Tag: early years

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Wellbeing and Engagement – A Valuable Relationship

engaged educators

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!

 

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Active children are happier children

active 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).

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Respect, Safety and Dignity for All

International Day of Peace

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.

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4 Ways to celebrate Father’s Day this year

Father’s Day Idea

Looking for a Father’s Day idea? Socks, ‘World’s Best Dad’ mugs, breakfast in bed… These classic Father’s Day gestures are fun and much-loved by dads. But let’s get creative for Father’s Day 2017 on Sunday, 3 September and show dads how much children really care with some heartfelt and handmade gifts!

Father’s Day Idea #1: Create a portrait

First, ask children to think about their dad or special male role model’s features – does he have big bushy eyebrows? Dark brown eyes? A fuzzy beard? With those notable features in mind, children can paint or draw a portrait! Encourage children to take their time and think it through. Make it even more special by adding textures for hair, pop it in a frame or laminate it to make it last a lifetime.

Father’s Day Idea #2: Fill in the blanks

Children say some funny things – and dads will love to read the funny things they come up with when asked to fill in the blanks! Try this one. Team it with an image of the child to top it off.

Father’s Day Idea #3: Dad Grass Heads

They’re funny and simple and dads will love them. Create a grass head for fathers and special men that include little details that are tailored to children’s dads. For example, a tie, glasses or facial hair make a fun custom addition. Take a look at how to create a grass head here.

Father’s Day Idea #4: Use the Bonkers Beat ‘My Daddy’ poem

We’re sharing our My Daddy poem with you! Children can recite it to fathers and special men in their lives at a Father’s Day morning or afternoon in your centres or incorporate the text from the poem into your Father’s Day card or craft. Access ‘My Daddy’ poem here.

Don’t forget that Father’s Day is a lot of fun for many children, but should always be treated with sensitivity. Talk about dads as well as special men in children’s lives. This could include step-dads, uncles, grandfathers and family friends.

It’s also worth remembering that Father’s Day presents the opportunity to discuss the variety of family dynamics with children. Letting them know that there’s no such thing as a ‘normal’ family can be incredibly comforting to a child who may feel uncomfortable about their family situation and can teach other children about diversity.

Enjoy celebrating Father’s Day and share with us photos via Bonkers Beat Facebook!

 

 

 

 

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Immune system boosters: strategies to stay healthy

immune system boosters

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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Strong bonds for strong health

grandparent relationships

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.

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A Point of Difference to Make All the Difference

Here we are in the middle of the year, and for many centres it has been a stressful first half with increasing occupancy challenges.

It was devastating to read a recent article in the Herald Sun (June 26) highlighting the struggle many centres are currently facing to stay open. While the end of financial year is a time most centres will increase rates, some have been forced to increase more than they would like just to cover costs as a result of low enrolments. Other centres have felt they have to cut back on educational programs and even staff. Truly heartbreaking.

In many areas there have been new centres popping up, putting further pressure on existing centres. While these centres present with new facilities that can be attractive to parents, what really counts is a centre’s philosophy and your point of difference.

Create a Point of Difference that Really Means Something

For most families, a philosophy that is in line with their family values or is proven to deliver benefits for their children’s development and wellbeing is more important than anything else. It doesn’t matter how new a centre is, but what the centre stands for and provides for children during this critical time of development.

In fact, this is the Bonkers Beat secret. Creating a point of difference point of difference for childcare centres that is based on empowering children and parents, as well as educators, by incorporating music and wellbeing programs that deliver outstanding results.

Stand Out From the Rest with a Fresh Approach

With the end of the financial year came the end of the LDCPDP funding which enabled many centres to do great things for their centres and children. And while the funding may be gone, we are not. As part of our mission to deliver the best start in life for children throughout Australia, we have restructured the pricing of our Bonkers Beat Music Program to demonstrate the exceptional value on offer.

If occupancy is holding your centre back and you’re ready to create a meaningful point of difference, there is no time like the present.

In fact, right now really is the best time to make a change at your centre, and here’s why:

-Mid-year enrolments: Many families enrol children in the middle of the year and will be looking for a centre right now. Give them a reason to choose you.

-Changes are expected: As daily fees change mid-year, it is often the case that centres make some changes at the same time. Make your changes something special.

-Families are searching now for next year: School choices are being finalised by parents and local kinder and childcare choices for next year are still researched. Stand out among the rest.

We’ve developed a free guide to help you discover how you can attract new families and create that special point of difference easily and affordably. Click here to access the Free Guide. You’ll learn how we help create a meaningful point of difference for childcare centres so you stand out and achieve your centre goals.

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What Positive Thoughts Can Do For Children (and YOU)

positive thoughts

Our thoughts and beliefs can change the way we see the world. And even the way we think we are seen within the world. Imagine if we surrounded ourselves with positive thoughts each day…

We know how much we can be impacted by words that are negative and so most of us aim to avoid those damaging attitudes. After all, if you are surrounded by negativity it can really program the way you think.

So what if we put in the effort each day to reprogram the minds of young people and yourself with positive thinking? We think this is an excellent way of enhancing wellbeing and contributing to making the world a better place.

To make it easy, we’ve created the Bonkers Beat Calendar of Positive Thoughts! Each day can have its own positive thought to make sure you never miss an opportunity to share the magic of positive thinking in your centre or home.

Let’s look more specifically at the powerful impact positive thinking can have on children’s lives (and yours!).

What Positive Thoughts Can Do

There are many benefits to positive thinking that are backed by science. Here are just a couple of effects you will see from using positive thoughts with children:

Boost self-esteem: Sometimes we don’t feel great about ourselves or feel like we are happy with who we are. Same goes for children. Rewire a child’s subconscious by embedding positive thoughts about themselves.

Counteract mental health issues: Children have many similar issues to face in their lives just as adults do – anxiety, low self-esteem, depression. Let’s work together to tackle them with fresh, positive perspectives on life and ourselves.

Instil values: A positive voice inside a child’s head can help guide them in understanding the right and wrong way to approach issues and other people.

Use positive thoughts each day and incorporate them as a mantra in meditation time with children to get a noticeable outcome faster. Practising positive thinking in a mindful way like meditation can help it to stick.

Incorporating positive thoughts into children’s lives (and our own) can only produce a beneficial outcome – so why not give it a try?!

You will be able to get your own Calendar of Positive Thoughts here. We also share some positive thoughts and affirmations on our social media pages. Make sure you’re following us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

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Yoga for Children on World Yoga Day – Get Involved!

Yoga used to be thought of as alternative or new age, but in 2017 it is widely celebrated for its many benefits and practiced by many.

Life is busy and at times stressful for adults as well as children. Just like we use yoga to take care of our bodies and clear our heads, children can too. And the benefits are just as amazing.

The wellbeing side of our Bonkers Beat programs is something we really believe in. With World Yoga Day coming up on 21 June, what better time to revisit why we encourage yoga for children.  And why you should help children in your centre or home to do yoga too!

Yoga for Improved Strength and Flexibility

It’s an obvious one, but strength and flexibility are really important as children are growing. Those agile little bodies can benefit from stronger muscles and joints, as well as better coordination and balance. Yoga boosts energy and helps to ensure the body is functioning at its best, inside and out. This means fewer injuries and health issues!

Yoga for Confidence and Self-Esteem

Yoga can be done alone or in groups and gives all children the opportunity to explore what their bodies are capable of. It is challenging but not competitive and encourages a belief in themselves and a celebration of their bodies and minds so children can feel empowered and confident to face the day.

Yoga for Relaxation and Stress Management

The breathing exercises that accompany yoga poses help to lower the heart rate and calm the body and mind. Children are quick to learn the calming, soothing nature of yoga and can be encouraged to use the breathing techniques in stressful situations. Learning yoga for children is a great tool for parents and educators to calm children too.

Yoga for Better Focus

There is so much going on and children want to be involved in everything. Help children to learn to focus on the present with yoga. It teaches children to be mindful: taking in each breath and moving between each pose, going slowly and steadily towards their goals.

Yoga for Enhancing and Supporting Wellbeing

As educators and parents, children’s overall wellbeing is our priority, and that’s why children should do yoga – there is no doubt that yoga gives children the tools they need to feel happy and healthy.

Want yoga, meditation and wellbeing updates to guide you on your journey with yoga for children? Follow us on Facebook.

 

At Bonkers Beat we believe in the benefits of wellbeing practices for life for all children – we also see educators enjoying the benefits of yoga too! Learn more about our wellbeing program and the learning outcomes it delivers here. For more information about becoming a member of the Bonkers Beat Music & Wellbeing family, click here.

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Support and strategies for inclusion in centres

Every child is special and deserves to be included.  The Victorian Inclusion Agency is currently hosting a range of inclusion workshops and expos around Victoria which will help you build your understanding of inclusion strategies.

Bonkers and Galina were invited to take part in expos and will be sharing their techniques and resources to support the inclusion of all children.

The Victorian Inclusion Agency works towards the vision that all Victorian children can meaningfully and actively participate in an education and care service of their family’s choice in their community.

What makes a service ‘inclusive’?

To run an inclusive service means you have the equipment, programs and knowledge required to ensure children with a range of special needs – special rights – can be taken care of effectively and included with all children.

In some cases, centres may need specialist equipment like ramps, communication charts, posture aids, among other items.

Sometimes it can be difficult to realise that your centre needs some tweaks or additions to improve its inclusiveness, but that’s what these expos are for.

How Bonkers Beat delivers inclusion support

The Bonkers Beat Music and Wellbeing programs have a strong focus on wellbeing and the celebration of each child.

Our programs have had exceptional results for families with ASD, ADHD and many other behavioural conditions. You can specifically read about our approach to autism here.

We believe that every child is different in one way or another and it’s our differences that make us special. Our differences also give us a unique perspective that we can share with others who may not be privy to that perspective.

Some of us do things differently, sound different or behave in different ways. However, there are still things we all have in common and can share with one another. Inclusion in centres means everyone understands this.

Some helpful resources to support inclusion practices in your centre

Gaining a thorough understanding of why children might behave in some ways is a good first step. This resource is a worthwhile read.

Enrolling children with special rights and additional needs? There are a few extra considerations. This guide will help you get on top of them.

Get your visual supports up to scratch in your centre with this guide.

Bonkers is excited to share the power of music and wellbeing for the purpose of inclusion in centres with you.

Bonkers Beat will be attending these Inclusion Expo dates:

  • Tuesday 13 June –  Bundoora
  • Wednesday 14 June – Geelong
  • Mon 19 June – Dandenong

Hope to see you at the Inclusion Expo next week!

To attend your nearest VIA Inclusion Expo, click here.

If you’ll see Bonkers and Galina, make sure you come and say ‘Hi’!

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