Butterfly Education and Awareness Day (BEAD) is celebrated on June 6, 2026. It was created by the Association for Butterflies to raise awareness about butterflies as pollinators, their habitats, and conservation needs. For early childhood educators, BEAD is a chance to connect children with nature through play, observation, and creativity.
Rainy days don’t have to dampen the fun in OOSH! When outdoor play isn’t possible, educators can turn indoor time into an opportunity for creativity, movement, and laughter. Wet weather games are more than just "fillers"; they help children release energy, practice teamwork, and build social-emotional skills in a safe environment.
The following 20 indoor games are designed to be simple, adaptable, and fun for mixed-age groups, ensuring that rainy days become memorable moments of play and learning.
For babies and toddlers, diversity and inclusion play can be nurtured through simple, sensory-rich experiences that introduce different cultures, abilities, and identities in age-appropriate ways. The key is to use everyday play materials—blocks, dolls, songs, and stories that reflect varied backgrounds and abilities—while keeping activities interactive and joyful.
Group games are a wonderful way to build social skills, cooperation, and confidence in preschoolers. They encourage children to listen, take turns, and celebrate each other’s successes. Here are 30 tried‑and‑true favourites you can introduce to your kindy group.
When you’re running OSHC programs, it’s easy to feel like you’re recycling the same handful of activities. Children thrive on variety, and having a big bank of creative options can help you break out of that slump. Below is a list of 50 diverse art and craft ideas, ranging from quick, low-prep projects to collaborative, cultural, and recycled-material activities. They’re designed to spark imagination, foster belonging, and keep sessions fresh and engaging for all ages.
Harmony Week (16th–23rd March) is a national celebration of cultural diversity, respect, and inclusion. For toddlers and preschoolers, it’s an opportunity to explore the idea that everyone belongs through play, stories, and shared experiences.
In early childhood settings, Harmony Week is not about complex discussions—it’s about simple, joyful ways to show kindness, celebrate differences, and build a sense of belonging. By weaving Harmony Week into everyday routines, educators can help children understand that our world is made richer when we learn from each other.
This guide provides practical strategies, activity ideas, and reflection prompts tailored for toddlers and preschoolers. It’s designed to support educators in creating meaningful, age-appropriate experiences that highlight diversity and inclusion while keeping learning playful and accessible.
It is not uncommon for children aged 3–5 to show curiosity about bodies, including private parts. This behaviour is part of early exploration and does not carry sexual intent. However, when children seek privacy or involve peers, educators must respond with clear boundaries and child-safe practices. The goal is to guide children respectfully, without shaming, while reinforcing safety and trust.
Minecraft has become a powerful tool for engaging children in OOSH. Its open-ended, creative environment allows children to explore, build, and collaborate in ways that naturally align with the MTOP. When thoughtfully facilitated, Minecraft activities can extend children’s interests, foster teamwork, and embed meaningful learning outcomes.
In OSHC, children often mirror cultural trends. The rise of “Sephora kids," young people fascinated by skincare and makeup, has sparked curiosity about how educators can channel this interest safely. While applying cosmetics directly to children’s skin isn’t appropriate, there are many playful, imaginative strategies that let them explore beauty culture without risk.
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