How to let your child engage in risky play (without having a heart attack)
June 10, 2024
Learning to assess hazards and understand risks in life is a normal part of an adult’s every day – but how did we learn to do this – and how can we teach our children to do the same?
Taking risks and learning from them is an inevitable and important part of growing up. And as parents or carers, it is our responsibility to encourage healthy risk-taking behaviour. By understanding different types of such behaviour and the motivation behind them, you can set children up for success and reduce their risk of harm in future life.
Here´s our essential guide to risky
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June 5, 2024
Why is it important for a child to feel safe?
Since it´s Child Safety Week, we thought this was an important question to answer.
At Schoolhouse Daycare, we are committed to child safety and ensuring that every child feels secure and nurtured in our environment. After all, this is key to helping them learn and grow confidently, and for the healthy development of their young minds.
If you want to know more about how to make a child feel safe and why this is so important, read on.
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The importance of feeling safe and valued
Feeling safe and valued is essential for a child’s development.
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May 10, 2024
Have you ever considered the miraculous journey of a child’s brain development during the early years? This period, teeming with growth and transformation, is a marvel to behold. To explore this intricate process in more depth, here are 6 fascinating facts you may not know about your child´s brain development.
#1 – The majority of brain growth happens in the first 5 years.
A fact that might surprise you is that a newborn’s brain, though only about a quarter of an adult’s in size, expands to almost 90% of adult size by age five. And that’s just the start.
In the early years,
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May 5, 2024
Ever wondered why play is so important for children?
In this article, we explore why this is, particularly the science behind play and how it helps the young brain develop.
From brain development and emotional resilience to its essential role in healthy human growth, here is why play is so crucial and what you can do as parents to support and encourage this development.
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The neurological foundations of play
Play is vital for brain development, quickly establishing complex neural networks in babies that form the basis for their future cognitive, emotional, and physical growth. Infants strengthen these connections by exploring their surroundings and interacting
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April 10, 2024
Spring is in the air! This means it´s the perfect time to get our children outside, learning and engaging in spring activities that nurture their physical well-being.
Need help with some ideas? Here´s why spring activities are so important along with our top ideas to help with your child´s learning and development.
The benefits of outdoor learning in spring
Outdoor play is so important for children as they grow – here´s why:
Enhanced physical development: Spring activities encourage children to be active, improving their physical strength, coordination, and overall fitness.
Stimulated curiosity and exploration: The vibrant spring environment, with its new life
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April 5, 2024
There’s nothing better than family time, especially around big holidays such as Easter. These are perfect for creating moments filled with laughter and creativity.
Want to create some Easter traditions? Let’s take a look at some experiences that are what Easter is all about, giving us precious memories to cherish.
1. Creative easter egg hunts
One of the most beloved Easter traditions for families is the Easter egg hunt, a thrilling quest for hidden treasures that delight both the young and the young at heart. Let’s take this tradition a step further with some inventive twists that promise even more fun and
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March 10, 2024
Encouraging children to read for pleasure can truly open up a world of adventure and imagination, significantly benefiting their development. In an era dominated by screens, convincing our children to pick up a book can often feel like a bit of a mission, right? Well, hopefully, not anymore.
We’re here to share some top tips for encouraging children to read – making the journey not just effective but incredibly fun for everyone involved.
Top tips for encouraging reading
There are so many benefits to reading.
Reading for pleasure boosts literacy skills, making words their friends rather than foes.
It fires
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March 5, 2024
Early reading experiences are the foundation of lifelong learning and success. These first experiences with books not only spark imagination but also equip children with critical thinking and emotional intelligence.
Here we will take a look at the vital role early reading plays in shaping the minds and futures of our children.
Why is early reading important?
Cognitive development
Early reading experiences are like a workout for the young brain. These experiences boost cognitive abilities, laying the foundation for critical thinking, problem-solving, and memory skills. As children navigate the twists and turns of narratives, they’re also constructing the mental pathways for complex thought.
Language and
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February 10, 2024
Random Acts of Kindness Day is a perfect time for us to spread some joy together. From brightening someone´s day to bringing you closer as a family, kindness is truly magical. Let’s look at how random acts of kindness for families can benefit everyone!
Enhancing emotional wellbeing
Isn’t it amazing how a simple act of kindness can light up your day? Random acts of kindness for families aren’t just about making others smile; it’s a surefire way to boost your happiness too!
When we’re kind to others, it’s like a happiness boomerang – it comes right back to us, reducing stress and making
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Ever heard of professional love in early years? It’s about the unique care we early years educators offer, distinct from parental love but equally important. In fact, it’s gaining recognition for its role in young children’s development and wellbeing, going beyond basic education to provide warmth and emotional support. In this article, we give you some insights into what professional love is and why it is so beneficial for children.
What is professional love?
Dr. Jools Page introduced the professional love in early years concept to describe the unique care educators provide, distinct from but complementary to parental love.
While
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