Just about every institution these days is looking for creative individuals. Adults who can innovate in high-quality ways and contribute to the progress of science, engineering and the arts. Creative expressions start from an early age. Children express creativity through “pretend play” – an activity that involves using imagination and make-believe. They make up stories […]
This is part of our series on kids’ health. Read the other articles in our series here. When parents observe shyness in their child, they may wonder if it is normal or cause for concern. For instance, in social situations, the child may cling to their parent, be hesitant to speak, reluctant to interact with […]
Many parents worry about when is the right time for their child to start school. While some use their child’s individual characteristics to judge school readiness, others have philosophical beliefs that lead them to delay their child’s school entry. In Australia, a child is considered to be ready for formal schooling around the age of […]
Most of us don’t have any memories from the first three to four years of our lives – in fact, we tend to remember very little of life before the age of seven. And when we do try to think back to our earliest memories, it is often unclear whether they are the real thing […]
Labor leader Bill Shorten on Sunday conceded the 2016 election to Malcolm Turnbull, though it remains uncertain whether the Coalition will form a majority or minority government. So what’s ahead now for health, infrastructure, the economy, welfare, education and more? The Conversation’s experts respond to what the Coalition’s agenda will mean for key policy areas. […]
Around 20% of Aboriginal births in Western Australia between 1996 and 2012 weren’t registered. The findings from new research published today in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health mean that nearly 5,000 babies started life with no identity. In many respects, these babies were invisible. Low birth registrations are not limited to […]
Often when discussing the national Early Years Learning Framework Principle on reflective practice, we overlook the initial words in the Principle: “Ongoing learning and reflective practice” (EYLF, 2009, p. 13). This part of the Principle is a reminder that engaging in reflective practice is about educators making a commitment to ongoing learning and being a […]
Being assessed and rated can understandably be a nervous time for educators. ACECQA caught up with Vashti Hicks, an Authorised Officer with the Queensland Department of Education and Training, to discuss her role and how services can prepare and embrace the assessment and ratings process. Tell us a little about your background I have been […]
Susan Irvine, Queensland University of Technology; Jennifer Sumsion; Jo Lunn, Queensland University of Technology, and Karen Thorpe, Queensland University of Technology Despite lip service being paid to the importance of early education, little is being done to encourage early education staff to stay in the profession. One in five early childhood educators plans to leave […]
Recently during a professional development session I asked a group of educators what are the rights of educators? Were they the holder of rights, and if so, what were they? I thought about providing them with some context or giving them an example, but decided against this because as much as I wanted to know […]
