Sensory play and wellbeing: It’s all connected
Sensory play has become a big part of a child’s theory classes, to DIY activities at home, there is a greater awareness these days about the benefits of sensory play for children.
It’s time to get cracking on Christmas
“Christmas trees and food are already in the shops! It’s too early!” These are the words often uttered around this time of year, every year.
While many of us think it’s too early, life does get busy around this time of year. Before we know it, it’s two weeks until Christmas and we realise maybe starting our shopping and festivity planning early may not have been a terrible idea after all.
How customisable furniture can transform your ELC
When you look at early learning centres that have been built in the last 10 years, you’ll more than likely see neutral colour tones across the furniture and storage solutions.
In addition to aesthetics and evolving trends over time, the rationale behind more neutral tones is to provide more ‘blank canvas’ areas for play and learning. The resources, rather than the furniture, become the focus.
Wood vs plastic: Let’s settle the score
Often associated with being better quality, more aesthetically appealing and aligning with pedagogies such as Montessori, the popularity of quality wooden toys has soared in recent years. Bright colours, plastic and battery-operated gadgets have taken a backseat, and wooden toys are now – more often than not – taking pride of place in homes and early learning centres.
You don’t have to be Einstein to bring science into your ELC!
Everyone is unique: Why we need to talk to children about neurodiversity
Diversity comes in many shapes and forms, and it’s up to us as adults – whether parents, educators, or both – to encourage children to truly understand, embrace and accept the diversity of their peers and the world around them.
Constructive play: Building skills, not just things
When you think of constructive play, what immediately springs to mind? Is it the building of skyscrapers, roads and cities? Is it stacking blocks as high as they can go? Constructive play is all of this and more. In fact, it’s arguably the most open-ended form of play.
Your guide to a standout sensory room
Do you have a dedicated sensory room or space in your early learning environment? If you do, how have you approached it and what’s your rationale behind it? If you don’t, what’s been holding you back?
No matter where you’re at with your sensory room, we’ve put together this quick guide to give you some hints and ideas on creating a standout space.
Imaginative play re-imagined: The power of the way a child views the world
“Imagination should be used, not to escape reality, but to create it.” This quote from the late philosopher and writer Colin Wilson perfectly sums up how important imagination is not just for a child’s creativity, but to develop important life skills.
