How can we better understand and support young children’s digital experience through play?
For two decades I’ve talked, explored and tried to better understanding the role of digital technology in children’s lives and how that relates to early childhood education. And, over that time the presence of digital technology in all of our lives has increased exponentially. I think about what that must be like for a young child coming to grips with...
COVID-19 A Unique Opportunity
The leadership team at The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne Early Learning, are without a doubt feeling the impact that COVID-19 has made on educational services worldwide. They have, however, viewed the disruption with a different lens to many other learning services. They see this time as a unique opportunity to promote the important and educated work they do in regards...
Preparing for and teaching through COVID-19
In Sauquoit New York, nestled on acres of land sits an enchanting place where children spend their days being outside and in touch with the natural world. Young Einsteins is a haven where children are given the opportunity to garden, care for chickens and birds, and observe pond life creatures in their natural habitat, all whilst being guided by the...
A shift from traditional classroom settings to e-learning in Shanghai
A shift from traditional classroom settings to e-learning in Shanghai All around the world, schools are temporarily being forced to shift from traditional classroom settings to e-learning. Due to its location in Shanghai, China, the Western International School of Shanghai (WISS) had to make the switch to online learning at the beginning of February. With students and staff in more...
Encouraging a Sense of Wonder while Keeping our Distance: This is the Time to Connect to Nature
During this global pandemic crisis, staying connected is a challenge. With so many of us being asked to socially isolate – to keep our distance, we look to new technologies to maintain relationships. In these uncertain times, it is more important than ever to stay connected. I recently wrote a blog post, Early Childhood Education: Making Sense of our Life’s Course,...
Physical Distancing in ECE
Coronavirus is the word on everybody’s lips in all corners of the world right now, along with ‘Physical Distancing’ and ‘Self Isolation’ the 2 phrases we have become all too familiar with in recent times. It is all well and good to say we should practice these recommendations, as well as suggestions to work from home and to keep your...
Coronavirus – Strategies and Resources for Educators
Times of stress are difficult for children, parents, educators and business owners/operators. It’s important that we stay connected and care for each other as best we can during this time, especially supporting those isolated by COVID19. The strength of relationships and community will be a big influence in supporting people’s mental and physical health in the weeks/months ahead and ensure...
Coronavirus – Resources for Families in Isolation
Coronavirus – Resources for Families in Isolation With the spread of coronavirus having an impact on people worldwide, we have been discussing the implications this has for young children’s education. There will no doubt be temporary closures of early learning services. There will also be families (and educators) who due to exposure to the virus, or other risk factors need...
Activities to do at home with children
One of the difficult things many parents will face right now during the Coronavirus pandemic is coming up with ideas to keep children busy and engaged in learning while they are home during isolation periods. But try not to worry about children being bored – in fact, it’s a good thing! Storypark’s free Video library of activities to do at...
Reggio Emilia is a place
Reggio Emilia is a place. Given that the words ‘Reggio Emilia’ often focus our attention on an approach to early childhood education, it is worth remembering that this approach to early learning that has generated so much worldwide attention, is located within a city – and that city can explain if you look for it, the essence of the Reggio...