The Inspired EC Blog
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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. -
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. -
Teddies, Dummies and a Pair of Silky Pyjamas: The Importance of Security Items
Many children have comfort items and in fact, so do some adults. There are adults who take a favourite pillow when they travel, or wear a bracelet that makes them feel connected to a loved one. We do these things because they help us to feel safe, to feel secure, to feel at home. -
How to Embrace Rainy Day Play
Yesterday morning I sat at my desk watching the kookaburras and the magpies forage in the grass - the incessant rain having bought worms to the surface. And then I spotted her. A child of about three stepped across the soggy grass, her gumboots squelching, toward the birds. -
The Ultimate Trust. The Ultimate Privilege. The Ultimate Responsibility.
A small sticky hand slides into mine. I know that if his mama were here, it would slide into hers. Laughter erupts as I tickle her belly. I know ... -
5 Practical Ways to Support Mud Play
Sometimes I hear from educators that mud play is too much work, that the inevitable clean-up is too hard, that the time spent is too long. But I have to ask the question - what else are we doing that is more important?
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