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’? We all want to give our children the best start in life, yet knowing when to introduce...
Making better use of Australia's top teachers will improve student outcomes. Here's how to do it reports Peter Goss, Grattan Institute Australia must do better in school education. Following our worst ever results in international tests last year, politicians are keen to act, and quickly. But...
Future learners will need an excellent start in early learning if they are to cope with mid to late 21st century challenges reports Iram Siraj It may be a truism that the future will be different, but human expectations have rarely been so high about the...
The Australian Government eSafety Commissioner has released a bunch of great resources for parents and teachers on this day designated 'Safer Internet Day' 2020 to promote online safety issue with children, parents, teachers and the wider community. Their website not only covers general eSafety but also...
Early childhood professionals are doing what they can to offer elements of the natural environment and plenty of free play in playgrounds, writes Angela Rossmanith. Take yourself back to early childhood and notice how and where you best loved to play. Chances are that you most...
Kylie Ladd examines the approach taken by some schools to teach children in multi-age classes. I’m standing in the middle of the biggest classroom I have ever seen, one of four at Spensley Street Primary School in Melbourne’s inner north. Within each large open-plan room, 85...
Governments spend less than half the amount per child in early childhood education compared to what they spend per child in school. from shutterstock.com reports Kate Noble, Victoria University and Peter Hurley, Victoria University This is according to recently released data. This has been the situation for some...
Professors in education Sue Dockett and Bob Perry outline the factors that lead to a successful transition to school. Children start school in Australia at different ages and at different times, depending on which State or Territory they happen to inhabit. For example, in NSW and...
Explaining to her son that school was a five-days-a-week deal was never going to be easy for Elizabeth Bate. Sam’s first few days of 'Grade One' went surprisingly well – too well, perhaps. Our local primary school had arranged for a gradual introduction by allowing the...
Bob Perry and Sue Dockett provide a guide for parents and carers as to what can you do to help your child start school successfully. Three key factors to bear in mind as you and your child prepare for them to start school: Transition to school...
