The biggest news from NAPLAN 2026 is…?

National NAPLAN results for 2026 are released recently. This is the test of Australian students’ literacy and numeracy skills in years 3, 5, 7 and 9....

07 September, 2026

Shaun Tan’s essential migrant story still mesmerises, 20 years on

The book, now celebrating its 20th anniversary, is a wordless visual narrative about a man who leaves his wife and child to build a new future for his family. He arrives in a strange new city, a stranger in a strange land. Its story is...

06 September, 2026

Younger siblings spend more time on screens than big sisters and brothers

Research tells us firstborn children, on average, tend to do better on a range of outcomes. This includes doing better at school and being more likely to be top managers when compared to those born later....

05 September, 2026

Why the arts still matter in primary school

I might be biased, having studied fine art and practised as an exhibiting artist, as well as working in the arts, but I find that art, drama and music all offer great opportunities for children to learn as well as to have fun....

04 September, 2026

Forget burnt bacon: fresh ideas for a Father’s Day feast

Looking for Father's Day food ideas? Try a relaxed brunch, shared lunch or special dinner to make Sunday 6 September a memorable family celebration....

03 September, 2026

Beyond Harry Potter: five books you can enjoy together as a whole family

Most adults are well aware of the benefits that come with reading with children, reports Helen Joanne Adam. Storytime with kids can improve their literacy and develop their communication skills....

03 September, 2026

Putting away your winter clothes?

As the cold season ends and we fold away our favourite wool jumpers and silk scarves, some fascinating material science is about to unfold quietly in our wardrobes....

03 September, 2026

Grieving for Nan: When a Child’s Sorrow Comes Later

As she and her family come to terms with the death of her mother, Carol Raymen watches her young daughter struggle with the loss of a much-loved Nan — and wonders whether she could have done anything differently....

03 September, 2026

Year 12 Final exams are coming: what teenagers really need from parents

As Year 12 students head towards final exams, Professor Ken Purnell writes that it can be tempting for parents to push harder on study. But protecting sleep, keeping pressure in check and offering steady support may be far more useful. For many Australian Year 12 students,...

03 September, 2026

Children: Property, Pets, Projects Or People?

Are children ‘persons’ with all the rights that this entails? Or are they property, owned by their parents and subject to their absolute authority? Maybe children are neither ‘property’ nor ‘persons’, but something in between....

03 September, 2026