Up to 90% of brain development occurs in the first five years of life, report Nadia Wilson-Ali and Marianne Knaus. Early learning matters, and creates a solid foundation for future development. Philosophical underpinnings in early education matter too. They influence the interactions between teachers and children,...
Here are a few excellent books for school or family libraries, as we remember all those who have fought for our freedom especially at this point in time and on special days like Anzac Day. Books are available on line or through you local library. When The...
To push or not to push? That is the question when it comes to music lessons, writes Cathy Douglas. As a parent of three primary-school-aged children, I’ve agonised over music lessons. After all, it’s just not worth the effort if the child isn’t enjoying it. Is...
Just look a little closer and you’ll find it, write Erin Roger and Alice Motion. Thanks to technological advances, citizen science has experienced unprecedented global growth over the past decade. It’s enabled millions of people to get involved in science, whether by gathering data, sharing health...
Guilt has perhaps always been part of selecting and giving gifts for children, write Kate Renshaw and Judi Parson. However, in 2021, after two years of increased screen time for children thanks to COVID, parents may be experiencing even more uncertainty around what to buy. But...
The Fred Hollows Foundation is celebrating 10 years of the Humanity Award and calling for nominations for Year 6 students who demonstrate compassion, integrity, and kindness towards others. Since 2012, The Foundation has celebrated 2,000 Year 6 students who have made a positive difference in their community. Parent, teachers, principals, and...
As little as three squares of chocolate can make dogs sick, warns Susan Hazel Most pet owners know chocolate and dogs don’t mix. Despite this, chocolate poisoning in dogs remains a problem, particularly at Easter and Christmas, as a study in the journal Vet Record showed. Chocolate...
Going to private school won’t make a difference to your kid’s academic scores, write researchers Sally Larsen. and Alexander Forbes In Australia, around 30% of primary and 40% of secondary school children attend a private, or independent, school. School fees vary widely, depending on the type...
We have a solution, report researchers Julie Sonnemann and Rebecca Joiner. Almost all teachers (92%) in our study out today said they don’t have enough time to prepare effectively for classroom teaching – the core of their job. The Grattan Institute surveyed 5,442 Australian teachers and school...
Don’t fret about buying the ‘right’ toy for your child, writes Nicola Yelland Besides the new COVID-era concerns about retail supply chains comes the age-old question: what’s the best educational toy to buy for the child (or grandchild) in your life? There’s a vast range of toys...
