Welcome to Inspired EC

With an attitude of growth, fun and connection, Inspired EC has evolved into an organisation that works closely with educators and services around Australia and internationally, providing training, resources, consultancy services and much more.

The Inspired EC Blog

  • Why being "held back" from starting school is a gift.

    by Nicole Halton

    Three parents stood at the playground while their children played together in the garden. As they watched them play, their conversation turned to starting school. Discussing their plans for their children, it was easy for them to fall into the trap of comparing. 

  • From Gaming to Games: 4 Ways to Spark Imaginative Play for School Aged Children

    by Nicole Halton
      ** This post was originally written in 2019 and has been updated and resposted ** Two boys arrive at our TimberNook program full of stories of o...
    Posted in nature, pedagogy, play, school

  • What's the deal with the birthday wall?

    by Nicole Halton
    **This post was originally written several years ago and has been revamped and reposted. Enjoy! **   I’m just going to be blunt – I don’t get the w...
    Posted in pedagogy, professionalism, reflection

  • Why we need to stop Hikjacking Children's Play Under the Guise of "Interest Based Learning"

    by Nicole Halton
      ** This post was originally written in 2017 and I have updated and reposted now ** Lately I have been doing a lot of thinking about interest bas...

  • Lessons In Nature

    by Nicole Halton
      Right now, in Lake Macquarie, we are in lockdown. As I write this, it is day 6 of 7 (although there is the strong possibility that it won't all ...
    Posted in nature, pedagogy, play, reflection

  • Mentorship Matters

    by Nicole Halton
      What if we told you that the difference between you being a standard educator and an amazing educator rested with someone else? Sure - you are u...
    Posted in mentorship, pedagogy, professionalism, relationships

  • 3 Questions not to ask children at play

    by Nicole Halton
    **This post was originally written in 2018 and has been updated.  In early 2018 we launched the first Australian TimberNook program. This amazing p...
    Posted in pedagogy, play

  • Dealing with Death

    by Nicole Halton
      Last week, we had a death in the family. Our beautiful bunny Cadbury passed away and breaking the news to my three children was excruciating. Th...
    Posted in pedagogy, relationships

  • 5 Simple Ways to Support "Heavy Work"

    by Nicole Halton
    This week, I listened to a podcast episode of the Child Care Bar & Grill titled Heavy Work Makes You Happy. This concept isn't new to me, altho...
    Posted in pedagogy, play, sensory

  • The Importance of Writing for a Purpose

    by Nicole Halton
      {{This blog post was originally written in 2016 and has been updated with new content}} “Writing for real purpose draws on our natural inclinati...
    Posted in literacy, pedagogy, writing

  • What do "uninterrupted blocks of time for play" look like, and why are they important?

    by Nicole Halton
    If you were to walk into almost any early childhood service here in Australia, I believe that they would tell you that they value play, that they are a play-based program. And yet, when I walk into services although I do in fact see play, I also see a lot of adult interruption of that play.