EYLF Outcome 2

In the ever-evolving world of education, integrated learning frameworks like STEM and STEAM have gained widespread recognition. These approaches are particularly valuable in early childhood education, where fostering curiosity and critical thinking lays the foundation for lifelong learning. But what exactly sets STEM apart from STEAM, and how can educators decide which approach is best for their classroom? Let’s delve into the core concepts of each and explore their unique benefits.

Outdoor play is a vital part of early childhood education, fostering children’s physical, social, and emotional development. With the simple addition of a stopwatch, outdoor activities can become even more engaging and dynamic, offering opportunities to explore teamwork, problem-solving, and time-awareness in a non-competitive and collaborative way. Let’s dive into some stopwatch-inspired outdoor activities for kids, that early years educators can use to align with the principles of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).

Sustainable practices in childcare education is an essential focus for educators and families as we strive for a greener future. Integrating sustainable practices within early childhood education plays a vital role in shaping environmentally conscious individuals. This new approach aligns closely with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), particularly:

• Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world.
• Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners.
• Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators.

We explore the importance of sustainability in childcare, practical methods to introduce eco-friendly concepts to children, and the ways in which childcare centres can lead the charge in fostering sustainable behaviours and encouraging children to continue these practices at home. 

Who knew paper plates could be so versatile! Get creative with this Christmas Tree Craft Activity to show them how to turn a paper plate into a sparkly work of art.

1. Take one of each of the two sizes of plates. Fold them in half both ways so you make quarters.
2. Cut down the lines so you end up with 4 quarters of each  plate.
3. Take two quarters from the large plate and one quarter of the small plate top construct your tree (the small quarter goes at the top).
4. Paint each section the colours you like. We’ve chosen green poster paint, but we’ve made some variations of the green by adding some yellow and/or white for some different colours. Paint with strokes, or dab for a leafy looking result.
5. Once the paint is dry use glue to attached

Children will love making this craft activity for the father figure in their lives. They can choose to make their dad, grandfather, uncle, or even themselves! The possibilities are endless, as they let their creativity run wild to make a truly unique gift!

There are a number of ways children could decorate these wooden people including colouring them using crayons or markers, or dressing them up with felt clothes. In this activity we’ll cover the latter, but feel free to choose the tools that best suit your desired outcomes.

1. Choose your wooden person and select one or many skin colour crayons to colour the areas that clothes won’t cover.
2. Choose some felt and trace around the wooden person to give yourself a guide for cutting. You could make a shirt, pants,