Category: Inspiration

Inspiration, tips and fun stuff

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...

/ March 21, 2020

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...

/ March 17, 2020
Two ladies looking at ipad

Rethinking practice and caring in new ways – supporting ECE services through Covid-19

This is an unprecedented time in the ECE profession. Individuals, managers and owners/operators are faced with conflicting pressures: Ethically what’s my/our responsibility to flatten the curve and help care for our society? What will the government mandate around closures and self isolation mean for our families? How will this affect our team, families, occupancy and operations? What are parents going...

/ March 17, 2020

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...

/ March 17, 2020
Siblings

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...

/ March 17, 2020

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...

/ January 24, 2020

Changing Perspectives: Viewing Documentation from a Different Lens

Changing Perspectives: Viewing Documentation from a Different Lens Dr. Diane Kashin, RECE, shares with us a personal story about changing perspectives and viewing documentation from a different lens now that she delights in her gorgeous grandson, Griffen. I originally learned about Storypark, an online platform to support storytelling and documentation when I was teaching a course on children and technology...

/ November 22, 2019

Leadership is an action

Leadership is an action Working in an early learning setting can be emotionally, physically and intellectually exhausting. Educators say that they are undervalued and that their very complex work does not always attract the level of professional status that it should.  This combined with low salary, a profession that often does not meet staff expectations and an onerous amount of...

/ November 20, 2019
the importance of belonging

The Importance of Belonging

Let’s talk about the importance of belonging for those working in early childhood education.  A strong predictor of high-quality childcare is that childcare providers belong to a supportive network, whether formal or informal. This sense of belonging translates into higher levels of satisfaction with their work, more sensitivity to children’s needs and the provision of more stimulating environments for the...

/ October 29, 2019

The Power of the Question

The theme for the 2019 KU Annual Conference ‘The Power of the Question’ invites participants to consider the art of questioning to stimulate thinking and inquiry. This years conference keynote speaker is Alise Shafer Ivey.  Alise spent a few minutes telling us how the theme of this year’s conference ties in with her work, and what we can expect to hear...

/ October 11, 2019