Tag: Child Learning & Development
The problem with Screen Time
Now, let’s talk about screen time. A contentious issue for many parents and educators, especially with regards to children under 5. In many centres, children ask to see their ‘Storypark’ photos and videos every day and become documenters of their own learning by taking photos and videos, as well as recording their own voice and reflection in the comments area....
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...
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...
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...
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...
A baby’s first 1000 days of life are the most important – here’s why
Did you know that the eldest child is statistically more likely to be the most ‘successful’? All because of one factor called the dyad relationship. More commonly known as the one on one relationship. Watch this talk from thought leader Nathan Wallis to learn about the crucial brain development that happens in the first 1000 days of a child’s life....
Embracing a vision for children’s learning with the early years frameworks
When using the Early Years Learning Framework always remember… That it is just that – a framework. It’s not a syllabus, nor a program, not a curriculum, nor a model, neither is it an assessment tool. Above all, it is not a detailed description of everything children will learn. A framework is developed on sound Principles, Practices (Strands – Goals)...
Enhancing Risky Play – Our Little Secret!
A guest post by Shannon Keane, with the support of the team at YMCA Early Learning Centre Manurewa – Awhina Taiohi. In 2016 YMCA Early Learning Centre Manurewa embarked on a journey to engage parents & children in a consultation process around risky play. This is their story… Change was coming with health and safety policy changes in New Zealand. ...
Imagine a classroom without walls – video
3 and 4 year olds can climb mountains! I know this, because I went up a mountain recently with some very capable young children. They trekked for over 2 hours to get to the top of Mount Kau Kau, one of the great walks in Wellington, New Zealand. This excursion was part of the Nature Explore component of Daisies Early...
How imaginative play helps children learn
Many of the memories I have of my childhood include my two older sisters, who are close in age to me, and we played together often. On weekends and school holidays we would distract ourselves for hours, often outside on the small farm we grew up on – climbing old water tanks or spending hours in the cattle yards, pretending...