Learning Through Music Archives - Page 2 of 5 - Early Learning Childhood Education

19/03/201820/03/2018

Bonkers Beat Music Kinder is Rated Excellent by ACECQA

We are thrilled to share with you the great news – Bonkers Beat Music Kinder & Childcare Aspendale has been awarded the ‘Excellent’ rating by Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA)!

The Excellent rating is the highest rating an education and care service can achieve under the National Quality Framework.

This acknowledges the exceptional standard of education and care that Bonkers Beat Music Kinder is providing and its commitment to improving outcomes for children and families.

As at 31 December 2017, 14,687 children’s education and care services in Australia have received a quality rating from ACECQA and only 50 services are rated as Excellent. Out of these 50 services, there are 25 long day care centres, and the others are Preschools, OSHC and Family Day Care providers.

Currently, Bonkers Beat Music Kinder is one of only two privately run long day care services in Victoria, which are rated Excellent by ACECQA.

We congratulate all our educators, current and past families and our beautiful children with this significant achievement and thank our followers who’ve been supporting us over the years.

We’re thrilled with the outcome and delighted that many services who run Bonkers Beat Music & Wellbeing programs are part of our success story.

To read the special report on ACECQA website about Bonkers Beat Music Kinder rating please follow the link below:
www.acecqa.gov.au/media-releases/excellent-rating-awarded-bonkers-beat-music-kinder-childcare-aspendale

To see our video submission to ACECQA, watch the video below:

08/03/201809/03/2018

Creating an ‘Ethical Curriculum’ in Early Childhood

Have you heard of an ‘ethical curriculum’? It’s an important and worthwhile topic to understand if creating the best early childhood education experience for children is at the top of your to-do list.

Catharine Hydon is an early childhood expert with extensive experience working in a range of early childhood settings. We were lucky enough to have Catharine as a speaker at our recent Wellness Summits in Melbourne and Sydney, and educators couldn’t get enough of her presentations. She shared invaluable insights with us about ethical curriculums and how to create one.

Catharine says creating an ethical curriculum is really about celebrating children’s right to participate within their communities.

“When we choose ethical dimensions to add into our curriculum, we’re really connecting with who children are and how they’re living their lives right now, at the moment”, says Catharine.

Catharine wants children to grow up knowing how to engage in the world and enjoying it, not fearing it. How we do that is by listening to the children and families and delivering back an inclusive early childhood experience for all to enjoy and learn from and within. That is at the core of an ethical curriculum.

Ethical dimensions to incorporate can be chosen by finding out what matters to families and children and creating a learning environment that reflects their cultures, individual circumstances and interests. Catharine is passionate about educators growing more confident and raising our voices about the decisions we make for children in our care. Open up and speak out to communities and families about what you’re doing in your centre and why, because the work we do has a real impact on entire communities.

A big congratulations to our Bonkers Beat educators across the country — Catharine noted the enthusiasm of you all and how willing you were to give things a go. What beautiful role modelling for our young people, so congratulations to you on demonstrating your passion and motivation for our special industry.

To learn more about what we got up to at our Wellness Summits, you can take a look through our event albums in Melbourne and Sydney on Facebook. If you’re interested in joining us with your team of educators at the next Wellness Summits, get in touch to find out how!

Enjoy our chat about creating an ethical curriculum with Catharine here:

24/01/201825/01/2018

We’re in the Top 100 Early Childhood Education blogs!

Early childhood education is what we dedicate our time to – our spare time, our working time and well, all our time! Most weeks of the year we take the time to put together an email and blog to our followers offering them valuable and useful information about all aspects of early childhood education including industry, theory and the day-to-day aspects too.

At the end of last month, we were informed that our blog has been selected as one of the Top 100 Early Childhood Education blogs on the web!

The honour of being named among the top early childhood education blogs came to us from Feedspot. Feedspot is a content compiling site that gathers the best online content from all over the world and puts it all together in one spot for readers to enjoy in the one place.

Anuj from the Feedspot team explained that “This is the most comprehensive list of best Early Childhood Education blogs on the internet and I’m honoured to have you as part of this! I personally give you a high-five and want to thank you for your contribution to this world.”

Through our blog in 2018 we will continue to aim to deliver lots of valuable information as well as ideas, encouragement and inspiration to you all as you continue to commit yourselves to the early childhood education industry.

In fact, as we begin our regular blogging again, we’d love to know what you would like to read about on our blog! We’d also love to know what you think of our blog and hope to receive your feedback via email. Our goal is to remain among the top early childhood education blogs!

Head over to Facebook and comment if you have a topic in mind that you would like us to cover in 2018!

14/12/201714/12/2017

The Best Start in the New Year with the Starter Program

Do you want to start the year off right? If you’re looking for a cost-effective and practical way to get your centre on track to shine in 2018, this is it.

The Bonkers Beat Starter Program is the way forward, enabling you to complete 5 modules of training for a leading holistic early childhood education program. All from the comfort of your centre or home.

Whether you’re a centre owner or director, you’re running a family day care, or you work in occasional care, the Bonkers Beat Starter Program will empower you to run an exciting, comprehensive quality music program that will enhance your curriculum.

5 weeks to transform your approach

Throughout the 5 modules across 5 weeks, educators will learn:

Musical Experiences to enhance your curriculum
Transitional songs during daily routines
Art Experiences to Make Learning Visible
Rhymes & Musical Games to Support Children’s Social and Emotional Skills
Effective Documentation to Reflect on Children’s Progress

The Bonkers Beat Starter Program is based on the award-winning Bonkers Beat Music and Wellbeing programs. The approaches used in this early childhood education program have been proven over the course of a decade and are used ongoing by many centres across Australia and the world.

This training will help you to motivate educators, boost your business, strengthen your team, but most importantly, enhance children’s brain development and their multiple intelligences.

What other educators say

Here’s an example of the way you could be feeling in your centre in 2018!

Bonkers Beat Makes Children More Focused and Happy

“Since we started the Bonkers Beat program, our children are happier, more settled, and started to love music. The program helps us to develop our room routines. Our children are now more focused, active and happy. We have a new program that we are proud of and excited to share it with our parents.”

– Marwa Zeyada, Billy Bear Preschool and Long Day Care Centre

Children Enjoyed Singing, Dancing and Playing!

“Throughout the whole year children have been captivated by the Bonkers Beat Music Program. They greatly enjoyed singing the songs, dancing and playing all sorts of instruments. I would highly recommend this music program for any family day care, kindergarten or school.”

– Tatiana Petrove, Family Day Care Provider (Bayside City Council)

Starter Program for the best start!

To make your Christmas super special, we’d love to give you a 50% discount so you can access the program online at half of its price. A New Year’s resolution to make 2018 your best year ever begins with the Bonkers Beat Starter Program.

Let’s make a mark in 2018!

23/11/201727/11/2017

Music and art make all the difference

We’ve said it before and we will continue to tell the world: the more we share music with children, the better off they will be!

A primary school in Bradford, England was in the news last month because of the incredible turnaround in their children’s results — the key to success? All children get up to six hours of music each week.

Not only did this school find that incorporating more music along with drama and art improved their students’ overall academic outcomes, but it also gave them another outlet and means of discovering a talent or passion. Even school attendance has increased!

The Kodaly Approach

The school said that its methods are based on the Kodaly approach. The Bonkers Beat programs incorporate this same approach. Kodaly is all about using music as a tool for children to learn subconsciously at first.

Musical games and songs about anything and everything can help children to familiarise themselves with themes and ideas in a warm, enjoyable way. Through rhythm and movement, they improve their fine and gross motor skills, literacy and numeracy as well as a range of life skills.

Results that sing for themselves

This primary school in Bradford is just one outstanding example of the power of music for children’s lives and outcomes.

As many of you know, the Bonkers Beat Music Program takes a musically-driven approach to early childhood education. Our results also sing for themselves!

The head teacher of the primary school in Bradford who says music changed everything for them, also said this:

“We had low staff morale, parents not happy with the school, results were poor and nobody wanted to come here, we had budget issues. It’s a downward spiral when you’re there.”

But now he believes that music can transform other schools who are struggling.

Choose success and results

As the end of the year approaches, it is a great time to reflect on what has worked in your centre and what has not worked so well. If you’re ready to get results like this primary school in Bradford has experienced, we can help.

Enquire about the Bonkers Beat Music Program today. This program was carefully created with the goal of helping centres like yours to reach their full potential. And, most importantly, enabling children to become the very best versions of themselves possible.

Click here to discover the magic of music through the Bonkers Beat Music Program.

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!

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.

06/07/201707/07/2017

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.

08/06/201708/06/2017

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’!

01/06/201702/06/2017

Happy Birthday, Bonkers! – How Far We’ve Come

This month Bonkers the Monkey – the star of Bonkers Beat – is celebrating his birthday.

There’s nothing quite like a birthday to reflect on life… What you’ve achieved and the goals you have for the future. Same goes for Bonkers the Monkey!

Here’s a look at what Bonkers has achieved over the years, why he loves early childhood education so passionately and what he hopes to achieve over the years to come.

Reflecting on a journey and achievements of Bonkers Beat

Bonkers was born of a dream to share the power of learning through music and a focus on the wellbeing of children to enhance their development.

“Music is powerful. Through the power of music we can stimulate children’s brain development and enhance their life skills, we can further nurture and develop every child’s potential. I believe that music is not just an extra activity, but a language, which needs to be used every day.” – Galina Zenin

Since 2006, Bonkers and the Bonkers Beat Music and Wellbeing Programs have inspired and trained more than 10,157 educators to embed music and yoga into their curriculum. Their passion and daily practices ensured that more than 13,000+ children improve their overall wellness, sing and stretch every day.

Each day is so special – especially in early childhood

Bonkers loves spending his days with babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. Each day represents something new, something exciting and something to learn.

Every day Bonkers the Monkey gets the great pleasure of guiding children on their journeys through these amazing early years of life. They are some of the most important years of life too, where we lay the foundation for children’s futures. In fact, it’s quite possible that early childhood education – including childcare and kinder – could be an influential factor in determining a child’s future.

With Bonkers and his passion for sharing music and wellbeing with children, children are given the tools they need to succeed in life and fulfil their potential.

So much more to accomplish to give all children the best start

Bonkers birthday wish is always the same… He wants to share the tools and knowledge needed to enhance the development of every child, every day with centres and educators all over Australia and beyond.

He is already doing so well with the Bonkers Beat programs helping children and centres (and educators) to thrive across Australia. Here’s a look at the magic Bonkers and his programs bring to Bonkers Beat Music Kinder in Aspendale:

Parents and families: If you’re interested in having your child/ren join childcare or kinder at the Bonkers Beat Music Kinder in Aspendale, Victoria, you can email aspendale@bonkersbeat.com.au.

Centre Educators and Directors: If your centre is ready to take a holistic approach and introduce the magic of Bonkers Beat to your children, email info@bonkersbeat.com or call 1300 B BEAT (1300 022 328).

Tag: Learning Through Music