In our Preschool room we try to engage the children in art experiences that are open-ended and meaningful. We avoid using templates or stencils to colour in as we believe that templates stifle children’s imaginations. Alternatively, we provide children with an array of resources and let them explore the materials themselves to think of and come up with ideas of how to turn materials into creations. All ideas come from children and it allows them to practice problem-solving, decision-making and creativity. Open-ended art experiences foster children’s learning dispositions – the skills that they will need to solve problems and find solutions to challenges later in life.

Shevawn, Dee and Denise presented ‘A Suitcase of Memories’. This poster showed how children could extend their own learning by engaging with their memories as a provocation. It focused on the idea that the children could engage in an exploration within the concepts of memory and time and how this may influence their individual developmental milestones of transitioning to school.

Nikki presented ‘A Calendar for Success’, which detailed how our company calendar created more effective leadership across multiple services. This simple idea of a poster has allowed all educators at the services to be their own leader and be independent in meeting the requirements of our sector.

On Friday 19th and Saturday 20th July, Julia, Nikki, Alicia, Cass and Myself attended the Macquarie University Infants and Toddlers conference. This year, we had 3 presentations across the 2-day schedule to present based on elements of our program that promoted 0-3-year-old children as competent, capable and able to make meaningful decisions within their school environment.

Are mealtimes a battle in your household?

Do you have a picky eater?

Some parents were surprised to see their children sitting and eating nicely with minimal assistant at meal time. They commented that their children can have completely different eating manners at home. We understand that we all have preferences when it comes to food, but it can become a problem if it’s affecting children’s nutritional intake or even getting in the wellbeing of the child.

First of all, a little about my role.  I work at all the Handprints centres as Quality Manager.  I get to talk with all the staff and children and see what’s going on – it’s a great job.  I chat with staff about their programs and the children, and with my 20 years of experience, I guide and question and challenge what they are doing, all in the efforts to bring a higher quality program through interactions and wonder.

At Handprints, Wentworth Point, the educators try to create an environment where children feel safe to take on new challenges and learn new skills in a safe and supportive environment. Risky play is a natural part of children’s play, and children often seek out opportunities for engaging in challenging and risky play. It provides opportunities for challenge, testing limits, exploring boundaries and learning about injury risk.

Within the early childhood setting, we have many different elements that make up our educational program for the children. We explore subjects such as social skills, emotional regulation, literacy, numeracy, scientific and mathematical concepts and of course, cultural events. These cultural events are important for children to be exposed to so they can build their understanding that everyone is different and that differences should be embraced. How the cultural event is celebrated will differ based on input from the centre community. This input can come from children, families, educators or the wider community in which a centre is a part of. What is important is that we are exposing children to these celebrations in a way that allows them to build an understanding of it while being mindful of the traditional and authentic way of celebrating.

As children engage in different play experiences they build and develop further skills. They learn to solve problems, to get along with others and to develop fine and gross motor skills needed for future development. Sometimes as a parent or an educator, we can forget the importance of getting involved in play with children and how they actually benefit from this. This week in the Junior Preschool room at Handprints Wentworth Point we have really been focusing on getting engaged in play with the children and being in the moment.

Why does my child cry when I drop them off? What should I do if they are crying?

These are questions that we, as educators, hear often from families. Usually from newer families, however there can be children that have been attending a centre for years that become emotional at drop off time after being settled. While there can be many reasons for being upset, the other side of this is addressing how we can help the child understand the emotions they are experiencing.

Professor Gunilla Dahlberg delivered a fascinating lecture bringing together philosophy, theoretical frameworks and curriculum that got us thinking and reflecting. Following this, there was a panel discussion and Q&A with all presenters.

We all live such busy lives trying to balance work, family, our homes and social lives. It’s something I’m sure we’re all constantly try to achieve; I know I am.

I quite often hear parents saying, “My child eats nothing but plain pasta.” or “My child is such a fussy eater.” I also observe a few children within the who centre struggle to eat. Though both parents/families and we educators strive to provide and encourage them to eat healthy food, it can be challenging to have successful outcome.

There are many benefits of caring for a pet. A pet can teach your child empathy and responsibility. As they care and learn about the associated responsibilities they develop confidence. Pets are also a great social development tool and can assist with emotional regulation.

A reflection from our successful submission to the Early Childhood Australia Conference 2018

In 2018, Dee, Denise and Shevawn presented a poster based on a project that they undertook in the Preschool room at Handprints Killara relating to an investigation with birds. The poster was a visual representation on how an interest-based project on birds led into research by teachers, into genetics and empathy, and a thorough understanding of birds was built by the children. The children and the birds built a relationship that was independent from that with the teachers.