Creating Collaborative Learners: The Reggio Emilia Approach to Social Development
Social development – the process by which a child learns to interact with those around them – isn’t just about making friends. It’s a combination of key skills that includes communication, self-awareness, behaviour regulation, building self-esteem, conflict resolution and more. A unique aspect of the Reggio Emilia approach is how it creates an environment that […]
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Reggio Emilia and the Development of Critical Thinking in Young Children
Critical thinking has always been important. But in the rapidly changing landscape of the 21st century, it’s become a fundamental necessity that drives both personal and professional success. The art of critical thinking isn’t learned overnight. In common with all skills, it begins at a basic level and builds over time. Proven childcare approaches, such […]
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Understanding Temperament: Tailoring Early Learning Approaches to Different Personalities
One of the true joys of human nature is that everyone is unique. Whilst every child has a leaning towards certain temperamental traits, this is also something that’s shaped during the crucial early years. For both educators and caregivers, understanding what drives children – their interests, their best way of learning, how they deal with […]
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Building Cultural Awareness in Early Childhood: Fun Activities for Little Learners
The diverse community in which we live is one of the most delightful elements of Australian life. Cultural awareness and diversity are vital social skills – and there are so many ways that parents, caregivers and early childhood educators can integrate this into activities and the educational curriculum to promote this from a young age. […]
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Fostering Emotional Resilience in Preschoolers: Tips for Parents and Educators
Emotional resilience is a key life skill. It’s the ability to cope with life’s inevitable ups and downs in a healthy, pragmatic way. Educators, parents and caregivers play a crucial role in helping children develop this – and many simple methods can be integrated into everyday life, both at home and through a great early […]
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Why Early Learning Should Embrace Messy Play: Developmental Benefits Explored
Messy play brings a multitude of benefits – and, of course, children love it! Getting down and dirty isn’t just about creating chaos (although the aftermath can take a bit of clearing up), it crucially plays an integral part in many areas of childhood development. That’s why highly successful early learning curriculums, such as the […]
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The Power of Storytelling in Building Empathy and Social Skills in Young Children
Most of us have cherished memories of favourite childhood stories. It’s common for children to want to hear their best-loved ones told over and over – and the reasons for this go far deeper than simply enjoying a good tale. Storytelling has been used since the dawn of time to both entertain and instil deeper, […]
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Teaching Children to Solve Problems Independently: Strategies for Early Learning
Problem solving is a true life skill – one that depends on the foundations created during the formative early years. Building strategies into preschool learning experiences that promote this is a key element of educational approaches, such as the Reggio Emilia philosophy. 5 Great Examples of Promoting Problem Solving Skills During Early Childhood Activities that […]
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Integrating the Reggio Emilia Approach at Home
The principles of the Reggio Emilia approach within early childcare education are well-documented. But what can you do to extend the reach into the family environment? The short answer to that is, ‘plenty’, and it’s not difficult to do. From weaving fun activities into your child’s day to adding tactile materials into their play options, […]
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Why Outdoor Classrooms are Becoming a Must in Early Learning
The great outdoors doesn’t get its name for nothing. Being surrounded by the glory of Mother Nature is proven to have an incredibly positive effect on both physical and mental health. While this is true for all ages, the benefits of children spending sufficient time outside can’t be overstated. Many educational facilities are now recognizing […]
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