Paper based or digital? Let’s talk about documenting children’s learning

Should we use digital portfolios instead of paper-based options to document children’s learning? If everything is online, how will children engage with their own learning? And what about screen time! These are things early childhood educators around the world are asking when it comes to discussing the digital age we live in, and how we’re using technology when it comes to...

/ July 12, 2017

The research behind family engagement in children’s learning

The impact parental involvement has on children’s learning is well documented. Researchers have evidence for the positive effects of parent involvement on children, families, and school when schools and parents continuously support and encourage the children’s learning and development. The most accurate predictor of a student’s achievement in school is not income or social status but the extent to which...

/ July 5, 2017

Why children need stress – video

There are two common games that children love to play, and that teach them absolutely essential life skills. What are they? And why are they important? Kathryn from Engage Training explains why children need stress. Want to hear more from Kathryn? Check out her other videos here Articles she’s written here Her radio interview here About Kathryn: Kathryn has her...

/ July 4, 2017

Are we protecting or exposing children?

All children have the right to experience quality care and learning opportunities in an environment that provides for their well-being, health and safety, let’s explore what that really means… So we know that a strong sense of health and wellbeing is supported by good nutrition, an active lifestyle & provides children with the confidence, energy and optimism required for them...

/ June 29, 2017

Amazing results at Little Diggers

Little Diggers provides quality care to defence families in Moorebank NSW. Little Diggers is a vibrant and welcoming 2 room service that caters to 45 children daily, with 14 staff members on site. The educators at Little Diggers are committed to delivering a high level of service. They recognise the importance of being, becoming and belonging and these principles are implemented...

/ June 28, 2017

Finding Common Ground

Finding Common Ground with Families from Different Religious Backgrounds Human beings are more alike than we are different, right? We all need food, rest, love, and laughter, as every early childhood teacher knows well. The good news, when considering how to cater for families from different religious backgrounds, is that the same principle applies. To a very large extent, all...

/ June 25, 2017

A better way to connect school and home in California

      The Gillispie School is an independent, coeducational day school in La Jolla, California, enrolling 250 students from age two to Grade Six (age twelve). The school began as a small cottage that served hot meals to the underprivileged children of single mothers or working parents in La Jolla in the lean years of the Great Depression. Its founders, pediatrician...

/ June 21, 2017

Tips for engaging with children’s learning from Dan Donahoo

Dan Donahoo gave us 5 tips for parents for engaging in children’s learning. Watch them here, and add your thoughts in the comments! Read more from Dan here: “Using the right avenue to engage with vulnerable families”

/ June 17, 2017

Nature and the Reggio Emilia approach – Dr Anne Meade

Today our guest blog post is from Dr Anne Meade, who is one of Storypark’s advisors and an inspiration to educators across New Zealand and beyond. I grew up in the Wairarapa. My parents and extended family on both sides were farmers and, therefore agricultural researchers. I still have my grandfather’s daily diaries that are filled with weather and soil...

/ June 12, 2017

So they like to put on dresses

The Storypark blog shares diverse opinions from educators and parents all over the world. Today our guest blog post is from the author of ‘Uplifting Early Childhood‘. What are your thoughts? Share them below in the comments, we’d love to hear from you! At one point or another, we’ve all been there, or most of us have. Either as teachers or...

/ May 24, 2017