Early years

Helping Indigenous children get the best start to their formal schooling by modelling the day-to-day running of an early primary classroom is one of the aims of the animated children’s series, Little J & Big Cuz, which is back for its second season.

Researchers have assessed the impact of physically active lessons on students’ educational, health and cognition outcomes. They found that implementing physical activity into classroom lessons has a positive impact on some domains.

The newly established Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child will work on a world-first longitudinal study into the impact of digital technology on children. We speak to the lead researcher about why we need more research in this area.

When we think about encouraging risk-taking in the early years of schooling, what kinds of activities spring to mind? These researchers argue we need to broaden our view.

How do the personal musical preferences and practices of early childhood educators shape children’s educational and cultural experiences and understandings? Norwegian researchers have identified five informal roles they term ‘musical pathfinders’.

How do preschool services support children to develop language and literacy skills and help them get ready for school? A recent study has explored this question and provides some practical literacy activity ideas.

A new study examines the types of questions preschool teachers ask during classroom-based shared book reading. It found that they were far too simple for students and didn’t provide the appropriate level of challenge. In today’s podcast, we speak to Dr Tricia Zucker to find out more.

In today’s article, we find out how leaders and teachers at a Canberra primary school are using a range of data to identify and meet the needs of children from preschool – to great effect.

An animated TV series designed to smooth the transition to school for Indigenous children is proving to be a valuable resource for social emotional learning for all at a school in South Australia.

The animated TV series Little J & Big Cuz bolsters pride and identity in Indigenous children, along with supporting learners’ emotional wellbeing and teacher improvement, a study has found.