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Whilst apples are considered a fruit sent from the heavens (that have been said to have kept the doctor away) they are only a small part of what will combat the stress and ill health teachers may experience, especially on their holiday break. Originally the saying was quoted by a Welsh woman in the 19th …

We are starting to wrap up the year with the children in a variety of ways to celebrate and acknowledge how far we have all come over the past year. It is always a time for mixed emotions as we really see and hear how much the children have grown socially, emotionally and physically. I …

I have been part of an engaging discussion recently in which we were talking about children’s play, and more specifically play with dolls. There are many more than 3 reasons why children benefit from playing with dolls and that it should not stop because school starts. Doll play helps children to learn nurturing skills such …

A couple of times recently I have heard play referred to as juvenile and/or childish, which to me brings up a slightly negative connotation; now that is not how I think it should be though. I recall that a cutting remark as a child is to be called a baby, which as a primary aged …

I am asking because I am an advocate for ‘old school learning’ whilst living in a modern world. Don’t get me wrong, because without the ease the digital age brings us, I am such a fan of the written word. I think that handwriting tells the reader a lot about the author’s unique personality and …

Like it or loathe it, Australian (Aussie rules) Rules football is here to stay. Another season has ended with the Tigers defeating the Giants for the year just three days ago. In the interests of an unbiased view, I should declare now that I have been a Richmond supporter all my life. Not a die …

A few weeks ago I was asked a genuine question by one of my very enthusiastic and vocal 4 year old students.  She had been closely observing my interactions with a co-worker and asked ” Are you two best friends?” You would not think that such a simple question would generate so much overthinking before …

  Some time ago at a networking event we were encouraged to describe our businesses in just a few key words. After I came up with   “I help children solve problems through play’”   I began to notice that I wasn’t losing peoples’ attention and that the conversation naturally continued. I used to give …

Play can become quite a serious and sometimes hotly contested topic. Until you know the exquisite pleasure of getting out of the way and really letting children play it can be a little difficult to decipher. Even as a teacher of preschool aged children I have to stop myself from doing two things   ‘Over thinking’ …

Do you hold a particular view of play? I have been creating visual posts to share some of my favourite quotes of play and this one is very telling. I found it to be a fun way of inviting conversation about play and attitudes towards play as it is such a vital part of my …