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Early Learning
Why children need to play with friends
Play can be easily dismissed. After all, how important can playing tea party be? Experts would argue that it’s extremely important. Children who successfully engage in peer play at preschool are more likely to experience better mental health, later on.
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Early Learning
Beating loneliness and making friends
We all want our children to have friends. Being socially successful is a source of fun but also critical to a child’s development. Speaker, author and academic Dr Michael Nagel examines friendship and how it lays the groundwork for other lifelong skills.
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Early Learning
Risky play: Why it benefits children
Often our instincts will scream at us to get involved and stop our children from engaging in risky behaviours. But with the benefits of risky play to our child’s development being well documented, it is useful to understand appropriate risk.
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Early Learning
Gardens teach children lifelong skills
Whether the garden is part of the backyard, a few pots on a balcony or part of a community garden, the benefits of gardening in the preschool years are more than just about playing with dirt. They include opportunities for maths, science, art and play.
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Early Learning
Play: How and why to play with your child
Parents have an important role in growing their child’s imagination through play which enhances their thinking later in life. Laureate Professor Marilyn Fleer says her work shows how important it is for carers to play in new ways with their children.
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Early Learning
Supporting toddlers’ pretend play
While it is easy to overlook the importance of make believe play, the ability to pretend is a cornerstone of children’s cognitive development. Professor of Early Childhood Sheila Degotardi looks at why it is important and how we can encourage it.
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Early Learning
When too many toys are a big distraction
It’s not unusual for parents to complain their children have too many toys, usually because of clutter. However a study has found that having an abundance of toys may not be a great thing, as it prevents children from being as creative as possible.
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Early Learning
Outdoor play: The benefits for children
Free or unstructured play is when children choose activities or games that interest them and are not directed by an adult. If children are playing you might think ‘Should I tell them what to do? Or should I just let them play and see what happens?'.
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