From the side of the mud pit, where I sit watching a group of children digging a hole so deep that they can fit in it, I glance at the time. It has been two hours. Sure, they've taken breaks to dash to the bathroom, or grab a quick drink - there might have even been a quick snack break. But this...

"I hate rainy days when we get stuck inside and the children go wild." 

I have lost count of the number of times over my almost two decades in early childhood, that I have heard some version of this sentiment. For the first couple of years, I said it myself - many times. You would hear the...

I clearly remember my first ever practicum at an early childhood service, while I was completing my studies. It was a long day care service, open long hours and with several rooms in operation. There was a kitchen and a central dining area, and for a chunk of time in the middle of the day, each...

Yesterday Tash and I took a walk down to our TimberNook Newcastle site. Nature Kindy was in full swing, and I delighted in watching the children play (it made for a nice screen break!) 

Two children caught my attention, as they took the off road wagon that we use for transporting resources...

Blocks. They are often one of the favourite playthings in the early education and care environment - and for good reason. Blocks are open ended and allow children to test out ideas and create in a way that is only limited by their imagination... and by the environment and resources we provide...

Yesterday afternoon, my two daughters came inside with a grasshopper in hand. They held it carefully, but wanted desperately to show me what they had found. Once I had admired the little creature, they took it back outside. A few moments later, they came inside and asked to borrow my phone.

"We...

Whether you think of yourself as an eco-warrior, or are still not too sure where to start when it comes to sustainability, we all have room for growth. 

Today I sat and opened a package that arrived in our office. Inside one envelope was two smaller envelopes. Inside each envelope......

I was about 20 years old. Only a year or so out of TAFE, having completed my Diploma, and I'd predominantly worked with preschoolers. When I was put in the toddler room for the year ahead, I was excited but a little nervous too. I was expecting the never ending routine of eating, changing,...

We all have bad days. We all have days where the idea of getting up and going to work is enough to put us in a bad mood. But these days should be the exception to the rule. 

I am so fortunate to do the work that I do now, and something that I love is visiting services and observing practice....

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...