Articles

Sensory play is a cornerstone of early childhood education, offering children opportunities to explore textures, sounds, smells, and movement in ways that build curiosity and support developmental growth. Traditionally, many educators have relied on dried food items—such as rice, pasta,…

Recent headlines have warned of a “systemic and escalating” risk in childcare allergy management, claiming that regulations are failing children by requiring only one staff member per centre to be trained in anaphylaxis response. While the concern for child safety…

Valentine’s Day is a wonderful opportunity for children to celebrate friendship, kindness, and creativity. Through simple crafts and playful activities, children can express love and appreciation for the special people in their lives- whether family, friends, or classmates. These activities…

The concept of celebrating Valentine's Day with young children can be lovely if approached appropriately. It can be a positive experience if the focus is on love, friendship, and kindness rather than romantic love. The following article provides information on…

Love Monster is a sweet book about love, friendship, frustration, loneliness and being different. The monster lives in Cutesville and feels out of place amongst all the cute animals. Everyone loves fluffy kittens, puppies and bunnies, but not funny-looking hairy…

In early childhood education, play is the foundation of learning. Two powerful spaces—the block area and the construction area—offer children opportunities to explore, create, and problem-solve. While often treated separately, combining these areas can enrich children’s experiences and deepen their…

Acknowledgement of Country is more than a ritual—it’s a daily opportunity to connect children with respect, gratitude, and belonging.

In early childhood, programming is the backbone of quality practice. Yet, many leaders encounter a familiar refrain when asking teams to engage with program planning: “I haven’t had the time.” While time pressures are real in our sector, this phrase…

Storybook baskets (sometimes called book buckets) are a powerful way to transform a simple read-aloud into an interactive, multi-sensory experience. By pairing books with props, toys, and open-ended materials, educators can help children connect more deeply with stories, practice language…

The following gives you 50+ boredom-busting activities across five themed days—Maker Monday, Challenge Tuesday, Creative Wednesday, Active Thursday, and Chill Friday. Each theme includes 10 low-prep, high-engagement ideas that respect older children’s growing identity and sense of autonomy.

Older children in OSHC often hit us with the classic line: “I’m bored.” But when asked what they’d like to do, the reply is just as familiar: “I don’t know.” This isn’t laziness; it’s a developmental stage. They’re testing independence,…

Critical reflection is more than just “thinking back” on what happened in your classroom. It’s about questioning assumptions, exploring values, and considering the broader influences that shape practice. Embedding it into daily routines helps educators move beyond surface‑level reflection and…