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...
Supporting te reo Māori
Storypark for Families app learned its first words in te reo Māori Storypark has taken further steps towards providing more support for te reo Māori. Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week) is 9–15 September this year, and as a New Zealand company, we wanted to show our support for te reo in Storypark. Educators have been able...
Improving Engagement With Parents
Storypark’s purpose is to help every child fulfil their unique potential, by connecting and empowering the community around them. A key part of how we seek to achieve this is by sharing each child’s learning with their family and seeking feedback to extend each child’s unique interests. One of the most requested features from both educators and families has been...
Stronger together
Stronger together: The power of digital documentation when working with families who speak other languages With increasing numbers of people emigrating from their home countries to far off lands, educators all across the world are now working with diverse communities of children and families. This diversity is something that we celebrate, as we seek to learn more about and incorporate...
Educators Are Worthy Of Care
Educators are worthy of care As a consultant, I am fortunate enough to be invited into the lives of early childhood professionals. More recently, many individuals seem to be exploring what educator wellbeing means for them both personally and professionally. The element that comes up most frequently can be found within the investigation of identity nurturing, specifically the concept of...
Kindergarten, our heart-shaped community
The big deep hole and the tears The first death seemed easier. Otis, the little black and white dog, that didn’t really like him much, was on mum’s knee. Otis never went in the car so something was happening. And mum was crying and dad had a look on his face that was maybe the saddest look we’d all ever...
Can toddlers and under fives really change the world?
We often talk about children in terms of potential. We consider that one day they might do something important, something world-changing, or just be more than they currently are. You see and hear it all the time “he has so much potential” or “One day she will be a community leader”. These are lovely sentiments, and the thought behind them...
It’s Just a Phase: Oh No!
Somewhere around age two, many toddlers discover the awesome power behind one very short word: “No!” And oh boy, do they love to use it! “Let’s get your coat on; it’s cold.” “No!” “Let’s wash your hands.” “No. No wash!” “I need you to sit down.” “No, no, no!” If you’re hearing a lot of “no” these days, you may...
Farewell Teaching
After 17 years as an early childhood educator, I have hung up my teaching hat and moved onto a new career with Storypark. It has been 17 years of fulfilment, joy, and immense rewards. I have laughed more than I’ve ever laughed before. I have been so proud of children that are not my own, something I never thought would...