Tradition, history and meaning surround the festivities of the Christmas period and the joy, magic and wonder of the season brings about excitement for children and educators alike! Families celebrate Christmas with their own unique rituals and embracing these within early childhood centres opens possibilities to appreciate the diversity of celebratory customs.
Positive relationships are key to a successful start to school. Adopting a relationship-based view of the transition to school process helps dynamic, reciprocal relationships develop that enable children to enjoy their experience.
Increasingly, we are seeing more and more children being hindered with mental health issues that affect their quality of life including social interactions, physical health and overall wellbeing. Early educators are in a unique and powerful position to be able to support children in gaining an awareness and understanding of mental health issues. Educating children by teaching practical strategies to recognise and manage their emotions will benefit children now and into their future adult lives.
Mathematics has been long regarded an important part of Early Childhood pedagogy. Since Friedrich Frobel founded the first kindergarten in 1837, he developed his ‘Spielgaben’ or ‘Gifts’ that embraced mathematical concepts of symmetry, shape and number. The series of gifts were the first ‘educational’ playthings and are made of natural materials and are open-ended, specifically designed to demonstrate the key concept of ‘unity’ that can be recognised in play.
The role of fathers in children’s lives is unique and the relationship between father and child is something to be treasured. The 1st September is reserved to celebrate the invaluable contribution fathers and significant male figures make to families. Whether they’re called Daddy, Papa, Baba, Grandpa, Poppy, Pappoús, Opa, Uncle or Ujak, they hold a priceless place in the hearts and lives of children. Being a father is not necessarily connected to biology, rather the effort, commitment and genuine relationship established by a man who chooses to make a significant difference in a child’s life.
Early engagement in science stimulates the development of children’s identity as a science learner and an active participant in the processes of science.
