A safari themed sensory play is easy to create. I have a great black tray that the children can sit round or stand round and play. Each week I change this play so it is different and sensory. One week may be jelly, play dough, goop. Basically something that encourages fine motor development as well […]
Sensory play is essential for young children. It is wonderful to see children get lost in their sensory play. Making up stories as they talk with friends. Here is my sea theme sensory play I introduced a few weeks ago. Ask Parents to Help with Your Sensory Play On my roster parents on their weekly […]
One of the key constants in my program is my Letter of the Week Program. Each week we focus on a new “Letter of the Week”. Children do thrive on routine and this is reflected in my “Letter of the Week” program. It is a simple program that will run for the first 15 minutes […]
This week I am really excited to introduce our Pet Shop Dramatic Play and Pet Curriculum Plan to the children! As part of our literacy and numeracy program we are following the 40 Weeks Program and the fun play we are introducing revolves around Pets! It is early days into our year and I am […]
As educators we have to think of the BIG picture and where we are going. We can only really truly do this once we know the children and their backgrounds. We can then assess weekly what we will do and what we will need to focus on. My overall planning I will use the EYLF […]
On the child’s first day I take a picture of them holding the “My First Day” sign. I use this photo on the child’s Portfolio and as a memory keeper. TIPS Use a plain background – I love polka dots! Place the sign into a colourful border. You can get a frame from Ikea with […]
How would you like to set up your roster ONCE then let it run for the year? Last year my rosters were very hap hazard and I vowed all through last year that it will be different this year! A simple thing not in action will mean small things are not done and at the […]
Time to get organised! Here are some editable labels that you can laminate and stick to your art and craft supplies, play boxes and anything in your room that needs labelling. You can use the ones I have created as well as make your own. Once they are printed you can laminate them and place […]
Last year I created name tags with just the children’s name. This year I am a little “smarter” and I have added a symbol! Learning to read your name is a progression. Having a symbol will certainly help children to find their belongings easier. This in turn will help morning routine and the end of […]
I love it when I get great questions with regard to how I program! Here is a great question from Awilda How could you possibly organise a curriculum 40 weeks in advance, let alone have the portfolios ‘ready’ for the whole year? Firstly let me give you some background with regards to the 40 Weeks […]
How would you like your Portfolios ready for the whole year? These Portfolios tie in with my 40 weeks Early Learning Program. Simply print them off, complete and add your photos! There is a colour version if you are fortunate to have a coloured printer. There is also a black and white version for you! […]
Feeling pretty special indeed! It is so heart warming to see see that you can make a difference. I started Starskills as a passion for teaching young children. Even if I am just helping one educator to love what they do a little more and have time to focus on the children then this is […]
It is amazing the opportunities that arise when we observe and listen. Space and time for play is essential. As a teacher this requires observation. So often we think we must “look” busy for the sake of it! However observation and listening are essential in the early childhood setting. Don’t be afraid to observe. Listen […]
I am feeling very sentimental today. I had our final Christmas Parents Play Day where I invite parents to come and be part of their child’s Kindy world. These play days have built a lovely sense of community among the parents and it is very touching to see all the children enjoy this time together. […]
As I reflect on my first year teaching Kindy I am so thankful for the opportunity. What a privilege to be part of a child’s early childhood. To see them grow and learn. To hear some of the lovely things parents have said is so touching. My Mum said I would make a great “Aunty […]
A quality early childhood program will have play at the heart of it. Do you allow time for play? Not just a time to play but a time FOR play. When there is time you will notice children hit another level of creativity. When time is given they will initiate play that almost feels like […]
At the moment I teach Kindergarten students (3-5) they come the year they are turning 4 and some leave when they are turning 5. When you are considering your timetable there are a number of factors. Having well thought out blocks of time is essential. Smooth transitions are another necessity and routines that the children […]
There is no doubt about it but I feel like I have the best job in the world! It can be stressful but part of what I enjoy are seeing my ideas and creations being loved, implemented and enjoyed! Everyday is different and the children add their ideas and interests so every year is new […]
What is the Starskills 40 Weeks Program? The Starskills 40 Weeks Program (available here) is designed for children aged 0-5. It is a weekly program that provides a literacy and numeracy introduction and focus. Children develop vocabulary, count and clap words. It is a visually based program with educators being able to login to the […]
I have had a query from Michelle from my Starskills Facebook page how I prepare for my first weeks so here is a post! There is lots of preparation that goes into welcoming a new set of children. Please understand what I write is for my situation. This will change with every new year. Your […]
As educators we know that if we fail to plan then we plan to fail! I LOVE to be organised and know where I am going to take the class. The Early Years Learning Framework provides fantastic guiding principles to get you there! Planning with the EYLF requires you know your children very well and […]
I have found that children will naturally engage in writing through play when the opportunity is given. When writing occurs through play children can become confident and believe they are good at writing. Confidence is incredibly important in the early learning class and play helps children to feel successful. I have noticed when I “force” […]
Beginning Sounds Learning Centers aims to help children develop early literacy skills fundamental to early reading and development. Hearing sounds is imperative before even letters are recognised (although both are possible at the same time). I have designed these Learning Centers to be simple to add to each week. You will focus on a beginning […]
This EYLF Insect Curriculum Plan will help you get started when your children show an interest in anything to do with Insects! This science focused Curriculum Plan is designed to get children exploring, investigating and inquiring all about the wonderful around them! Included in this pack – INSECT TEACHER BINDERS Start your file with Binder […]
Beginning Sight Words has been designed as a Take Home Program that teachers can send home with each student in the class. There are 83 Take Home Cards that can be printed on card or printed as photos. Included in the Beginning Sight Words Program is a Take Home Sight Word Cover that can be […]