What Age Do Kids Learn Best?

Is there a special time when our children’s brains are more open to learning new skills like reading, writing and playing a musical instrument? And is ‘earlier’ always ‘better’?...

26 May, 2022

how to make school assessments fairer for all

‘Stop measuring black kids with a white stick’ Carly Steele, Graeme Gower, Rhonda Oliver and Sender Dovchin look at how we can make assesmenS fairer for ALL. In the title we quote Michelle Martin (with her permission), who is a proud Kija woman and passionate educator. She...

26 May, 2022

How to keep interactions between kids and dogs safe

To pat or not to pat? asks Petra Edwards and Susan Hazel With dog attacks in the news over recent weeks, some parents may be wondering about how to keep interactions between kids and dogs safe – and how to keep everyone happy. A review of hospitalisations...

19 May, 2022

Routine Fears

Alex Field’s stomach does somersaults when her daughter does gymnastics So often my role changes due to the varied needs of my five children. The very thought of taking on new after-school activities, or even changing the ones I have so carefully planned out, is fraught...

12 May, 2022

3 barriers that stop students choosing to learn a language in high school

Fewer students are choosing language electives at school, writes researcher Stephanie Clayton, but contrary to popular perception, it isn’t purely a lack of interest causing the decline. My recent study suggests students want to study a language, but can’t. Language electives continue to have the lowest enrolments...

12 May, 2022

how the protein industry is innovating to meet demand

Researchers Katherine Wynn and Michelle Colgrave look at the new proteins of plant-based patties, lab-grown meat and insects As demand for alternative protein sources grows, Australians are increasingly looking for options that are healthy, sustainable and ethically made. At CSIRO, we have produced a “protein roadmap” to...

12 May, 2022

Can young children with autism thrive in mainstream childcare?

Much of the research about including children with autism in mainstream classrooms is focused on school-aged children.Writes Kristelle Hudry and Cathy Bent Growing numbers of children with autism are diagnosed in toddlerhood, so there is increasing relevance for the early-childhood sector. Our new research shows, with...

04 May, 2022

Montessori,Steiner or Reggio Emilia: which childcare philosophy is best for your family?

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,...

26 April, 2022

Book Reviews: for Anzac Day

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...

20 April, 2022

A Noteworthy Cause

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...

13 April, 2022