The Inspired EC Blog
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10 Essential Elements for Infant Environments - Indoor Edition
We are often asked for our resource recommendations for various ages. So, we've decided to produce a series of blog posts doing exactly that. And we are kicking it off with infants. -
5 Things to Say Instead of "They had a Great Day!"
"They had a great day!" When they arrive in the afternoon to collect their child from their early education and care service, unfortunately this a phrase that families hear all too often. And do you know what? I have been guilty of saying it. -
Is it ethical or sustainable to use food in play, and where do we draw the line?
If, like me, you are a child of the 80's, there's a very strong chance that you engaged in the fine art of potato printing and pasta necklace creation during your preschool years. Upon asking the question, though, of whether it is ethical or sustainable to use food in play, it seems that the answer isn't exactly black or white. -
Creating Space for "Big Body" Play
As educators, we sometimes have a tendency to squash big body play. We worry that someone might get hurt. We worry that the play is not safe. We think that the play is frivolous or not purposeful.
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A Reimagining of "Home Corner"
There's nothing inherently wrong with "home corner" or with creating any type of dramatic play space. But what if there was a different way to do it? What if there was a way to spark dramatic play without being prescriptive? -
Who needs worksheets and rote learning when you have nature and time to explore?
Simple, and child led. It's what learning needs to be. Why do we have a tendency to overcomplicate the way in which children learn? When we head out into nature, when we slow down and let children explore and create and wonder, magical things happen. Learning happens. -
What's the problem, really?
As educators, there a many times throughout the day where we may be called upon to "solve a problem". Children come to us with their problems: ... -
Is it time to ditch "No Hat, No Play"?
Recently, one of our team shared a reminder message that they had received from their child's education and care service about hats and sun protection, and it led to some discussion about the concept of "No Hat, No Play" in our office. -
Creating calm in the "Busy" season
It’s official. There is only a month until Christmas, and whether you celebrate or not, this time of year becomes absolutely manic in many house... -
Schema Play: What's it all about?
When I first heard the term and began to understand the concept, suddenly it all made sense. I had been fighting against the natural play urges of children, instead of embracing them and providing an environment and resources that supported them. -
"Slides are for going down, not up!" REALLY?
Going up the slide requires a different set of body skills, it requires a different focus. Some children will find it challenging to go up the slide. Some children will find it easy. There will be some negotiation required between children, but you know what? They usually just work it out.
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4 Easy Additions to Enhance Your Block Play Environment
We need to be intentional about how we set up our spaces for block play, about the materials that we use and the way in which children can access them.
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