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Cool Little Kids Online is an online program for Australian parents of shy or anxious young children aged 3 to 6 years. Cool Little Kids Online is adapted from the Cool Little Kids group parenting program, which has been safely and effectively used in Australia for over 10 years. Parents have found it helpful for improving young children’s fear and anxiety. See the website for further information.

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A parenting program that aims to increase the confidence of young children, so that they have fewer anxiety problems as they grow.

Cool Little Kids Online is adapted from the Cool Little Kids group parenting program, which has been safely and effectively used in Australia for over 10 years. Parents have found it helpful for improving young children's fear and anxiety about:

Saying hello/goodbye

Separating from parents (e.g. at preschool)

Playing with unfamiliar people (e.g. playdates, parties)

Trying new activities (e.g. swimming lessons)

Going to sleep

Cool Little Kids Online is a web-based program designed to increase your knowledge and build practical skills.

The program contains 8 'modules' with easy to read information, practical skills, videos and stories from other parents who have done the program. Each module takes about 30-60 minutes to complete. The program does require a commitment of your time and effort-but the reward will be worth it-a more confident, less fearful child!

Information

You'll gain insight into why your child is shy, the links between shyness and anxiety, and how to prevent anxiety problems

Practical skills

You'll learn practical skills on what to do when your child is worried or scared and how to encourage their bravery

Real stories

You'll hear from real parents who have done the program, what they learned and how they developed new skills

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A parenting program that aims to increase the confidence of young children, so that they have fewer anxiety problems as they grow. Cool Little Kids Online is adapted from the Cool Little Kids group parenting program, which has been safely and effectively used in Australia for over 10 years.

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Updates to the approved learning framework - Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)

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Updates to the approved learning framework - Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)

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Australia’s two national approved learning frameworks Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia, and My Time, Our Place: Framework for School Age Care in Australia have been updated.

Early Childhood Services will need to be using EYLF V2.0 from early 2024 onwards.

The main differences you will see are a stronger connection between the frameworks and the National Quality Standard in areas such as transitions, sustainability, theoretical approaches, critical reflection, the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of being, knowing and doing, inclusion and the addition of three new principles.

To find out more head to the ACECQA website http://bit.ly/3XQCJ4O

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Getting Ready for Preschool - guide for families

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Getting Ready for Preschool - guide for families

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This Getting Ready for Preschool guide from The NSW Department of Education has all the information you need to know about starting preschool. The guide is also available in Arabic, Punjabi, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Vietnamese. Please let us know if you would like a translated copy.

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This is a useful go to guide for families with links to activities, resoucres and local community events.

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Online program, research-backed | Positive parenting strategies

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The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program has been developed in Australia and is the world’s most widely researched parenting program. Triple P is a toolbox of strategies, skills, and knowledge. It can help you create a closer bond with your child as you support their learning, development, life skills and emotional wellbeing. Triple P can be either accessed on line or through face to face sessions.

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Stay calm under pressure. Strengthen your relationship, fix issues before they become real problems, and positively influence your child's skills and development. This full toolkit of tips and ideas really works!

17 effective strategies - the world's first proven-to-work online parenting program

You choose what works for you - adapt to suit your family, your values

Be confident about handling each new age, stage and situation (and support your child now and in the years to come)

Do it on your phone, computer, or tablet

Videos and fun interactive learning

Earn badges, track your progress and print your certificate

Start being a more positive parent today

Get the online course for parents/carers of anxious children instead

Understand what's within your control to change and influence for your child's benefit

Create the best environment for your child's development

Know how to address child behaviours

Promote new skills and help emotional self-regulation

Improve your relationship with your children

Enjoy family life more!

Try it yourself

The Triple P - Positive Parenting Program has been developed here in Australia and is now the world's most widely researched parenting program with hundreds of clinical trials and real-world studies to back it up. Triple P is a toolbox of strategies, skills, and knowledge. It can help you create a closer bond with your child as you support their learning, development, life skills and emotional wellbeing. Triple P can work for you too - and it's online!

Yoshie

"It would have been easy to parent on 'auto-pilot' - doing what my parents had done. Instead I now pay attention, to see and understand what's going on in his mind."

Petina

"Triple P Online gave me lots of ideas. Things I already knew, but it was a reminder."

Timothy

"I want to be the kind of dad that uses a positive approach with my kids, and Triple P is all about that. It's just a really great program."

Why is Triple P Online free in Australia?

Delivery of the Triple P - Positive Parenting Program ® to parents and carers of children in Australia is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care under the Parenting Education and Support Program.

Does Triple P really work?

Triple P is one of the few parenting programs in the world with evidence to show it works. There are literally hundreds of trials and studies to show Triple P works for most families, in many different cultures, and in many different family situations. Triple P Online is also the first online parenting program proven to work.

How long will it take me to do the Triple P Online course?

Each module of the Triple P Online Course only takes about 30 minutes to an hour. You don't need to do it all in one block, either. Some people prefer to just do ten or fifteen minutes a day. There are 8 modules in Triple P Online. The Fear-Less Triple P Online course has 6 modules. There's also an extra Parenting During Uncertain Times module in each, to help with issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Triple P Online for Baby program has 7 modules. So whichever program you choose, if you start today and do one or two modules each week, you'll be finished in about a month! Of course, it's totally up to you. If you want to take it more slowly, take a break, or go back and revisit a previous module, that's all fine too.

Is my data safe?

Triple P International takes your privacy and data protection very seriously. We have rigorous IT security systems and procedures. We don't share your information with any third-party marketing organisations or unauthorised personnel. Your email address and region are visible to our administration team. Your progress may be visible to a system administrator in case you need to change your email address. All other family information within the program is anonymised. If you'd like more information, please review our privacy policy.

Should both parents do the course?

It's helpful, but not essential. Triple P is used very successfully by single parents. When more than parent, step-parent or carer does the course it helps everyone work as a team to make changes. This includes grandparents and other family members, and even ex-partners, if they also care for your children. It makes it easier to communicate better about parenting, argue and disagree less, and support each other more. If you want both parents to have their own workbook and certificate, you need to request two access codes.

I've got a question that's not covered here

One of the great things about Triple P is that it's not about telling you what to do in every situation. It's about helping you feel confident that you can work out what to do. This will be based on what you learn about child development and the strategies you've picked up, and your ability to review and refine. So if your question's about parenting, we suggest you go ahead and do the program! If it's about something else to do with Triple P, you may want to try contacting us using this website's contact details, via our social media channels, or through your local Triple P support service.

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Online program, research-backed | Positive parenting strategies

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Be a positive parent and make the most of each moment with proven strategies - Triple P Online

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1-2-3 Magic® & Emotion Coaching is based on two underlying perspectives on parenting: first, that children can be taught to respond more flexibly when they are frustrated or upset and second, that parents and carers can be taught easy-to-use skills they can use at particular parenting moments. The professional training includes role-play, group discussion, worksheets and videos.

Courses available via webinar and face-to-face all around Australia.

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1-2-3 Magic® & Emotion Coaching is a one-day professional learning course to equips you with the skills to manage children's difficult behaviour.

1-2-3 Magic® & Emotion Coaching is based on two underlying perspectives on parenting: first, that children can be taught to respond more flexibly when they are frustrated or upset and second, that parents and carers can be taught easy-to-use skills they can use at particular parenting moments. The professional training includes role-play, group discussion, worksheets and videos.

Courses available via webinar and face-to-face all around Australia.For Western Australia & Northern Territory professionals please contact Behaviour Tonics

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1-2-3 Magic® & Emotion Coaching is a one-day professional learning course to equips you with the skills to manage children's difficult behaviour. 1-2-3 Magic® & Emotion Coaching is based on two underlying perspectives on parenting: first, that children can be taught to respond more flexibly when they are frustrated or upset and second, that parents and carers can be taught easy-to-use skills they can use at particular parenting moments.

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The Cancer Council has developed this great resource on how to ensure a healthy lunch box is packed.

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Select one to start packing.

Select one to start packing.

Subscribe to our updates!

© Cancer Council NSW 2019 Head Office Address: 153 Dowling Street, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011.
Cancer Council NSW is registered with the Australian Taxation Office as an Income Tax Exempt Charity: Charitable Fundraising Authority No. 18521.

Some images on this site have been supplied by Cancer Council Western Australia's Crunch & Sip website

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Build your own virtual lunch box using the Cancer Council's interactive lunchbox builder.

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Here is a link for accessing the current ASCIA actions plan for allergies and anaphylaxis. If you need more information in relation to this please contact the preschool office

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Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)

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ASCIA Action Plans and First Aid Plans for Anaphylaxis

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ASCIA Action Plans include text fields for medical or nurse practitioners to type in patient details.

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Starting Blocks I Early Childhood Education & Care

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Practical information for parents in relation to all things parenting and early learning.

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StartingBlocks.gov.au I Early Childhood Education & Care

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Information for parents about early childhood education and care, National Quality Framework (NQF) and National Quality Standard (NQS) service quality ratings

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The Department of Education has published learning packs for use at home - great for home isolation times.

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Early childhood learning digital learning pack - Term 1 2022

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Welcome to the Early Childhood Digital Learning Packs!

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The Department of Education (DoE) has released a helpful face sheet for families around Covid in early childhood services.

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The Learning every day and in every way through play podcast series is targeted at families, with a focus on how learning happens every day in every way through play. The Early Learning team talk about children’s learning during play and everyday routines and how families can support learning at home.

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The Learning every day and in every way through play podcast series is targeted at families, with a focus on how learning happens every day in every way through play.

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Starting Blocks talks about how to encourage your child’s learning and lists the milestones they may reach between the ages 3-5 years.

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Your child is now a preschooler, who is fascinated by the world around them. They can speak in longer sentences and will start asking lots of 'who', 'what', 'where' and 'why' questions as they try to understand more about the world. They enjoy playing with other kids, learning rules and taking turns. And you'll see them start to form real friendships as they begin to develop their social skills.

The following information has been sourced from the Early Years Learning Framework Developmental Milestones booklet, developed by Community Child Care Co-operative Ltd NSW (CCCC) for the Department of Education.

How can you encourage your child's learning?

Encourage them to play outdoors

Open them up to more experiences by taking them to different places e.g. wildlife park, museum, playgroup, aquarium, library

Be creative in setting up play activities e.g. painting, music, arts and craft

Build their self-esteem by involving them in your everyday activities and giving them simple helping tasks e.g. help setting the table for dinner

Be interested in their questions and take the time to reply

Show enjoyment in their success e.g. when they read a word correctly

What are some of the different developmental milestones you can observe?

Please seek advice from your local community health service provider or doctor if your child:

is not understood by others

has speech fluency problems or stammers

is not playing with other children

is not able to have a conversation

is not able to go to the toilet or wash him/herself

Thank you for your feedback.

For more information or to provide detailed feedback, please contact us

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Your child is now a preschooler, who is fascinated by the world around them. They can speak in longer sentences and will start asking lots of 'who', 'what', 'where' and 'why' questions as they try to understand more about the world. They enjoy playing with other kids, learning rules and taking turns.

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This article from Starting Blocks has all the latest I information about COVID-19. It includes tips on how to talk to your child about covid as well as  activities you can do at home.

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Get the latest information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) for you and your family with StartingBlocks.gov.au

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This brilliant website has compiled a list of resources to compliment home learning for children of all ages.

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Early years

Better ReadingActivities that relate to some of your favourite books such as Where is the Green Sheep? and The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

The OT Toolbox
This site is full of occupational therapy resources to aid in promoting fine motor skills, functioning skills, vision, sensory, executive function, and handwriting. Resources aimed at parents, teachers, and therapists.
Crafts, activities, worksheets, printables, and other resources for all age levels.

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Learning at home: Our big list of great resources

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Early years Better Reading Activities that relate to some of your favourite books such as Where is the Green Sheep? and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The OT Toolbox This site is full of occupational therapy resources to aid in promoting fine motor skills, functioning skills, vision, sensory, executive function, and handwriting.

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Every Thursday at 10am Early Ed run a free online story time for children. You can find the link to register here as well as other online events and programs with Early Ed.

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What's on at EarlyEd │The Latest News and Events

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EarlyEd delivers regular events, parent training workshops and terms groups. Stay up to date with the latest events and find out what's on at EarlyEd.

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Starting Blocks - activities to do at home.

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Starting Blocks - activities to do at home.

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Starting Blocks has complied a range of at home activities to support your child and their learning. There are links to suggestions on activities for various age groups in supporting your child’s learning and development. There are also tips on screen safety for children and families.

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It's important to continue to support your child's learning and development. These are some examples of activities suitable for children of various ages. There are also tips on screen safety essential for families at this time.

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It's important to continue to support your child's learning and development. These are some examples of activities suitable for children of various ages. There are also tips on screen safety essential for families at this time.

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Play School has some fantastic resources and programs you can access through ABC iview. Here’s a list with links to all their educational and entertaining content.

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EarlyEd has a website with lots of information for families on starting preschool, childcare and school as well as child development. You can talk to EarlyEd for advice and support about anything to do with your child’s development and learning. You can find all the information about their services on their website.

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Do you need some advice to help your child learn?
Do you:
Ready to Learn with story time Concerned about your child

want to learn more about how to help your child be ready for learning?

want to help your child be ready for childcare or preschool?

need some help to find a suitable childcare/preschool?

want your child to experience great language and early literacy experiences?

Book in with us for a free Ready to Learn with story time session with our educators .

Contact EarlyEd and let your child benefit from a supported, interactive story time session. Story time is an ideal way for your child to learn the skills they need to join in play, join in group time and support their language development. Our educators choose books to suit your child's individual needs and adjust the way they help your child to take part in the story telling.

Talk to EarlyEd about anything to do with your child's development and learning.

Perhaps you:

are not sure how to how to find a preschool or childcare

don't know if your child is ready

want ideas to help your child learn.

All you need to do is:

to meet one of our team.

For great low cost / no cost play ideas each week follow us on and Facebook .

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Do you need some advice to help your child learn ? Do you: Ready to Learn with story time Concerned about your child want to learn more about how to help your child be ready for learning? want to help your child be ready for childcare or preschool?

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Voucher for Hornsby council car seat fittings

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Voucher for Hornsby council car seat fittings

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Hornsby Shire Council runs a child car seat safety check voucher program for residents and rate payers. Parents and carers can have their child car seats checked for safety and correct fit by an authorised restraint fitter. The voucher program provides the flexibility for parents and carers to make an appointment time and date at a location that suits them, with a specific child restraint company used by Council.
Please note this voucher program is subject to available funding and available once yearly per applicant.
Bookings

The Child Car Seat checking and fitting program is now open.
Proceed to application form

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Hornsby Shire Council - Child Car Seat Educational Voucher Program

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Hornsby Shire Council runs a child car seat safety check voucher program for residents and rate payers. Parents and carers can have their child car seats checked for safety and correct fit by an authorised restraint fitter.

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Education NSW has ideas, suggestions and resources to use at home with children to support their learning.

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Play-based learning activities to use at home to help your child develop and get ready for school.

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Here’s 30 ideas you can do outdoors in your backyard or in a neighbourhood walk.

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Independent activities for preschoolers 

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Independent activities for preschoolers 

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Hills District Mums (HDM) have complied a list of activities to keep children ages 3-6 busy at home. These ideas are designed to occupy your preschooler in independent activities while you attempt other tasks!

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North Shore Mums has complied a list of activities to do from home. There’s plenty of great ideas in this comprehensive list and something to suit everyone’s needs and interests.

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I'm obviously still scarred from that time we did nearly 72 hours in lockdown on Hamilton Island during Cyclone Debbie, because I decided to get prepped in case we have to quarantine here. I started a list of things to do with the kids and it quickly got looooong (a decade of pinning kid's activities finally coming in handy!).

Then I shared the list with friends overseas who are already have their kids quarantined from school, and they started to share it with their friends.

Obviously, we're very lucky to live in an age of digital entertainment and don't get me wrong - I will also be utilising that as well to keep the sanity. But this list will help break up the screen-time and keep the kids active and engaged beyond that. Hopefully it helps one mama from going completely cuckoo during this weird time we're living through!

And if you're in Australia or another country that isn't yet quarantined, you can get prepped using the shopping list I added at the end (though lot's of these you may already have).

If you follow me on instagram, please tag me if you do any of these suggestions and we can play along together!

To make this more fun, you could print and cut these suggestions into strips, then lucky dip an activity. I don't know why, but my kids love it when I lucky dip things!

Fun activities to do at home with kids

Art & Craft Activities

1. Create your own 2020 COVID-19 Memory Book with this free download printable.

2. Tint shaving cream with food colouring, paint the windows or glass doors (or the inside of the shower glass) then rinse it off

3. Using butchers paper, trace a partner's whole body. Now try to include as many body parts and organs as you can

4. Graffiti the garden fence with chalk

5. Make a small bowl, plate, egg cup or statue from air dry clay

6. Make Origami animals or paper ninja stars

7. Make a mud kitchen in the garden, make different coloured rock paint

8. Practice hammering nails into a plank of wood

9. Create a "God's eye" weaving using sticks and wool

10. Try shadow drawing, leaf rubbings, painting bark or stones

11. Thread pasta into jewellery

12. With some old clothes, cut and create clothes for your toys

13. Make your own bubble blower

14. Try and leaf threading make a nature chandelier

15. Use a mirror to draw a self portrait

16. Create an Alfoil river in the garden and float things down it

17. Make a paper chain to hang up in the dining room

18. Fold paper and cut out paper snowflakes

19. Make pom poms out of wool

20. Play drawing games like Simon Says drawing

21. Put on a puppet show using toys behind the couch

22. Make DIY rain clouds in a jar

23. Do the magic milk experiment

24. Create a sensory shaker bottle using an old bottle, glitter and water (and whatever else you'd like to put in there!)

25. Make greeting cards for the stationery cupboard to be used for birthdays and other occasions

26. Paint a family portrait to be framed and hung

27. Create a paper crown for a member of your family and decorate it

28. Try Michelangelo drawing under the table

29. Make a pretty lantern using an old jar, tissue paper and glue

30. Make an infinite paper flipper!

31. Make frozen dinosaur eggs (or you could use fairies, or Ooshies, etc)

32. Make a paper cut out family

33. Make a paper plate whale

34. Try dying some old plain fabric using natural dyes

35. Make a stained glass window using clear contact & cellophane

36. Choose an inspirational quote and create a poster for your room

37. Make a magic potion using aromatherapy oils, glitter, water, petals

38. Try sharpie tie dye using a sharpie and rubbing alcohol

39. Take some artistic photos in black and white. Play around with filters and see what you can create. You could use a phone or learn how to use the proper camera (if you have one)

40. Take some garden clippings and see which ones you can get to grow roots for replanting

41. Make a popsicle stick catapult

42. Can you draw or paint with your feet?

43. Press flowers within a few heavy books

44. Learn to finger knit, french knit or braid wool into friendship bracelets

45. Sketch your dream red carpet look!

DOWNLOAD THE COVID-19 MEMORY BOOK
Indoor play activities

1. Treasure hunt (with clues, hide a favourite toy somewhere in the house)

2. Play dress ups in mum and dad's clothes - do a photoshoot

3. Day spa - do a manicure, pedicure, face mask

4. Give someone a back, foot or head massage

5. Have a Living Room disco - play freeze, musical chairs, have a dance off

6. Build a fort using the couch and every cushion/pillow you can find

7. Organise your Lego and then have a building challenge. Who can build the best house, hotel or shop?

8. Build a teepee fairy house

9. Do a marshmallow toothpick engineering challenge

10. Using Lego characters or other small toys, make a stop motion movie (download the app Stop Motion to your phone or Ipad)

11. Go through your board/card games and challenge yourself to play them all. Design your own game

12. Fold paper planes and see how far they will fly

13. Build the highest block tower you can

14. Learn to braid hair

15. Keep a balloon in the air as long as possible

16. Build a house with a deck of cards

17. String up the Christmas lights in your living room

18. Play cinema - make tickets, popcorn, give your guests a rug and watch a movie together

19. Play hotels using your bedrooms as 'hotel rooms' or restaurants by setting up the dining room like a restaurant with menus (or hospitals, vets, banks, etc)

20. Play the gummy bear game (using dice and 5 gummies each. Roll a 1 you eat one in your pile, a 2 you pass one bear to your left, a 3 you pass to your right, a 4 you keep it, a 5 you eat it, a 6 you keep it - keep playing till the gummies are gone!)

21. Use masking tape to make a race track. Race matchbox cars. Or use the inside of your bathtub as a ramp for racing

22. Make a time capsule of this time to be opened in 10 years

23. Change the bedsheets and build a sheet city in your bedroom before they get washed!

1. Make a batch of play doh

2. Go through recipe books together and have a bake off challenge

3. Learn how to bake bread

Outdoor play activities

1. Do a backyard scavenger hunt

2. String up a sheet tent in the backyard

3. Create an obstacle course

4. Write notes of love, compliments or doodles and hide them around the house for family to find

5. Put goggles and swimmers on and swim in the bath

6. Have a handball tournament

7. Find 10 different shaped leaves in the garden

8. Outdoor games like egg and spoon race, tag team races, three legged races, or play stuck in the mud

9. Get swimmers on and wash the car or your bike!

10. Set up camp in the garden and play inside the tent

11. Water play - buckets, scoopers, whisk, pouring jugs, straws, bubbles!

12. Have a picnic lunch outside. Take books and toys with you.

13. Jump rope - can you get to 100 without stopping?

14. Lie on a picnic blanket in the garden and spot cloud shapes. Make up a story about what you see.

Home organisation

1. Go through clothing from previous seasons, try on and cull things that are too small

2. Go through old photos and videos, and old craft and paintings

3. Gardening - pull weeds, trim bushes, collect flowers for a vase

4. Organise the books on your shelf into a rainbow of colours

5. Find three toys to give to charity

6. Fill a small spray bottle with water and aromatherapy oil and then spray and wipe the house

7. Take everyone's height measurement on a door frame

8. Sort through all your crafts and art supplies. See if something inspires you. Organise and sharpen all your pencils and test all your markers

Fun education

1. Research your family tree - see how far back you can go

2. Interview the members of your family on video, or write their answers down

3. Write a short story or poem that includes a dog, an umbrella and some sushi

4. Try the travelling water experiment

5. Take apart an old appliance. Can you put it back together?

6. Hop online and try some education games. Discover amazing online education websites

7. Go on a virtual tour of places around the world

8. Write a letter to a friend, relative or teacher to mail, or start a journal

9. Work together to a family emblem, motto or song. Include elements that are important to you and your family

Entertainment

1. Make screen time educational! Watch some educational TV shows. Best Educational YouTube Channels for kids

2. Choose a picture book each and read aloud to each other in the biggest bed in your house

1. Make up a workout and do it together (eg: 25 star jumps, 20 squats, 15 crunches, hop like a bunny around the lounge room, frog leap your partner)

2. Do an exercise class together on YouTube. Best Free Exercise Workouts for kids on YouTube

DOWNLOAD THE COVID-19 MEMORY BOOK

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115 Fun activities to do at home with kids while self-isolating

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Whether you're choosing to self-isolate due to Coronavirus or simply have no choice, you might be looking for some fun ideas of things you can do with the kids that doesn't involve screens!

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This article from Kids ABC talks about school readiness for children (it was written during the pandemic but still very relevant). The article talks about what shool readiness is and what you can do to prepare your child whilst at home. There are lots of great ideas in this article.

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By early childhood consultant, Louise Dorrat.

Parenting can be challenging in so-called 'normal times'. During a pandemic, these challenges are heightened due to continual uncertainly for both parents and children especially for those of us living in Melbourne where children's attendance at kindergarten for the past two terms has been irregular and, in most cases, not at all.

Some parents are essential workers, or have had their hours decreased or told to go on leave or worse still, lost their job. Many parents are trying to supervise older children's schoolwork, juggling babies and toddlers as well as supporting their kindergarten child's on-line learning. On top of this, parents may be worried about their child attending school next year. These anxieties are understandable, but your child's preparedness for school may surprise you.

School readiness IS NOT about ...

Lining up in a straight line.

Counting to 100.

Knowing the alphabet.

Being able to sit on the mat for long periods of time.

What does the research show?

Ready schools + Ready families + Ready early childhood services + Ready communities = READY CHILDREN.

(Dockett and Perry, 2014)

Ready children

have the learning and development that contribute to their enthusiasm, motivation and ability to learn;

are supported by positive relationships from their family, preschool, school and community;

have dispositions for learning such as problem-solving skills and persistence that help them stay focused on learning (Dockett & Perry, 2014).

Ready schools

Ready schools are flexible, adaptable and responsive to individual children whilst providing additional support or specialist staff where needed (DeT, 2017).

In 2021, there will be a stronger focus on play-based learning, and social and emotional development for prep children to ensure children have an effective transition to school after the disrupted 2020 preschool year.

Instead of the focus being on the 3 'R's ("reading, [w]riting and [a]rithmatic"). It's all about the 6 'C's; Confidence, Creativity, Curiosity, Cooperation, Commitment, & Communication and the 3 'I's; Improvisation, Investigation, Imagination.

Being ready for school focuses on social and emotional development and self-regulation.

Why is self-regulation important?

Helping children develop effective self-regulation in the early years sets the underlying foundation for successful Social and Emotional Learning over their whole lives (Shanker, 2019). Self-regulation is using strategies to manage emotions. Promote self-regulation in your child by acknowledging and labelling their feelings. This is different to self-control which is keeping the emotions in. The emotion is not the problem, it is how the child manages the feeling that is important. For example, your child may need support to manage their anger. Set up a quiet place for them to go (a bean bag under a tree) or a place where they can vent (punching a rolled up sleeping bag tied to a tree).

The best way to teach dispositions for learning is through play

The most important foundation for children's healthy development is play, and the benefits carry over into adult life (Milne, 2000). What is play?

Meaningful - to the child.

Voluntary - the child's choice to play for its own reward.

Open ended - the process rather than the end product, no right or wrong way.

Imaginative - usually includes some type of make-believe with made up rules.

Active - physical, verbal or mental engagement with people, objects and ideas.

(Kennedy & Barblett 2010; Shipley, 2008)

Why is play important?

Allows expression of their own personality.

Transports children to another place to become someone or something else.

Contributes to healthy brain development.

Essential for cognitive, physical, social and emotional wellbeing.

Create, improvise, discover, investigate, hypothesise, imagine, collaborate, negotiate, persist, share, resolve conflict, form attachments, have empathy for others and self-regulate. (Graham, 2019; DEEWR, 2010). In the early years literacy includes a range of modes of communication including music, movement, dance, storytelling, visual arts, media and drama, as well as talking, reading and writing (DEEWR, p.47, 2009).

Plenty of learning happens at home

The five Learning Outcomes from the Early Years Learning Framework (DEEWR, 2009) is one way for Educators to monitor the progress of children's learning and development.

*In Victoria, if the teacher believes your child has a developmental delay in two or more of these areas and would benefit from a second year of kindergarten, they may be eligible for a second year of funding. (DeT, 2020).

Children have a strong sense of Identity

Relates well to others

Recognises feelings

Separates well

Concentrates for periods of time

Children are confident and involved learners

Seeks assistance when necessary

Initiates and contributes to play

Perseveres when finding a task difficult

Remembers from a previous time

Children are connected with and contribute to the world

Children are effective communicators

Expresses themselves

Follows instructions

Uses language in play, music, rhymes, books and art to share meaning

Begins to sort, categorise, order and compare

Forms friendships

Understands the rights of others

Manages frustration

Understands rules, able to take turns

Respects the environment

Children have a strong sense of well being

This is not a check list,

It is a guide for lifelong learning.

Play can support all these elements.

Strong in emotional and physical wellbeing

Self-regulates emotional responses

Is resilient

Can manage personal hygiene and care

Demonstrates trust and confidence

What can families do to prepare their child for school?

Although usual preschool routines have been interrupted for many, the best thing about COVID-19 is the presence of so many children and families walking around the neighbourhood, playing ball at the park and making cubbies together in bushland. We know that the outdoors is the healthiest and safest place to be during this pandemic and research tells us that the outdoors is the best place to learn and so important for children's sense of wellbeing. Most of these ideas are free yet support every possible learning outcome. They can also be done with current Victorian COVID-19 restrictions.

Play, play and play some more.

Encourage open ended play (no right or wrong), playing in the sandpit, playing with water, dress ups, songs, dancing, climbing trees, drawing, painting, pasting and playing with blocks, playdough, dolls and cubbies.

Children don't need a separate playroom down the hall, most want to work where you are. Set up an old table close to the kitchen and have all their resources close by. This means they don't always have to pack up. It will be only for approximately 10 years ;-) !

Encourage lots of physical activity outside.

Puzzles or games such as UNO, Memory, age appropriate board games and charades.

Sing songs and rhymes and read lots and lots and lots of stories.

Cook and follow recipes; playdough, pizza, cakes etc.

Walk around your local neighbourhood and follow a map. Talk about the numbering on the letterboxes and houses, the flowers, animals etc.

Walk or catch public transport (when allowed) to the local school. Encourage discussions about school.

Encourage independence and self-help skills such as tying shoelaces and putting clothes away.

Encourage children to set the table, how many people, how many place mats are needed?

Have conversations around the dinner table and allow your child to answer.

Ensure you remain positive about COVID-19 when your child is listening. Children can pick up on parent's anxiety.

When this pandemic is over and our lives get busy again, we may look back at this time and wonder why we didn't appreciate the slower pace with our children. So, feel confident that when your child is playing, they are developing life-long skills in mathematics, science, creative arts, emotional learning, language and literacy. Ready children, ready families, ready schools and ready communities result in a smooth transition for everyone.

Additional resources

Here are links to Louise's rhymes and stories incorporating props for you to try with the children:

More helpful links

Victorian Department of Education and Training: Learning from home information for parents (available in multiple languages) and Transition: A positive start to school resource kit.

For information and resources from one of the world's leading authorities on self-regulation, Dr Stuart Shanker, Self Regulation Institute

Raising Children Network: How play helps child development (video) and Preschoolers at play. (article)

ABC Kids digital resources exploring storytelling, song and rhyme

Video

Audio

About the author

Louise Dorrat (MEd, BTeach, Dip SSc), has worked in the early year's profession for over 30 years. She has a Masters of Education and has taught the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education at a number of universities. Louise delivers key notes, workshops and webinars in Australia and internationally. This is Louise's fourth year in delivering Transition: A positive Start to school on behalf of the Victorian Department of Education and Training.

References

Department Education and Training (2017) Transition: a positive start to school. Resource kit Melbourne

Department of education, employment and workplace relations (2009). The early years learning framework for Australia. Commonwealth of Australia

Department of education, employment and workplace relations (2010). Educators' guide to the early years learning framework for Australia. Commonwealth of Australia

Dockett, S. & Perry, B. (2014). Continuity of Learning: A resource to support effective transition to school and school age care. Canberra, ACT: Australian Government Department of Education.

Kennedy, A & Barblett, L (2010) Learning and teaching through play. Research in practice. ECA ACT.

Graham, A (2019) Why is play important? UNSW Gonski Institute for Education Research Fellow, NSW.

Shipley, C.D (2008). Empowering children. Play based curriculum for lifelong learning. Vancouver B.C. College and Institute Library Service

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School readiness during a pandemic - ABC Kids

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Learn more about the 6 C's of school readiness! In this post, early childhood expert Louise Dorrat shares key information from her crowd-pulling webinar focusing on transition to school and the value of play. Considerations for COVID-19 times and always.

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NSE Department of Education also has this fabtstic resource for families about learning through play. It even has a weekly schedule you can follow with plenty of ideas, suggestions and links to activities.

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Here is a list of activities from the Australian Childhood Foundation for each letter of the alphabet that children can do at home.

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The A-Z of activities families can share together at home

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This NSW Department of Education booklet is full of activities to support the important literacy and numeracy learning that happens at home. The activities are designed for you to have fun with your child and to help them have a great start at school. Encourage your child to participate and explore the activities and support their individual responses.

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Balancing working at home whilst caring for children 

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Balancing working at home whilst caring for children 

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This is a fact sheet from Headspace on balancing working from home. This fact sheet has some helpful tips and advice as well as well as links for further support 💛

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Kids and Traffic online information session.

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Kids and Traffic online information session.

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In August 2021 Binnowee hosted a free online information session on road safety for young children. This is an important topic for our families, particularily as Binnowee is situated on a busy road.  A recording of the slides, information, facts and questions raised in the session have been recorded by Amanda from Kids and Traffic NSW. Please take the time to listen to this recording. It has valuable and important information relevant to all children, families and Binnowee.

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Kids and Traffic - Travelling Safely with Children

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This Australian website has all the information you need when selecting the right car seat for your child. You can also search for the closest registered fitter to install your car seats correctly.

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Home | Child Car Seats - Make the safest choice

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Information about traffic safety and awareness for parents.

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When families are out and about, there are many ways to help keep young children safe in and around traffic. Families can share the Kids and Traffic Key Road Safety Messages with children to help them learn about how to keep safe without making them responsible for their own safety.
The Kids and Traffic Key Road Safety Messages for adults highlight the responsibilities of adults who care for young children as passengers, pedestrians or at play. You can also talk with them (PDF 162kb) about all the things you are doing to keep safe when you're together in the traffic environment. You don't even have to be out and about with young children to help them learn about road safety - use everyday opportunities such as reading, music, drawing and play to share your safe travel practices with them.

As you travel around together, children's behaviour may be challenging - they may not want to hold your hand or be buckled up safely. So it's helpful to understand why their behaviour can be unpredictable and how this puts them at risk (PDF 167kb) around traffic...and why adults must be responsible for the safety of the young children in their care.

Sadly, young children can also be at risk in the caring and familiar environment of their own home, especially in home driveways. When vehicles are - or could be - around, expect the unexpected with young children. Hold their hands or hold them close to keep them safe!

Before travelling on extended trips with young children, check out the suggestions made by the Kids and Traffic team to keep children busy (PDF 939kb) while also reducing driver distractions (PDF 213kb) and to keep them happy (PDF 188kb).

Check out the words to three Kids & Traffic Road Safety Songs or listen to them with your children. Watch the Kids and Traffic video, 'This is the way I ride my bike'.

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When families are out and about, there are many ways to help keep young children safe in and around traffic. Families can share the Kids and Traffic Key Road Safety Messages with children to help them learn about how to keep safe without making them responsible for their own safety.

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Kids and Traffic is an Early Childhood Road Safety Education Program. Their website has information, resources and facts about road safety, passenger and pedestrian safety as well as safe play .

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Kids and Traffic is the NSW Early Childhood Road Safety Education Program. It forms part of the statewide road safety education program of Transport for NSW's Centre for Road Safety.

Workshop Update

We have made the decision to cancel our face-to-face workshops for the coming weeks due to the spread of the COVID 19 virus.We are mindful that gathering people together in a children's service may put workshop participants and educators, children and families of our host centres at greater risk.
We are exploring alternative modes of workshop delivery and will consult with NESA in relation to registered training for those maintaining teacher accreditation.

In the meantime, please check out our online resources, stories and animations that you can share with children and families and feel free to contact us via phone or email if we can support you in any way.

We wish you all the best with providing such an essential service to the community in challenging times.

Please monitor our website and social media for updates on workshops and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

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Kids and Traffic is the NSW Early Childhood Road Safety Education Program. It forms part of the statewide road safety education program of Transport for NSW's Centre for Road Safety.

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Hills District Mums (HDM) have created various scavenger hunts for children of all ages. There are indoor and outdoor hunts as well. You can even do these as a whole family activity or race!

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Either get your child to collect the things they find and bring them back to you or you could let them take photos on your phone once they find them. If you get them to physically make a pile of goodies, offer them a treat if they put it all back where it belongs or offer them extra points if they are versing a sibling. You can even extend this and make it a timed challenge. Get them to repeat finding another item that fits the description and see if they beat their time. If your child doesn't read you will need to direct them, but for kids who can read this will add to the challenge.

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Indoor and outdoor scavenger hunts - Hills District Mums

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Either get your child to collect the things they find and bring them back to you or you could let them take photos on your phone once they find them. If you get them to physically make a pile of goodies, offer them a treat if they put it all back where it belongs or [...]

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This book from Child Care Resources helps explain to children why there are lots of people wearing masks. It’s particularly helpful for children who may feel anxious about seeing people with face coverings in the community.

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This story is about Cyrus the Virus and how we can stay safe when Cyrus is around. It's a great way for children to gain an understanding about COVID-19.

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Cyrus the Virus by Eszter Perenyi & Oscar

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The View

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The ABC Kids early education team have put together a fantastic range of resources for children. There are so many great programs to have a look at and use on their website.

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A destination for trusted ABC Kids and ABC Kids listen digital content, conveniently aligned with priorities in early education. You will find video and audio resources categorised according to six broad curriculum areas. We offer screen-free extension ideas to support educator planning and practice, along with topical posts in the ABC Kids Early Education Reflective Journal.

Welcome to our Early Education Reflective Journal. Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at ABC Kids? Find out how our processes and collaborations can help inspire and inform your work with children, families and communities.

Share your feedback and ideas with us

Have you used ABC Kids content as part of a learning experience when working with children and families?
We love to hear from educators and early childhood academics. Please share your feedback and ideas with us!

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Want to be the first to hear about ABC Kids shows, apps, events and competitions? Sign up here and every so often we'll send you an email newsletter letting you know what's happening at ABC Kids!

Your information is handled in accordance with the ABC Privacy Collection Statement.

If you have any further questions or experience any difficulties please read our newsletter FAQs. If these don't provide a solution, please contact us and we will endeavour to assist you.

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A destination for trusted ABC Kids and ABC Kids listen digital content, conveniently aligned with priorities in early education. You will find video and audio resources categorised according to six broad curriculum areas. We offer screen-free extension ideas to support educator planning and practice, along with topical posts in the ABC Kids Early Education Reflective Journal.

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Raising Children Network has this fantastic resource that covers everything on nutrition and fitness for preschoolers. It includes lots of information, ideas and some great recipes.

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Want to know about keeping preschoolers active and eating healthy food? Check out our extensive resources on physical activity and healthy eating for kids.

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Munch and Move is a N.S.W health initiative that provides information and resources for children's healthy development. The Mini Moves activities assist children in developing their Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) through fun games.

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We now have a new website and our page links have changed. Please use the menu on the top to browse our new website or use the search on top to search the page that you are looking for.

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​​ We now have a new website and our page links have changed. Please use the menu on the top to browse our new website or use the search on top to search the page that you are looking for. ​​​​​ ​​

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Kinderling is a family friendly radio that plays music for children and families throughout the day. It follows a music program that includes waking up, play, lunch time and sleep time.

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Kinderling Kids Radio - music for children and families

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Kinderling Kids Radio - music for kids and grown-ups

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Family-friendly radio for kids and their grown-ups - listen with our free app, online or on digital radio.

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This website includes videos of celebrated actors reading aloud children's favourite story books.

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The SAG-AFTRA Foundation's Daytime Emmy-nominated, Storyline Online, features celebrated actors reading children's books to inspire a love of reading in millions of children worldwide.

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Aboriginal writers from Australia send Little J and Big Cuz on adventures through the Australian country and at school. Watch the episodes of Little J and Big Cuz as we acknowledge the Ancestral Lands, Waterways and Skies of the First Nations peoples and pay our respects to the Elders past, present and future.

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Learning Potential Preschool Learning Activities

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Learning Potential Preschool Learning Activities

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Learning Potential is an Australian Government website and app that has learning activities for children including play, numeracy, creativity and life skills. The website includes a toolkit for children from babies to high school age.

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There's lots of content in Learning Potential

Our eNewsletter links you to articles that are new, or featuring topics that are coming up in the school year, such as parent-teacher interviews, reports, or school holidays.

Downloading, republication, transmission, reproduction or other use of licensed material as a stand-alone file is prohibited.

Back to top

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There's lots of content in Learning Potential Our eNewsletter links you to articles that are new, or featuring topics that are coming up in the school year, such as parent-teacher interviews, reports, or school holidays. Downloading, republication, transmission, reproduction or other use of licensed material as a stand-alone file is prohibited.

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This video explains germs to children and the importance of washing your hands.

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How Germs Spread | Explaining the Science for Kids

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Here's the Play School washing hands song.

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duration: 2 minutes 2m

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Is everyone always telling to you to 'wash your hands!'? Well, soap is a super power against germs, so it is very important! When you wash your hands, sing along to this song to make sure they're nice and clean.

This program was published 2 weeks ago, available until 4:15pm on 30 Jun 2020.

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Is everyone always telling to you to 'wash your hands!'? Well, soap is a super power against germs, so it is very important! When you wash your hands, sing along to this song to make sure they're nice and clean.

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Tune in and watch the animals live at Taronga Zoo. You can watch the elephants, tigers, meerkats and otters live through Taronga TV.

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Taronga TV | Taronga Conservation Society Australia

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Taronga will be bringing the zoo to your homes so you can still see your favourite animals, meet the keepers and learn what goes on behind the scenes, plus laugh at some of the animal antics while the Zoo is temporarily closed.

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The Kidsafe newsletter from May 2020 has some fantastic resources for families.

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Exercise Physiologist, Tina Bogg from the Children's Hospital Institute of Sports Medicine (CHISM), Westmead, outlines great information for the whole family to stay active, fit and safe at home. This includes activities for:

Young children (2 - 5 years)

Set up little circuits to walk/jump/run/hide around

Bowling with different items to make towers or different arrangements

Treasure and scavenger hunts, hide and seek

Sandpits, water play - messy play

Cardboard box cubby houses or for climbing

Scooters/bikes in the driveway or along the pathway

Online kids exercises (e.g. Cosmic Yoga), dancing

Play equipment - either formal or self-made - swings, slides, climbing, trampoline, laundry baskets, boxes, balls, pegs, make your own balance beam)

Primary age children (5 to 11 years)

Scavenger hunts in the backyard or in the house

Practice sports skills in the backyard - shooting hoops, bowling, batting, set up dribbling drills with cones, obstacle courses, kicking the ball, shooting goals (into baskets/boxes if nothing available), throwing/catching with different sized balls

Handball variations - against the wall, or competing against siblings

Running, jumping, hopping, rolling, dancing, gymnastics

Circuits (star jumps, skipping, hopping, bouncing a ball, throw and catch) - could time each activity or be given a set number of repetitions, and be encouraged to compete against others or themselves

Martial arts

Ride scooters, bikes up the road / at the park

Teenagers (12 to 16 years)

Backyard sports: badminton, cricket, soccer

Go for a walk/jog/run/bike ride on their own or with a friend (practicing social distancing)

Stretching

Skipping

Dancing, gymnastics,

Boxing, martial arts

Youtube yoga, Pilates workouts

(Content and image source: Children's Hospital Institute of Sports Medicine, The Children's Hospital at Westmead ( CHISM))

Visit the following websites for other fun ideas:

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Exercise Physiologist, Tina Bogg from the Children's Hospital Institute of Sports Medicine (CHISM), Westmead, outlines great information for the whole family to stay active, fit and safe at home.

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There's plenty of nature play ideas and suggestions in the resources from Nature Play SA.

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Questacon is the National Science and Technology Centre in Canberra. They have produced a series of YouTube videos to teach children about science. They include visiting the moon; a brick expo and a bee hive.

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Promoting science and discovery for ages 3 - 6 year olds. This video series aims to inspire young children to engage in science through exciting science rela...

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Cosmic Kids yoga have free yoga, mindfulness and relaxation videos for children. Join Jamie on one of her cosmic kids adventures. These are great for the whole family.

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"kids yoga" "yoga for kids" "yoga for children yoga story for kids" "children's yoga" "yoga adventure for kids" "kindergarten yoga" "preschool yoga" "kids me...

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YOGA | MINDFULNESS | RELAXATION FOR KIDS! Screentime that gives kids SUPERPOWERS! ⬇️ D O W N L O A D T H E C O S M I C K I D S A P P ⬇️ 🍏Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cosmic-kids/ 🛍️Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cosmickids 🖥️ Desktop (great for teachers!): https://app.cosmickids.com/ 📺 Roku: https://rb.gy/44r8d -------------------------------------------------------------------- Why watch on the App?

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Crayola has a great range of free colouring in pages you can print at home.

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Little Scientists suggest some experiments so children can enjoy Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) projects from home.

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Child-led inquiry and spotting STEM in the everyday isn't always easy in our busy everyday lives so we have created these resources for inspiration. We want to give you support and guidance in a virtual co-constructed learning environment. If you are enjoying these ideas, our hands-on online workshops provide even more stimuli for your STEM learning with the children.

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The Artful Parent has some fantastic painting, art and craft ideas for at home. The Artful Parent can also be followed on social media for new ideas. Here's her list of art activities for preschoolers.

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Looking for painting activities for your preschoolers?

Here are 11 of our all-time favorites that are process-oriented and developmentally appropriate yet super fun. Everything from spin painting and puffy paint to watercolor resist and shaving cream marbling.

And, bonus! The results are usually pretty cool, too.

First, a quick note about paints.

We use and love a variety of paints, but our favorites for the preschool age are:

Painting Activities for Preschoolers :: 11 Favorites

1. Spin painting

Spin painting is such a fun painting activity for preschoolers as well as older children! We use a salad spinner for our spin art, but I've seen this done with a special purchased spin art kit as well.

2. Marble rolling

I don't know about your kids, but mine love marbles. And painting with paint covered marbles is a favorite that we return to again and again. We've even used this technique to make spider webs at Halloween!

3. Shaving cream marbling

If you haven't tried shaving cream marbling yet, you must! So fun and so beautiful.

4. Body tracing and painting

Body tracing art is a lovely way for preschoolers to create self portraits, work on self-image, and to work large.

5. Splatter painting

Who doesn't love splatter and drip painting? This one is a messier, action-oriented art activity best suited to outdoors.

6. Wheel and roller painting

Who says you need paint brushes to paint? Try rolling your paint onto paper with a mini paint roller (sold for painting trim) or rolling the wheels of a toy car through a puddle of paint.

7. Watercolors + salt and alcohol

Kids love to see how watercolors react with different materials! This post has a lot of fun watercolor techniques to try with children.

8. Watercolor resist painting

A childhood classic, watercolor resist can be done a number of different ways. These artworks are fun to make and beautiful enough to give as gifts.

9. Squeeze painting with puffy paint

Puffy paint is easy to make with materials you already have and preschoolers just love squeezing out the paint to make designs.

10. Salty Watercolors

This is one of these art activities that never grow old. Watch the magic of paint traveling along salt-covered glue lines.

11. Shaving cream painting

I couldn't write a post about favorite art activities for preschoolers without including shaving cream painting! We've done this on mirrors, the window, and on poster board.
How about you? What are your preschooler's favorite painting activities? Pin It for Later ::
Children's Art Enabler, Mother of Two, Lover of Cherry Pie and Nature

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Painting Activities for Preschoolers :: 11 Favorites

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Looking for painting activities for your preschoolers? Here are 11 of our all-time favorites that are process-oriented and developmentally appropriate yet super fun. Everything from spin painting and puffy paint to watercolor resist and shaving cream marbling. And, bonus! The results are usually pretty cool, too. First, a quick note about paints.

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Click on the link if you would like to join the Munch and Move Facebook group for our area. It has some useful information and links.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/MunchandMoveNorthernSydney/?ref=share

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Do you have a budding scientist at home? Here’s some fun and easy science experiments you can do with the kids. Each experiment has a downloadable page with step by step instructions to follow.

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The science doesn't have to stop! Keep all the scientists, big and small, entertained with these DIY experiments.

Designed to be uncomplicated and effective, these experiments are great to try at home or in the classroom. They are a great way to encourage curiosity and develop investigative skills!

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The science doesn't have to stop! Keep all the scientists, big and small, entertained with these DIY experiments. Designed to be uncomplicated and effective, these experiments are great to try at home or in the classroom. They are a great way to encourage curiosity and develop investigative skills!

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Here's the Wiggles wash your hands song.

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Beyond Blue provides mental wellbeing and support services for individuals and families during COVID-19.

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While COVID-19 is becoming a more accepted part of daily life, it can still present challenges to your mental health.

You may be feeling anxious, uncertain, or even a little unsettled. It's important to know that these feelings are natural and to allow them without judgement.

You can reach out to our free telephone and online counselling service at any time to talk to a counsellor about how you're feeling. Whether that's related to COVID-19 or anything else.

You can also use the following information and advice to help you manage the mental health challenges you may be facing.

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coronavirus pandemic mental health support

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COVID-19 and your mental health - Beyond Blue

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While COVID-19 is becoming a more accepted part of daily life, it can still present challenges to your mental health. You may be feeling anxious, uncertain, or even a little unsettled. It's important to know that these feelings are natural and to allow them without judgement.

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This is a guide from a psychologist on anxiety during times of uncertainty. Click on the link below.
https://www.psychologytools.com/assets/covid-19/guide_to_living_with_worry_and_anxiety_amidst_global_uncertainty_en-us.pdf

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This website has links to some great websites for children and families. It is divided into sections that include Movement experiences, STEM, Art and Music, Cultural experiences, Cooking and Mindefulness.

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24th April, 2020

Are you working from home? Kids climbing the walls? Take a look at some helpful links to help your children keep busy this quarantine season. Make a sock-puppet, take an online cooking class, practice mindfulness and much more!

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30 Early Learning Activities for Kids at Home - anzuk education - blog

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24th April, 2020 Are you working from home? Kids climbing the walls? Take a look at some helpful links to help your children keep busy this quarantine season. Make a sock-puppet, take an online cooking class, practice mindfulness and much more!

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Does you child love dancing? The Australian Ballet has streamed their 2020 season free. You can watch ballet performances from home.

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Learning 4 Kids has some great fine motor activities for children that can be done at home.

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printable dot-to-dot alphabet letter charts

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Balancing Felt Balls - Fine Motor Fun. I am always looking for playful and inviting ways for kids to develop their fine motor and coordination using fun resources. These felt balls are so tactile and sensory and kids absolutely love playing with them.

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Parent resources including information on health and nutrition, anxiety, sleeping and starting school.

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Parent Resources - Early Childhood Australia

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Early Childhood Australia has developed a variety of resources for parents. We will continue to add additional content regularly to this area of the ECA website.

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Have you been out in nature enjoying what the Hills Area has to offer. Here's some local bush walks you may want to explore with your family.

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The Hills Shire boasts a range of beautiful recreation locations including great cycleways and walking tracks. In addition to the bushwalks below you might like to explore walks between our metro stations.

Self Guided Trail Maps

Each of the bushwalk fact sheets featured in this series includes detailed information including starting points, distances, difficulty levels, step-by-step directions, time to complete and points of interest along the way.
Disclaimer: The Hills Shire Council has taken all reasonable care in providing walk descriptions and related information however does not provide any guarantee as to the completeness or currency of the spatial and textual information that has been generated in these documents. The use of the information provided herein is entirely at the user's risk and The Hills Shire Council accepts no responsibility for any loss, injury, damage, mishap or inconvenience sustained by anyone relying on the information contained within this document. The geographical information provided for the walk route is a suggestion only and it is the responsibility of each person undertaking the bush walk to assess for themselves the best and safest way to proceed through the walk. Each individual must exercise their own independent judgment as to whether the walk routes suggested by The Hills Shire Council are safe for the walker having regard to their fitness, training, skill, age and experience. All outdoor activities involve some risk of death or injury such as bush fires, snake bites, ankle sprains, heat exhaustion (as some examples only) and users of these maps and bushwalking routes must be aware of such risks in carrying out a bushwalk and each individual bears their own responsibility for the potential risks.
What You Will See: Places where early colonial settlers in Baulkham Hills established farms before the end of the 18th century. Walk through valleys of tall Blackbutts in the Toongabbie Creek headwaters and see Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest which is now an endangered vegetation community.

Distance: 6.88km

Time: 2.5 - 3 hours

Facilities: Playground, toilets, picnic tables and BBQs at Crestwood Reserve

What You Will See: This is the site of the former Convict Farm established in 1801 and scene of the Rebellion of 1804. Interpretive signs tell the various stories of it's many layered history.

Distance: 2.6km

Time: 1.5 hours

Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, playground, BBQs

What You Will See: Tall native trees, Cabbage Tree Palms, cool gullies and plenty of birdlife. Established in 1939, Cumberland State Forest is the only urban forest in Australia. The walks are signposted with interpretive signs and individual plant names.

Distance: 1.8km

Time: 1.5 hours

Facilities: Toilets, picnic areas, BBQs, cafe, retail plant nursery and Tree Tops Adventure Course.

What You Will See: Sydney Sandstone Transition Forest which supports a rich diversity of flora.

Distance: 3.5km - shorter sections of the walk can be undertaken if preferred

Time: 2 hours

Facilities: Picnic tables and children's play area located adjacent to the Field No. 1 car park.

What You Will See: Tall trees, ferny gullies and wildflowers. The area is rich in diverse local flora and birdlife.

Distance: 5km

Time: 2 - 2.5 hours

Facilities: There are toilets at Knightsbridge shops and at Fred Caterson Reserve

What You Will See: An early farm house, original land grants, a mysterious grave, remnant bushland including Forest Red Gum woodland and heathland, waterways and water birds.

Distance: 4.4km

Time: 2 hours

Facilities: Playgrounds at William Harvey Reserve and Milford Drive Reserve

What You Will See: Beautiful creek valleys, sandstone shelters and some sandstone heath land. This walk is one of the more challenging walks in The Hills Shire.

Distance: 3.35km

Time: 2 hours

Facilities: Toilets at Ted Horwood Reserve

What You Will See: Tall Blue Gums, sandstone gullies, and the only waterfall in the Hills.

Distance: 3.4km or 3km without the additional loop

Time: 1.5 - 2hours

Facilities: Playground and picnic table at Richard Webb Reserve

What You Will See: Remnant Cumberland Plain Woodland and a variety of native water birds.

Distance: 2.8km for the entire return walk

Time: 1 hour for the entire walk

Facilities: Children's playground, picnic tables and BBQs

Discover hidden gems on these urban hikes

You don't have to leave The Hills to discover hidden gems, secret charms, wonderful scenery and native wildlife - Get to know more about Norwest, Bella Vista and Kellyville/Rouse Hill on The Hills Shire's newest walks.

These walks take you to a number of small lakes and creeks lines where you can see plenty of bird life and local wildlife, as well as visit a number of parks and playgrounds to stop in and have a leisurely break with the family. Add in great local restaurants and cafes, where you can grab a coffee or enjoy a bite to eat along the way, and you have the perfect outing.

Visit Coolong Reserve, the Roxborough Rose Gardens, Torry Burn Reserve, Sophia Doyle Reserve, Crestwood Reserve and Charles McLaughlin Reserve before arriving at Norwest Metro Station.

Visit Bruce Purser Reserve, The Hills Centenary Park Reserve and Caddies Creek Park Reserve and then follow Smalls Creek before returning to Rouse Hill Town Centre.

Take in Bella Vista Village Green, Bella Vista Farm and Elizabeth Macarthur Creek.

Take in large lakes, views from Hilltop Park and birdlife alongside Strangers Creek and ending with a visit to local cafes and restaurants.

Take in Remnant Cumberland Plain Woodland and River Flat Eucalypt Forest and both Caddies Creek and Strangers Creek. Spot native water birds including Coots, Waterhens, Cormorants and several species of ducks.

Take a walk back in time through significant historical areas that were part of the Castle Hill Government Farm, which was founded in 1801 and was the initial scene of the Vinegar Hill Rebellion. Much of the original bushland of the Castle Hill District can be seen in Fred Caterson and Cattai Creek Reserves and Castle Hill Showground.

Discover more about your local community and get active - more urban walk maps are available here.

Other Track Maps

The Hills Guided Walks Program

The Hills Walks Program is designed to provide opportunities for residents to explore and learn more about the beautiful bushland reserves of the Garden Shire.

These walks follow bushland tracks which are sometimes rough, steep and uneven.

Some walks require creeks to be crossed on stepping stones.

Some walks have no toilet facilities.

All walks last for 2 hours.

Wear comfortable, closed shoes, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

For night time walks wear warm clothes and mosquito repellent. Bring a torch.

Bring your camera and a drink

The exact meeting place for the start of each walk will be advised at the time of booking.

For more information and to make a booking view current walks available in the Events Section.

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The Hills Shire boasts a range of beautiful recreation locations including great cycleways and walking tracks. In addition to the bushwalks below you might like to explore walks between our metro stations. Each of the bushwalk fact sheets featured in this series includes detailed information including starting points, distances, difficulty levels, step-by-step directions, time to complete and points of interest along the way.

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Much and Move have plenty of ideas on how the whole family can stay active at home. This is a great resource for lock down periods and when the weathers not ideal for going outside.

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Staying healthy has never been more important. Eating well and keeping active supports our physical and mental health - especially during times of change.

Exercise and physical activity - what's allowed?

Home activity ideas for adults

Home activity ideas for kids

Children need physical activity to thrive - it helps support their growth, development, sleep, mood and concentration.

Keeping them active and entertained (and safe) at home can present some challenges if they're having to spend some more time indoors. So what can you do to help? Check out some fun ideas from our community about how they are staying healthy and active.

Set a routine - plan your day or week together so that learning, play time, meals and rest are broken up throughout the day and kids know what to expect.

Timers to break up screen time and encourage movement.

Work together - listen to this Short and Curly podcast to help kids learn about working together when life gets hard.

Allow kids to lead the activities to give them a sense of ownership.

If you are looking for more expert guidance on navigating these challenges with children, visit the raisingchildren.net.au COVID-19 resource.

And if you need some inspiration for getting active inside, here are some ideas and resources.

Play time

Allow kids to do activities they enjoy, especially those that get their heart rates up. Try:

running races up and down stairs

make your own hopscotch - outline your driveway or porch with chalk or play indoors using tape

get kids dancing with online dance videos

your favourite online kid-friendly workouts

handstands against the wall (maybe take shoes off first!)

build an indoor fort or cubby house

plant a herb or veggie garden

playing with balloons rather than balls (to protect those breakables)

an indoor mini-golf course using ping-pong balls and something safe like a spatula

quiet time

online guided yoga or meditation

virtual excursions to keep brains active (just be mindful of screen time)

use what you have at home - board games, puzzles, Lego, cards, books, craft

give children chores to do around the house each day

kids' virtual illustration classes

visit animals at the zoo, without leaving home

Spending more time at home? Learn what you can do to stay active and healthy indoors or in your backyard.

Try one of our easy home exercises - suitable for all fitness levels.

Explore workout apps and videos online.

Do some laps of the stairs to get your heart rate up.

Learn a dance routine - explore fun tutorials online or on social media.

Floor exercises like pilates or yoga.

Break out the skipping rope (or borrow one from the kids).

Get active with the kids and play games like 'stuck in the mud', hopscotch, or 'hide and seek', or simply kick a ball around in your backyard.

Check out our quick tips for busy people for more ways to stay active.

If you need help getting started with a healthier routine, now could be the best time to join Get Healthy - a free NSW Health phone-based health coaching service for adults.

Staying active is one of the best things you can do to keep your body and mind healthy. The types of activities you can do during COVID-19 will depend on whether or not you have symptoms, or if there are restrictions on leaving your home.

Make sure you follow the NSW Government's instructions to protect yourself and others. This advice applies to people living in NSW and is being updated regularly. If you live outside of NSW, follow the relevant State or Territory advice.

COVID-19 can shift our daily habits - when and where we work, how we get active and keep kids entertained, and what we eat. But that doesn't mean we can't make new healthy habits. It could take some getting used to, but you might be surprised just how adaptable your family is!

Follow our tips for making new healthy habits in your home.

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Healthy Eating Active Living - Stayling active at home

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Staying healthy has never been more important. Eating well and keeping active supports our physical and mental health - especially during times of change. Children need physical activity to thrive - it helps support their growth, development, sleep, mood and concentration.

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The Binnowee website not only has all the information you need to know about our preschool, it also includes useful links and parent information. It's a great resource.

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COVID VISITOR RESTRICTIONS

Please contact us if you need more information on our COVID-19 visitor restrictions.

Our community based preschool is located in West Pennant Hills, North Western Sydney.

Overview

Binnowee Kindergarten caters for 40 children each day in two classes and provides a high quality early learning program. Our preschool is open from 8.30am to 4pm during school terms, for children from 3 to 5 years of age.

The staff and educators at Binnowee are a highly experienced team who are committed to ensuring that we do the very best for the children in our care so that they find their time at Binnowee is an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

If you would like to visit our preschool you are most welcome to contact us.

A day at Binnowee

Our day usually begins with outside play, although this can change to suit weather conditions. A variety of experiences are programmed for each day, such as gross motor & movement challenges, construction activities, dramatic play, sand play, books, drawing and puzzles...

Binnowee, which is an Aboriginal word meaning "a green place," has been operating as a Kindergarten since 1935. Miss Winifred Macourt began the Kindergarten in the home of Mr. S Oxley, near Thompson's corner at West Pennant Hills...

Binnowee philosophy

At Binnowee our vision is to create a nurturing environment that partners with families and the community and holds value in children and their learning. We aim to provide a quality preschool where children, families and staff feel a sense of belonging and value in a collaborative and inclusive environment...

Our history

A word from our Director

Binnowee Kindergarten caters for 40 children each day in two classes and provides a high quality early learning program. Our preschool is open from 8.30am to 4pm during school terms for children from 3 to 5 years of age.

The staff and educators at Binnowee are a highly experienced team who are committed to ensuring that we do the very best for the children in our care so that they find their time at Binnowee is an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

If you would like to visit our preschool you are most welcome to contact us.

Sara Andersson

What's on at Binnowee

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COVID VISITOR RESTRICTIONS Please contact us if you need more information on our COVID-19 visitor restrictions. Our community based preschool is located in West Pennant Hills, North Western Sydney. Overview Binnowee Kindergarten caters for 40 children each day in two classes and provides a high quality early learning program.

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The NSW government website has all the information you need to know about COVID-19 as well as other facts and sources of information.

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The Cost of Living hub is here to help you make the most of your money with advice, tools, and support backed by the NSW Government.

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Parent resource and information on early education and care.

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StartingBlocks.gov.au I Early Childhood Education & Care

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Information for parents about early childhood education and care, National Quality Framework (NQF) and National Quality Standard (NQS) service quality ratings

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The Raising Children Network is a fantastic website and resource page for parents and families with children of all ages. It also has some mental health resources and links on the website.

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The WPH and Cherrybrook Mumblers Facebook page is a great community resource for parents and families. You can request to join the group by searching for Mumblers on FB.

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Hills District Mums has compiled a list of kid and family friendly bush walks in the Hills area. There’s a few local ones you might like to try out.

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Bushwalks are a great family outing for many reasons. Firstly, you're outdoors so if you pick a good day for it, it can prove a stunner! Secondly, it gives all the family a chance to be technology free for a few hours, with no distractions and not much else to do but talk and take in the view. Thirdly, it gets kids (and parents) moving, so even if you don't have a sporty kid they can still do something active.

Here are our favourite kid friendly bushwalks in the area - and there's something for everyone! Remember, plan ahead and take a phone to make sure you are on track using Google maps.

PLATYPUS TRACK | BIDJIGAL RESERVE CASTLE HILL

The Platypus Walking Track in Bidjigal Reserve is one of our favourite tracks for a family bushwalk. It isn't pram friendly, but if you have a baby carrier and your hands free for young kids this one is great for most ages.

There are multiple walking tracks in Bidgigal Reserve with the most kid friendly being the Platypus Track. The Platypus Track is a 1.7km loop which starts at the end of Excelsior Avenue Castle Hill near Eric Mobbs Reserve playing fields.

The track is pretty easy to walk and there's some fun stuff on the way for kids to manoeuvre over. Our kids loved the stepping stones across the creek and were interested in Loch Bruce - once a popular swimming and picnic spot.

Full details on this walk can be found here.

BALAKA FALLS | HUNTS CREEK RESERVE

After a downpour of rain you are likely to see some awesome photos of Balaka Falls. Landscape photographers flock from near and far to take photos of this natural beauty which is hidden within Hunts Creek Reserve, a stretch of bushland nestled behind homes and roads in the suburbs of North Rocks and Carlingford. To be honest we were a little bit underwhelmed with the Falls. It was one of those times that you see amazing photos on Instagram and the reality is significantly different. Obviously the level of rain impacts on the flow of the waterfall but our advice would be to lower your expectations then you are likely to be more wowed by what you see. And be prepared for no waterfalls at all if it hasn't rained.

But don't discount this one if the waterfall hasn't delivered as Hunts Creek Reserve is a beautiful place to explore. There's a creek to cross and bush paths to navigate.

More information can be found here.

BLUE GUM WALK | HORNSBY

The Blue Gum Walk, a small section of the Great North Walk, is a well known track and very popular with walkers for good reason - it's stunning! If you're keen on a solid bush walk then this is a great option.

While a bit of a drive from some parts of the Hills, this bushwalk is absolutely fantastic and worth the trip if you're making a day of it. As the crow flies, it's actually very close to certain areas of the Hills like Dural and Westleigh, but unfortunately if you're doing this walk, you can't access it from these suburbs and must enter at Hornsby. (Pogsons Trail from Quarry Road Dural does go down to Fish Ponds but if you then join the Blue Gum Walk it would take a VERY long time and you'd have your car in Dural when you emerged in Hornsby!)

In summary, the walk is approximately 4kms. Our kids are 6 and 8 and handled it well - there are parts that are a little more challenging, but in a good way. For example, there are a few steep sections and one or two bits where you have to work out how you'll navigate it and the 6 year old wanted to hold hands a couple of times. It took us about 2.5 hours (including about a 10 minute stop for morning tea) and it was only at the last 20 minutes that the whinging started - so a pretty good effort. We did see kids that were younger doing it. It's not pram friendly at all and you can't take your dog, although we actually did see a couple - one being carried!

You can also opt to do two smaller sections of the walk - the Ginger Meggs loop (950m) and to and from Fishponds (2.4kms).

Read more details about this walk here.

CUMBERLAND STATE FOREST | WEST PENNANT HILLS

Cumberland State Forest is Australia's only metropolitan state forest and it's right here on our doorstep! It contains 40 hectares of native forest and is located at 95 Castle Hill Road West Pennant Hills.

There are 3 main walks in the forest. The sensory trail is the best in the Hills if you have a toddler and a pram! It's only 350m and pram friendly. Then there are the Palm Gully Trail which is 1km and the Forestry Trail which is 1.3km. All walks are easy with kids. In addition to the walks there are picnic areas, toilets, a cafe, a nursery and perhaps one of the biggest draw cards for families these days, Tree Tops Adventure Park.

You can read more about this one here.

WHALE ROCK | CHELTENHAM | NORTH EPPING

This is one of our favourite bush walks and is great if you are looking to social distance. And you guessed it, there is a rock on the walk that looks like a whale. From Day Road in Cheltenham it is 1.2km to Whale Rock along the Devlins Creek Trail. It's mainly flat and nice and wide.

You can read more about this walk here.

WATERFALL WALK | RICHARD WEBB RESERVE, WEST PENNANT HILLS

This is less of a bush walk and more of a 30 minutes walk in trees to a waterfall but we've added it to the list anyway. It's a great one for prams and for kids with little legs and it starts and ends with an upgraded playground. You can find out more here.

CITY VIEW LOOKOUT | THORNLEIGH | PENNANT HILLS

At the back of Thornleigh Oval, this 1.2km walk leads you to City View Lookout where, you guessed it, you get a view of the City!

You can read more about this walk here.

CALLICOMA WALK | CHERRYBROOK

We have only just done this one for the first time and it was excellent. Slightly more challenging it is a 5.1km loop track, takes about 2 hours and graded as medium. The scenery is beautiful including lush forests and sandstone woodland. Kids will love the raised cylinder crossing stepping stones that take you across the river and the overhanging rocks. The track comes with mini challenges including climbing rocks, walking through big boulders, ducking over or under fallen trees and walking on bridges. You might even spot a mini waterfall.

And just when they are starting to complain of sore legs you pop out at The Lakes of Cherrybrook and there are ducks to spot to take their mind of their tired legs! Read more here.

FLORENCE COTTON RESERVE LOOP & LISGAR GARDENS | HORNSBY

This is a gorgeous spot hidden away in Hornsby that's well worth a visit. Lisgar Gardens is a stunning hillside garden with a rich history and bordering this is Florence Cotton Reserve, a valuable piece of remnant urban bushland offering a lovely bushwalk for families. You can do a bush loop which takes under an hour. It's worth noting that that are a lot of stairs in this walk, but they're quite manageable as they're the wide boardwalk-style stairs. You can enter the bush at different points in the loop including off Hornsby streets Pretoria Parade, Frederick Street and Pinera Close, as well as from Lisgar Gardens. You'll cross over a creek and see blackbutts, blue gums and ferns. Our kids enjoyed spotting cockatoos and bush turkeys and even a shy echidna.

BERRY ISLAND RESERVE | WOLLSTONECRAFT

While a little more of a drive, about half an hour from the Hills, this short little track - the Gadyan Track - at Berry Island Reserve is a perfect introduction to bushwalking, as well as Aboriginal culture and heritage for little ones. There's plenty to see, it's short and there are stunning harbour views with glimpses of the Harbour Bridge. And it's part of a larger reserve with a playground and lots of space so it makes a lovely day out. Find out more here.

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Kid Friendly Bushwalks in the Hills - Hills District Mums

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Bushwalks are a great family outing for many reasons. Firstly, you're outdoors so if you pick a good day for it, it can prove a stunner! Secondly, it gives all the family a chance to be technology free for a few hours, with no distractions and not much else to do but talk and take in the view.

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Hills District Mums has a library of activities that will help keep you busy at home or exercising out in the community. This is a great list of ideas to help you get through the 2 weeks lockdown.

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Are you looking for something to do with your child? Here's our library of suggestions to keep your child busy and engaged. Perfect for long weeks in isolation, rainy days, stay at home days and days where you just can't work out what to do with them!

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Are you looking for something to do with your child? Here is our library of suggestions to keep your child busy and engaged. Perfect for long weeks in isolation, on rainy days and days where you just can't work out what to do with them.

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Parramatta Parents Facebook page has posted a list of ideas and activities for children to do at home. There’s 3 pages of activities to choose from 👍🏻