The Inspired EC Blog
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Is it time to ditch "No Hat, No Play"?
Recently, one of our team shared a reminder message that they had received from their child's education and care service about hats and sun protection, and it led to some discussion about the concept of "No Hat, No Play" in our office. -
Creating calm in the "Busy" season
It’s official. There is only a month until Christmas, and whether you celebrate or not, this time of year becomes absolutely manic in many house... -
Lessons from the Birds
A few months ago, my 7 year old daughter called to me from her bedroom. I could tell she was excited before I even went in, but when I saw her f... -
Schema Play: What's it all about?
When I first heard the term and began to understand the concept, suddenly it all made sense. I had been fighting against the natural play urges of children, instead of embracing them and providing an environment and resources that supported them. -
"I can't draw" - The Lie That Many of Us Tell
"I can't draw"
Have you said that before? I know I have. And it's a lie.
Is it a lie I actively tell? No. In fact, I believe what I say. I believe that I can't draw, that my artwork isn't skilled enough, or that I lack in creativity. But I am wrong. At a logical level, I know that I am wrong.
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The view from "inside the jar"
When I was a director, I was very self critical. I constantly felt like I wasn't doing enough, or that our service wasn't good enough. I was always looking over our environment with a judgemental eye, or wondering how we could improve our program. -
"Slides are for going down, not up!" REALLY?
Going up the slide requires a different set of body skills, it requires a different focus. Some children will find it challenging to go up the slide. Some children will find it easy. There will be some negotiation required between children, but you know what? They usually just work it out.
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Why do children ask so many questions?
Children ask a lot of questions.I remember reading a few years ago a funny post that said that the average four year old asks 437 questions in a day. Yes, it's an exaggeration. Or is it?Why do children ask so many questions? And what about the biggest question of all? WHY? -
4 Easy Additions to Enhance Your Block Play Environment
We need to be intentional about how we set up our spaces for block play, about the materials that we use and the way in which children can access them. -
How a dog changed my connection to community
A few months ago, our family got a puppy. This furry, bundle of slobber and excitement joined our lives and changed it in many of the ways that we expected. But, there has been an unexpected change too - our connection to the community. -
Reflective Practice - Who is it for?
We know, as educators, that it is important to reflect on our practice. But do we know why? Or more to the point - who it is for? -
Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk - Embracing Independence
"I can do it myself." We hear those words a lot from young children. I always love hearing it from toddlers, who are beginning to realise that they are indeed capable of doing things for themselves. But, emerging independence can sometimes pose a challenge for us as educators or parents.
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