early years learning Archives - Page 7 of 11 - Early Learning Childhood Education

28/09/201702/10/2017

Wellbeing and Engagement – A Valuable Relationship

Engaged educators are inspired, motivated, productive and happy in the workplace. These are qualities that are vital to creating a learning and care environment for children to flourish.

These qualities of an engaged educator enable them to do the best job possible at enhancing children’s wellbeing too. So how do you engage educators? Start with educators wellbeing.

The Essential Links Between Engagement and Wellbeing

Working on wellbeing requires a holistic approach. To really reap the rewards over time, your approach to enhancing wellbeing needs to be sustainable, not a quick fix.

It’s incredible what can be achieved for centres, educators, families and most importantly children when we shift our focus to wellbeing. Engagement is a crucial area that benefits from wellbeing practices, but it doesn’t end there!

Engaged educators lead to better outcomes for children, engaged children and educators lead to better mental health and wellness. In turn, wellbeing practices for children can help them to become better learners and all round happier children.

See engaged educators and children in action

It’s one thing to read about what you can achieve with a focus on wellbeing and subsequently high levels of educator and child engagement – it’s another thing to see it!

That’s why we are inviting owners and directors of centres to visit our flagship Bonkers Beat centre in Aspendale, Victoria. Join us at Music Kinder in Action!

We are ready to give away strategies and knowledge to centre owners and directors – with absolutely no expectations on getting anything back in return.

Our goal is simply to show owners and directors across Australia what is possible for your educators, children and centres. See how you can engage educators and the benefits of doing so.

There are only 6 spots remaining PLUS everyone who attends will receive a complimentary gift and a guide ‘How to Implement a World Class Music Program in Your Centre’.

Hope to see you there! Click here to secure your free ticket!

21/09/201722/09/2017

Making Life Easier for Families – Spring Holiday Programs

Each year children around Australia have around 11-12 weeks of holidays from school or kinder, while parents can usually access roughly 4 weeks of annual leave. This can make it tricky, but school holiday programs can help.

A school holiday program for children who are not yet school age can be run from different services and enables working families to save their holiday leave time for when they can really enjoy it with their children.

Whether you’re looking for a school holiday program for the upcoming school holiday break or you are creating a program, these ideas will help you to know what a great school holiday program should include for children under six years old.

School Holiday Programs – What they should offer

Keep it interesting

School holidays are about having fun! In our recent School Holiday Programs, we have had a special experience included in our program each day. Experiences we like to include that you might like as well are puppet shows, making books, visiting the library and making and flying kites.

Keep families in the know

Many families won’t know what to expect at school holiday time or what you can offer to support them during the term breaks. Let families know in advance what is on offer to help make school holidays less stressful for them and more enjoyable for their children. Create a program in advance.

Include an adventure

School holiday time is for doing something that you don’t normally do. Break the routine a little and do something special with children. This could be a local excursion to a park, a visit to a farm or a trip to a museum.

Educators who are looking for extra ideas, or parents with time off over the term break, take a look at these 24 ideas for fun in rain, hail or shine in our School Holiday Activity Guide.

To get inspired and learn more about Bonkers Beat Music Kinder, click here.

14/09/201715/09/2017

Active children are happier children

Many studies have shown the strong link between physical activity and children’s behavioural, social and psychological outcomes. And the research consistently indicates that active children are happier children.

They become happier adolescents and adults too, demonstrating that laying a foundation for life that involves regular physical activity has far-reaching impact. It’s important that we set the groundwork for active children so they grow into happy adults.

Encouraging Physical Activity: The benefits

Regular physical activity has a range of benefits for children, including:

promoting healthy growth and development
helping to achieve and maintain a healthy weight
building strong bones and muscles
improving cardiovascular fitness
improving balance, coordination and strength
maintaining and developing flexibility
improving posture
assisting with the development of gross motor and fine motor skills
providing the opportunity to develop fundamental movement skills
helping to establish connections between different parts of the brain
improving concentration and thinking skills
improving confidence and self-esteem
relieving stress and promoting relaxation
providing opportunities to develop social skills and make friends
improving sleep.

(Source: https://www.healthykids.nsw.gov.au/teachers-childcare/physical-activity.aspx)

There’s no doubt about it – physical activity is vital for optimal development in children!

Promoting Physical Wellbeing in Children: Bush Kinder and Sports-inspired Games

If you and your educators attended our recent Bonkers Beat Wellness Summits, you’ve probably learned so many incredible ways to embed physical wellness practices into your centre. For those who didn’t attend, the information provided by our guests speakers was invaluable in guiding us towards the best ways of promoting physical wellness for the children in our care.

Bush Kinder founder Doug Fargher presented at the Bonkers Beat Wellness Summits and shared his expertise and experience working in outdoor spaces with children. Doug is an expert with extensive knowledge on the strong connections between nature and children’s physical wellness during the first five years of development and beyond.

Justin Kuchel from Active Start Sports presented at our recent Wellness Summits as well. Justin’s approach enables children of all ages to engage with fun, physical activities that leave them wanting more. Justin shared insights and showed us how his age-appropriate sports-inspired games get children truly excited about physical activity.

Thank you to all who attended—what a fantastic event it was, and thank you for contributing to it with your commitment to early childhood education!

See the photos from the Melbourne event here.

See the photos from the Sydney Wellness Summit here.

Are you passionate about physical and overall wellbeing? To find out more and join our Wellness Summits call us on 13000-B-BEAT (2-2328).

06/09/201707/09/2017

Respect, Safety and Dignity for All

In a time where we see some forces aiming to divide the world, it’s so important to show children the right way forward. The caring and compassionate way forward. In 2017 the theme for the International Day of Peace is Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All. What a beautiful reminder to encourage connectedness and respect among children in our care.

The International Day of Peace (Thursday 21 September) takes place each year worldwide with the aim of strengthening the ideals of peace. This can apply to peace within nations, or global peace. It can even just apply to own our communities. Seeking peace through being inclusive, respectful and kind to others is something we can do every day.

Showing children the path to peace

While the concepts of peace and conflict are perhaps challenging for young children and not for them to worry about at this young age, we can help to embed positive values through their early childhood education.

Here’re a few ways you can intentionally incorporate the values of the International Day of Peace in your centre:

Model compassion and caring:

Show children what compassion and caring looks like. Offer help to others and generally look out for one another.

Promote a respectful environment:

Good manners, listening to others and accepting differences are ways to encourage respect within childcare centres.

Build a sense of belonging for all:

Aim to celebrate all walks of life in your centre. Inclusive practices are essential in early childhood. Ask families to get involved, share stories, songs, traditions, food from their cultures or get children to talk about their home life so children are exposed to a diverse range of family situations.

This ACECQA document is a useful resource on encouraging inclusive behaviour in early childhood. You might also like to explore this Gowrie Victoria document that covers respect for children.

Of course, the International Day of Peace is just a reminder to instill these approaches and values in your centre… By all means, continue to do these things now and beyond!

If you’re interested in learning more about the International Day of Peace, visit the official website here.

31/08/201731/08/2017

Early Childhood Educators Day

We place the future of tomorrow’s leaders in the hands of early childhood educators each and every day – that’s a big responsibility! And thankfully it’s one that is viewed as a true privilege by early childhood educators. It is a job that, while rewarding, is challenging and requires a lot of patience. And it is a job that deserves more recognition and celebration than it perhaps receives.

The first Wednesday in September each year is Early Childhood Educators Day – a chance to show early childhood educators that their work is recognised, appreciated and valued. So next week on Wednesday 6 September, let’s do something special for early childhood educators.

Ways to Celebrate Early Childhood Educators Day

The Australian Childcare Alliance has many fantastic ideas to celebrate Early Childhood Educators Day.

Here are just a few:

Create an ECE Wall of Appreciation. Templates here. Encourage parents to help children to write down what they love about their educators. Parents might like to say what they value most about them too.
Colour-coordinate clothes for the day. Everyone comes to work in costume!
Create a giant “thank you” card for display in the reception area of the centre/kindergarten
Design a certificate of appreciation for each educator, or use one here.

Early childhood educators care for children during one of the most critical developmental stages in a human being’s life – the first five years. This care and focus on their early learning enable families to work as needed with the peace of mind that their children are safe and sound and receiving the best start.

To all early childhood educators, we commend you on your hard work, your kindness and your patience. And we thank you for all that you do each day.

Get involved in Early Childhood Educators Day on social media by using the hashtags:

#EarlyChildhoodEducatorsDay #LoveMyECE

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24/08/201725/08/2017

Top 3 Benefits of Whole Team Training

Last week’s 2017 ACAV Conference was fantastic. The event saw 960 participants attend, with participants from all over Australia.

There were really interesting sessions with lots of ideas and the expo was just amazing. Seeing so many passionate educators is always a beautiful sight to behold – early childhood is such an important sector and it deserves this dedication.

Professional development is so vital to to give children the best start in life. One thing in particular to note from ACAV Conference was that some centres brought a few educators to attend and learn. While it’s not always easy organising staff at one place at one time, but if you can, there is no doubt that the whole team will experience the benefits.

So what benefits are there to be drawn from approaching professional development and training as a team?

1. Collective knowledge

When your team’s knowledge increases as a group, they can encourage one another and share perspectives. Teams who have done training together often reflect on what they learned and have a better understanding of the training.

2. Ideas and improvements

With everyone on the same page, your educators’ ability to apply what they learned is increased too. From the collective knowledge developed through group PD training, educators will have a solid shared foundation on which to brainstorm fresh ideas and improvements to the way you operate in your centre.

3. Bonding time

A team whose members know and understand one another have a better chance of working together more effectively. Giving your team of educators the opportunity to have experiences outside of the workplace and their usual set tasks can help develop both their professional and personal relationships. The results can be lower staff turnover, higher educator engagement and an overall happier team.

The Bonkers Beat programs were built with whole team professional development and training in mind. That’s why all centres who implement Bonkers Beat Programs, attend two Wellness Summits each year in order to learn and grow together.

Speaking of Bonkers Beat, our ‘Match & Win’ raffle resulted in two lucky winners out of almost 200 entries! The winning centres will now have access to our Bonkers Beat Starter Program online course (valued at $595). They can use this program for their entire team to build confidence in implementing music into daily routines.

In the interests of developing strong teams within your centre, we want to give you some practical tools.
Click here to access the special offer. Your whole team will reap the rewards – and so will your centre, your families and children.

10/08/201710/08/2017

What is resilience and why children need it

Like day and night, the ups and downs of life are inevitable. While we want children to experience only the best things life has to offer, adversities and challenges are something that they will face. There’s not much we can do about some of the challenges or setbacks children will face, but we can guide them in how to respond to these setbacks.

Resilience defined

According to Resilient Youth Australia, resilience is defined “as the ability to draw upon the strengths within yourself and around you to flexibly respond to life while remaining true to yourself and creating positive relationships with others.”

Another definition of resilience found in Early Childhood Australia’s ‘Children’s resilience’, says that resilience is about the qualities and skills that ensure children (and adults) can cope with difficulties positively.

Building resilience in early childhood

There are many ways we can build children’s resilience from a young age – and we should. Learning that “failing” is just a part of learning is so essential to living a happy, fulfilling life.

Here are just a few ways to begin to build resilience in young children and help them to grow up able to bounce back and learn from everything in life.

1. Empower children

Show children that they are capable and enable them to trust in themselves. (Find our empowerment tips here.)

2. Maintain a positive outlook

Positive thinking is something we are really passionate about – it’s powerful! Staying positive about the future shows children that there is a reason to dust yourself off and try again or try another way.

3. Create healthy relationships

Healthy, respectful and supportive relationships are an important goal for all ages. Encourage children to pursue them and nurture them. Team building is one way, and Justin Kuchel of Active Start Sports will be at our Wellness Summits in September to talk about just that. Want to come along with your team of educators? Learn how you can.

4. Believe in children

Self-belief is important but so is children having educators and other adults around them who believe in them. Tell them and show them that you believe they can succeed.

5. Take appropriate risks

Doug Fargher, Founder of Bush Kinder and an early childhood guru is passionate about the need for parents and educators to trust children and support them in taking appropriate risks. He’ll be presenting as a guest speaker at our upcoming Wellness Summits in September. (Remember: if you’re not attending yet, there’s still time to join us and come with your entire team! Click here).

Resilience in early childhood can be built every day and can transform the way we learn, create and live. We would love to hear your resilience-building strategies – share with us on Facebook on our page or in our private group if you’re an educator who is a Bonkers Beat member.

03/08/201703/08/2017

Immune system boosters: strategies to stay healthy

Throughout this time of year it can feel as though someone is always coming down with a cold, a virus or some sort of bug. A lot of it comes down to the fact that when the weather is cold we spend more time in confined spaces with one another. But whatever the reason, we all want to prevent the spread of illness – especially in childcare centres.

Immune system boosters: 5 approaches

These five strategies will help you to boost children’s immune system and ultimately result in less sick children – and educators!

Some can be used in centres and at home so this list is handy for families and educators alike.

1. Boost children’s immune systems through food: Fresh foods have phytonutrients which are perfect for kicking the immune system up a notch. They can be found in carrots, strawberries, beans and oranges, to name a few. Focus on fresh and aim for five serves of fruit and vegetables each day. But of course, any amount of fruit and veg is better than none! Handy hints for getting children to eat fruit and veggies here. And try this healthy immune boosting recipe the whole family can enjoy.

2: Encourage healthy sleep patterns: Sleep is when our bodies work hard to repair themselves. And not getting enough of it can make us more likely to catch whatever illnesses are going around. Learn how much sleep children really need.

3: Keep a clean environment: Coming in to contact with germs is something to avoid obviously! And the best way? Keeping your home and childcare centre germ free (or as close as possible!). Wipe down surfaces regularly, wash hands, use and dispose of tissues thoughtfully…

4: Water, water, water: Water is useful as one of your immune system boosters. Drinking water will help to flush your system and keep it functioning optimally. Water is also great warmed up with honey and lemon, and pop some in a humidifer or vapouriser to combat dry winter air in your home or centre.

5: Keep it to yourself: An obvious but important one – when you’re sick, try to keep your germs to yourself so others can stay healthy and the spread of illness is reduced. Avoid sharing things like cups and cutlery, cover your mouth when you sneeze and cough… Stay home if needed – give yourself or your child the time and rest you need to get better. It’s good for you and others in your life.

With these immune system boosters, you’ll be well on your way to a healthy, happy home or childcare centre!

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25/07/201727/07/2017

Strong bonds for strong health

Children love their mummies and daddies, there’s no doubt about it. The love and support of the adults who care for children most is vital to their lives and developmental journeys.

However, it’s important for children to have other relationships in their lives as well. Grandparents often play a wonderful, supportive role in children’s lives – and it’s a relationship that can be very special.

Children benefit from all healthy family relationships, and in the case of grandparents the relationship is mutually beneficial.

Health benefits of grandparent relationships

Facilitating positive relationships for children with their grandparents can build children’s resilience, create closer family bonds and improve their overall wellbeing.

For grandparents, the benefits are pretty incredible too. In fact, a 2016 study found that grandparents who look after their grandchildren regularly lived for around five years longer than non-caregiving grandparents! Supporting grandparent relationships is essential.

Creating strong bonds between grandparents and grandchildren

Sometimes these relationships just blossom, while other times grandparents may need some guidance and support from parents to find the sort of grandparent role they are comfortable with.

Here are some tips to help create strong bonds for grandparents and grandchildren:

-Encourage them to spend time together

-Support the relationship by finding shared interests they can enjoy together e.g. gardening, reading or music

-Use technology to build connections if distance is an issue

-Involve them in children’s lives and education, especially through events like Grandparents Day

Grandparents and Special Friends Day

Having an opportunity like Grandparents and Special Friends Day means children get a chance to share their learning environment, artwork, favourite books and their friends with special grown ups in their lives.

We are mindful of the fact that each family has a unique relationship with grandparent and some may not have grandparents in their lives. That’s why we never make this just an opportunity for grandparents – all special relationships children may have with family friends or aunties and uncles should be celebrated!

Bonkers Beat Music Kinder in Aspendale hosted our yearly Grandparents and Special Friends Day this week – take a look here!

One look at these happy faces shows just how important and enjoyable children’s relationships with special adults in their lives really are.

13/07/201713/07/2017

The Benefits and Beauty of Bush Kinders

There’s something so special about children enjoying nature. And while we love to see children enjoying the summer sun, seeing them pull on some gumboots to splash in puddles and explore soggy wetlands is fantastic.

Early childhood education has many approaches, each with its own benefits and advocates. We are all continually developing and adapting, and that goes for educators too. One early learning approach that has been growing in popularity of late is the incorporation of the great outdoors. And with so many learning experiences to offer, this is very exciting!

Danish Forest School Approach

Just this week a great article about the Danish Forest School approach was featured in the Australian Scholarships Group (ASG)’s publication ‘Early Horizons’. Galina was featured in this edition too, interviewed about children’s wellbeing and the magic of the Bonkers Beat programs. You can read the whole publication here: http://bit.ly/2sL7k5P

The Danish Forest School approach is truly unique and special – and there is no one type of ‘forest school’… no two are the same. The Early Horizons article talks about how the Danish Forest School Approach uses its deep understanding of informal learning environments to promote creativity and critical thinking in its young students.

This forest pre-schooling approach has caught on internationally, including in Australia with the rise of Bush kinder programs.

The benefits of the bush

The research around kinder programs that take to the bush shows many benefits:

Increased confidence, motivation and concentration, increased social, physical and language skills, deeper conceptual understandings and respect for the natural environment
Increased social and imaginative play
Teachers understandings of and relationships with the children are deepened, while families and wider community attitudes towards natural places for play and children’s risk management can be enhanced
Positive outcomes for many diverse communities including disadvantaged or challenging youth, children with autism and drug addicted adults

Nurturing nature – the rise in outdoor learning

Bush Kinder is growing in popularity in Australia for good reason – the immediate and long-term benefits for children are undeniable. It’s an exciting time in early childhood education. Doug Fargher, the founder of Bush Kinder in Australia is joining us at the upcoming Wellness Summits in September and we cannot wait to learn from him.

Doug, in line with the forest schools of Europe, believes in nature’s potential to create a space for children to flourish in their period of critical early development.

Joining our award-winning Bonkers Beat community can provide you with many benefits and give you all access to our Summits on 2, September 2017 in Melbourne or 9 September 2017 in Sydney. You have to act fast to join us though – email info@bonkersbeat.com now or call 13000-B-BEAT (2-2328).