Weapon play
In our preschool room right now, many of the boys and some of the girls are showing an interest in superhero play. This type of dramatic play usually follows on [...]
BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS!
If you take a moment to think back to your childhood did you have that one book that you would request over and over again, do you have fond memories [...]
Male Educators
I will be seventeen years an educator this August 20th. I am particularly proud of my career, due to the fact that whilst training and my early days in the [...]
Brain Gym: What is it and how does it work?
Brain Gym is the use of physical movements to access the different parts of the brain and stimulate the nervous system enhancing learning, growth and development in both children and [...]
The Importance of Play
‘Play is the work of a child’. – Maria Montessori. ‘Play is the highest form of research’. – Albert Einstein. There is copious research about the importance of play in [...]
Teaching Children About Cultural Awareness and Diversity
All children have the right to be treated fairly without discrimination, regardless of their colour, sex, language, religion, nationality, ethnic or social origin, disability or other status. Research shows that [...]
STEM in the Early Years
by Natalie Pedersen In 2009 I found myself sitting at a career adviser’s desk at the University of Newcastle. I was just about to complete my first out of a [...]
Outdoor Play
Definition: Play is a pivotal part of a child’s life. Outdoor play fosters opportunities for creativity, imagination, social connections, and learned behaviours. Outdoor play in greened playscapes has a positive effect [...]
Risky Play
“Risky play can be defined as a thrilling and exciting activity that involves a risk of physical injury, and play that provides opportunities for challenge, testing limits, exploring boundaries and learning about [...]
Behaviour Management Strategies
Some important reminders when it comes to behaviour management strategies and dealing with difficult situations. REMIND CHILDREN OF THE REASONS BEHIND RULES Allow children to be involved in the rule [...]
Empathy
Empathy: is the ability to imagine how someone else is feeling in a particular situation and respond with care. Being able to empathise with another person means that a child: Understand that [...]
Why should my child learn a second language?
At Maryland Care and Early Education we promote the acquisition of a second language from age 3 years up to 5 years of age. Our 3 year olds learn [...]
Am I good role model for my child’s healthy well being?
We all know the stats, more children, adolescents & adults are overweight than ever before. So what are we going to do about it, what can YOU do? Our hectic, [...]
Starting Childcare
Beginning your child’s journey into daycare can be a highly emotional time for both parents and children. It is natural to feel uncertain about how your child will transition into [...]
STEM in the Early Years
What is STEM? STEM stands for ‘Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics’. It is a term that excites some yet terrifies others. Introducing children to STEM concepts can begin from birth. There are [...]
Wet Weather Play
Let’s get wet! Let’s get creative! Let’s challenge our outdoor play possibilities! Outdoor play allows children endless amounts of engagement in an environment which tests them both physically and cognitively, [...]
Centre Chef
Hello! My name is Libby and I am the centre chef. I am a qualified chef, wife and mother to 2 boys and have a passion for fun delicious food [...]
Intentional teaching
As an early childhood educator there are many factors I take into account when I am developing my program for the children I work with. These factors include the child/rens [...]
The Power of Playdough
Ingredients 1 cup plain flour ½ cup salt 1 tbs cream of tartar 1 cup boiling water 1 tbs oil 3 drops liquid food colouring Method Mix all ingredients [...]
Fine motor skills and pre-writing skills
Pre-writing skills are essential for children to be able to develop the ability to hold and move a pencil fluently and effectively and therefore produce legible writing. Developing fine [...]