Welcome to Inspired EC

With an attitude of growth, fun and connection, Inspired EC has evolved into an organisation that works closely with educators and services around Australia and internationally, providing training, resources, consultancy services and much more.

The Inspired EC Blog

  • 4 Ways to Support Barefoot Play

    by Nicole Halton
    I spend a lot of time barefoot. I am barefoot indoors, I am barefoot outdoors, and I prefer to drive with barefeet. This explains how one morning,...
    Posted in nature, outdoors, play, reflection, sensory

  • How has COVID-19 impacted an already struggling sector?

    by Nicole Halton
    Let's start with a disclaimer. This post discusses the COVID-19 Vaccination. Whether you choose to get vaccinated or not, is none of my business. ...

  • 3 Tips for the child who doesn't want to share

    by Nicole Halton
      She found the terracotta pipes and began to build. Lining them up, end to end, it was clear that she had a very specific vision for her play/cre...

  • "You're Okay" and Other Lies We Tell Children

    by Nicole Halton
    Carlie is three years old and running through the playground. She trips on a truck and falls hard on the ground. Carlie begins to cry - loud. An e...

  • Can 1:1 time combat "Challenging behaviour"?

    by Nicole Halton
      {I originally wrote this post in 2019, and have updated, although the story remains the same}   My middle child had just started school. For th...
    Posted in behaviour, connection, parenting, pedagogy, relationships

  • Why being "held back" from starting school is a gift.

    by Nicole Halton

    Three parents stood at the playground while their children played together in the garden. As they watched them play, their conversation turned to starting school. Discussing their plans for their children, it was easy for them to fall into the trap of comparing. 

  • From Gaming to Games: 4 Ways to Spark Imaginative Play for School Aged Children

    by Nicole Halton
      ** This post was originally written in 2019 and has been updated and resposted ** Two boys arrive at our TimberNook program full of stories of o...
    Posted in nature, pedagogy, play, school

  • What's the deal with the birthday wall?

    by Nicole Halton
    **This post was originally written several years ago and has been revamped and reposted. Enjoy! **   I’m just going to be blunt – I don’t get the w...
    Posted in pedagogy, professionalism, reflection

  • Why we need to stop Hikjacking Children's Play Under the Guise of "Interest Based Learning"

    by Nicole Halton
      ** This post was originally written in 2017 and I have updated and reposted now ** Lately I have been doing a lot of thinking about interest bas...

  • Lessons In Nature

    by Nicole Halton
      Right now, in Lake Macquarie, we are in lockdown. As I write this, it is day 6 of 7 (although there is the strong possibility that it won't all ...
    Posted in nature, pedagogy, play, reflection

  • Mentorship Matters

    by Nicole Halton
      What if we told you that the difference between you being a standard educator and an amazing educator rested with someone else? Sure - you are u...
    Posted in mentorship, pedagogy, professionalism, relationships

  • 3 Questions not to ask children at play

    by Nicole Halton
    **This post was originally written in 2018 and has been updated.  In early 2018 we launched the first Australian TimberNook program. This amazing p...
    Posted in pedagogy, play