When we spend time talking and playing with children in an early childhood setting, we learn more about what interests them. In that way we gain more opportunities to build on their early experiences, extend their learning and so enhance their development.
early childhood
Young children’s natural connection with Science
Why teach science to young children? Because young children and science are a natural fit.
Advice for new early childhood educators
Being new early childhood educators can be overwhelming. There are many challenges that present differently in the real world compared to studying early childhood education and care.
Risky play and child development
Adventurous, risky play is often considered too dangerous for young children, but it is essential for child development and resilience.
Child learning, development and schemas
The practice of planning provision around schema (patterns of repeated behaviour) rests on the premise that by noticing strong drives or interests in children, educators can support development.
Theories into practice – EC learning & development
Children change over time – that is indisputable. Bridie Raban discusses how early childhood educators have a significant role to play in children’s learning by supporting children’s change over time so that it does not rest with development alone.
The five functionings of an ECEC professional
What does it mean to be an early childhood education and care professional? Andrea Nolan answers this important question.
Developing number knowledge in early childhood
The Australian and New Zealand early childhood curriculums recognise that mathematics is one of the languages children need to learn to be able to communicate successfully. The most commonly taught mathematical concept in the early years is number. But, developing...
How to get the ‘T’ in STEM
The world does not exist within boxes or boundaries, and children do not think in terms of disciplines or subjects. When considering technology within STEM thinking, think of it from the perspective of how the world works – through systems thinking and project- or problem-based thinking.
Using incidental opportunities to talk about maths
Mathematics is everywhere in daily life and we should be using these incidental opportunities to talk about maths concepts.
How to incorporate STEM learning in early childhood
How can we increase the STEM skills of our young children if we have difficulty recognising STEM learning opportunities and feel unsure about scaffolding STEM concepts?
Why is STEM important in education?
Why is STEM important in early childhood education? Explore the reasons why STEM should be a key focus in education.
Young children and STEM
Associate Professor Christine Howitt discusses the importance of integrating STEM into Early Childhood settings.
Planning with and for children
Dr Claire Warden shares the reason she started planning with and for children through Floorbooks 35 years ago and provides a taste of what they are today through answering questions that people have asked her.
Why STEM is important in a changing world
Today’s children will inhabit a challenging, fast-changing world. Encouraging STEM thinking empowers them with the skills to live well, say co-authors of STEM Detectives, Niki Buchan and Bronwyn Cron. “As the world moves and changes at an ever-increasing pace, STEM...