Early years

Following her session at Research Conference 2017, Associate Professor Bev Flückiger joins Teacher to share more on her research into age-appropriate pedagogies. In this Q&A, she discusses the importance of play and recognising the agency of children.

Early years classroom practitioners need to devote more time to teaching writing, including explicit handwriting instruction, according to research findings from an Australian study.

The Wonders of the World program at Encounter Lutheran College encourages students to connect with their own family histories and experiences as part of their LOTE studies.

How can teachers take advantage of a family’s knowledge that home reading is important, to prompt more of this behaviour? This research used a behaviour science strategy in an effort to increase participation in a reading challenge.

'Sitting down with our children to watch programs that demonstrate and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing and being, such as Little J & Big Cuz, is one small ‘next step’ that each of us can take on the journey towards reconciliation.'

Professor Sue Walker joins Teacher to discuss the findings of a new study that suggests girls start school with more 'self-regulation' skills – things like paying attention, staying on task and working independently.

Themes of ‘luck’ and ‘superstition’ are explored in the EYLF and Australian Curriculum. Little J & Big Cuz begins a conversation around these themes and provides teacher resources.

In this extract from Early Childhood Playgrounds: Planning an outside learning environment, Prue Walsh discusses why outside play is important for children with special needs.

In this month’s Research Files we discuss the findings of a three-year project in New Zealand that included analysis of pretend play – where students give voices to toys, objects and digital characters – and early literacy practices.

When Little J & Big Cuz is broadcast in late April, educators will have access to a range of innovative resources to support the transition from home to school for Indigenous children.