Kindy’. If you missed it, catch up here, and if you’re one of the people who then asked to find out more about risky and natural play, you’re in for a treat today. […]
