Preschool education, early learning activities and development ideas that help young children build foundational skills, confidence, curiosity and a positive approach to learning.
Research indicates that one-to-one parent-child play fosters richer symbolic pretend play in toddlers, with the presence of an older sibling potentially acting as a distraction, according to a recent study in Frontiers in Psychology. Researchers studying toddler pretend play say…
Experts suggest combining educational apps with physical play, such as scavenger hunts and modelling, to boost children’s understanding of maths, reading and spatial reasoning beyond the digital realm. Educational apps can give children a useful starting point in maths, reading…
A new approach to building maths skills in preschoolers emphasises integrating numeracy into daily routines, activities, and conversation rather than formal lessons, making learning both fun and effective. Helping preschoolers build early maths skills does not require worksheets or formal…
A survey reveals that New Zealand’s rapid expansion of early intervention services has increased administrative burdens on teachers, compromising the quality of support for young children and their families amid workforce strain and insufficient training. A recent NZEI Te Riu…
A Norwegian study suggests that a parent’s smartphone use may influence a child’s language skills more than the child’s own screen time, emphasising the importance of family media habits. A new study from Norway suggests that a parent’s own phone…
Families designing preschool days at home are prioritising adaptable routines that blend structure with flexibility, supporting children’s curiosity and security amidst the realities of family life. Families trying to build a workable preschool day at home are often looking for…
A comprehensive federal study demonstrates that early voluntary home visiting significantly improves maternal and child outcomes, with effects lasting into kindergarten and beyond, highlighting the importance of timely, sustained support for vulnerable families. A large federal evaluation has added hard…
A focus on independence in Montessori education fosters confidence, judgement, and self-respect, helping children grow into responsible and self-assured adults while maintaining vital boundaries and a supportive environment. A child who feels secure enough to be fully themselves is often…
Early Childhood Ireland warns that waiting lists for childcare places for children under three have reached over 46,000, urging the Government to prioritise pay parity and staffing support in Budget 2027 to prevent further sector decline. Early Childhood Ireland has…
Educators and child development experts reaffirm that play is the most effective way for young children to learn, urging schools and parents to prioritise playful, child-led activities over early academic drills to foster holistic growth. Early childhood educators are increasingly…
Research reveals that children’s non-engagement and silence in activities offer crucial insights into their learning, with AI tools potentially enhancing educators’ ability to interpret natural behaviour without assumption. A quiet table is not proof that the idea failed. In early…
Recognising subtle signs of sleep deprivation is crucial for children’s health and academic performance, with recent research emphasising the need for consistent sleep routines and early interventions. Children do not always say they are tired, but a lack of sleep…
