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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The Hundred Languages of Children: Interpreting and Nurturing Diverse Expressions
The art of communication encompasses far more than just the spoken word. From body language to gestures – and everything in between – humans use multiple ways to directly and indirectly exchange information with those around them. One of the primary principles of the Reggio Emilia approach is the ‘one hundred languages’ of children. This […]
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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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Cultivating a Love for Science in Preschool: Simple Experiments for Early Learners
Exploring the world of science with appropriate preschool activities not only opens a seemingly magical landscape of learning, it sparks the curiosity of young minds and lays the foundations of a lifelong love of learning. It also plays a huge role in introducing the basics of scientific understanding and critical thinking – plus, it’s a […]
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Exploring the Senses: Activities to Boost Sensory Development in Early Childhood
Sensory play is one of the most effective ways parents, caregivers and early childhood educators can aid brain development in young children. These crucial formative years are a time of incredible change, with thousands of neurons – the brain’s informational channels – being created each day. Exposing little ones to multiple sensory experiences each day […]
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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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