The phonics versus whole-language debate is counterproductive when it leads teachers to mindlessly apply one approach to all children. We need teachers who have a repertoire of approaches that includes teaching phonics and also rich whole-language experiences. Moving Beyond the Debate: What Educators Need to Know For teachers,...
A new school year can see friendships change – this is tough on kids, but parents can help, writes Karyn Healy The start of the school year means new classes, routines, after-school activities and sometimes even a new school. This can be a really exciting time for...
Educators David Wylde and Marilyn Heins discuss the differences between boys and girls and how they affect how we raise them. How Male and Female Brains Process Emotions Differently It is known that there are differences in development and function between male and female brains. In most...
Australian families are choosing private schools more than ever before – we need to understand why, reports Sally Larsen The shape of Australia’s school system is undergoing a significant change. Enrolments in independent schools are growing, while fewer students attend public schools. Why are more families choosing...
Try asking them what they are looking forward to, writes Samantha Vlcek By next week, most schools will start to return for term 1. This can be a nervous time for some students, who might be anxious about new teachers, classes and routines. Returning to school after...
Emma Rowe looks at how families can end up paying hundreds of dollars in voluntary fees. As Australian families prepare for term 1, many will receive letters from their public schools asking them to pay fees. While public schools are supposed to be “free”, parents are regularly...
Tech can help kids to go outdoors, write Kellie Vella and Madeleine Dobson and here are some tips to make it work Young children’s lives are increasingly spent indoors. They have less access to green spaces, their parents are concerned about safety, and there’s also the...
As the new school year is about to start, parents might need to monitor and support their children through social challenges at school. Parents worry about many things when their children first start school, but one concern often looms larger than all others: Will my child...
Officeworks' 2025 Back to School Appeal is set to make a significant impact by raising funds to support thousands of Australian students in need, ensuring they have the essential resources to thrive in their education through The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program. As the new...
Scientifically accurate children’s books on Australian animals – particularly the lesser-known species – are sorely lacking, write Euan Ritchie and Kate Umbers Few things are more wonderful than well-written and produced children’s books. They captivate kids, families and classrooms, leaving lifelong impressions. They shape our world....
