The Inspired EC Blog — reflection
4 Ways to Support Problem Solving Through Loose Parts Play
Posted by Nicole Halton on

This post was lost in the archives. Originally published by us in 2020 This week I visited a local service. While I spoke with the approved provider, I noticed some play unfolding in the mud pit nearby. A group of children were using a plank and some buckets to create what looked to be a bridge. As I began to listen to the conversation, it became apparent that they were in fact building a bridge - to get across the puddle without gum boots of course! I watched as the educational leader gave them space and time to work...
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- Tags: environments, loose parts, outdoors, play, reflection
Teddies, Dummies and a Pair of Silky Pyjamas: The Importance of Security Items
Posted by Nicole Halton on

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- Tags: connection, infants, parenting, pedagogy, reflection, relationships
The Ultimate Trust. The Ultimate Privilege. The Ultimate Responsibility.
Posted by Nicole Halton on

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 that if her daddy were here, she'd be laughing up at him. They trust us. Each and every day, parents, grandparents, foster carers and guardians step into this place we create. They step into this place knowing that when they walk back out the door, they leave a part of them with us. They say goodbye, their noses pressed to the gate, fighting back tears as their little one wails, or...
5 Practical Ways to Support Mud Play
Posted by Nicole Halton on

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- Tags: environments, joy, mud, nature, outdoors, pedagogy, play, reflection
Embracing Infectious Joy
Posted by Nicole Halton on

I was sitting at the traffic lights when he caught my eye. He stood there, with his dog, waiting to cross the road. Headphones in ears, leash in hand, he began to move. It started out a gentle nod of the head, presumably in response to the beat of the music. And then it evolved into a more active kind of dance. I could tell he was getting into the music, and it filled me with a complete sense of what could only be described as joy. I felt a smile spread across my face. And then I noticed...
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- Tags: connection, joy, parenting, pedagogy, reflection, relationships