/EDUKARE/ To bring up, to train & to teach

Why Books Are Helpful

Books are a wonderful tool to prepare preschoolers for the change. They provide a chance to explore emotions, situations, and expectations in a way that feels safe and familiar. Reading together also gives kids the opportunity to ask questions, express their feelings, and develop a sense of readiness for the big move.

Here are some fantastic books you can read with your child to help them get excited and feel more confident about starting big school:

“The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn

“A heartwarming story about a raccoon named Chester, who is nervous about starting school. Chester’s mother shares a sweet secret—a kiss in the palm of his hand that he can carry with him all day. This story beautifully addresses separation anxiety and reassures kids that love from home is always with them.

Good communication skills are foundational for learning and interacting in a classroom setting which is why at eduKare we encourage group learning and activities.

“First Day Jitters” by Julie Danneberg

This book captures the nerves that come with starting something new and is perfect for showing kids that they’re not alone in feeling this way. With a twist ending that even parents will enjoy, it helps normalise those first-day jitters.

“I Am Too Absolutely Small for School” by Lauren Child

Follow the charming and funny character Lola as she tries to convince her older brother Charlie that she doesn’t need to go to school. This story encourages kids to talk about their worries and addresses their concerns in a lighthearted way.

“The Night Before Kindergarten” by Natasha Wing

Modelled after the famous poem, this book builds excitement for the night before school starts. It captures the preparations and emotions many kids feel before their first big day, making it a great conversation starter.

“All Are Welcome” by Alexandra Penfold

A beautiful and inclusive book that celebrates diversity in school environments. It’s perfect for reassuring kids that they will be accepted and valued in their new surroundings, no matter what. In addition to reading these books, here are a few extra tips to help your child prepare for their new adventure:

  • Talk about the transition regularly: Discuss what they can expect at big school, including fun activities, new friends, and exciting things they’ll learn.
  • Visit the school beforehand: If possible, arrange a visit to help your child get familiar with the new setting and meet the teachers.
  • Establish a routine: Begin practicing the school routine a few weeks in advance to help your child adjust to the new schedule.
  • Encourage independence: Foster self-confidence by allowing your child to do small tasks on their own, such as packing their bag or putting on their uniform.

Starting big school is a big deal for your little one! By reading these recommended books and following a few simple tips, you can help them feel more prepared, confident, and ready to embrace this new chapter with excitement.

So cuddle up with a good book, talk through the changes, and get ready for an exciting journey ahead!

From,
EduKare

When older siblings are off school and diving headfirst into holiday fun, it can be challenging for our littlest ones to feel like they’re part of the action. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some fantastic tips and activities to keep everyone feel happy and engaged.

Fun and Easy At-Home Activities for All Ages

  1. Creative Craft Sessions

    For Preschoolers: Simple and colourful crafts like finger painting, play-dough sculptures, and paper plate animals are always a hit. These activities are not only fun but also great for developing fine motor skills.

    For Older Children: More complex projects such as making slime, constructing models from recycled materials, or creating their own comic books can keep them engaged for hours.

  2. Backyard Adventures

    For Preschoolers: Organise a mini scavenger hunt with pictures or simple items like leaves, rocks, and flowers. Set up a water play station with buckets, sponges, and toy boats for endless fun.

    For Older Children: Create an obstacle course using household items, or set up a treasure hunt with clues and small rewards to challenge their problem-solving skills.

  3. Cooking and Baking Together

    For Preschoolers: Let them help with simple tasks like stirring, pouring, or decorating cookies with sprinkles. They’ll love being part of the kitchen action!

    For Older Children: Encourage them to take on more responsibility by following a simple recipe, measuring ingredients, and learning basic cooking techniques.

    We love pancakes and blueberry muffin recipes. Try yours today!

  4. Storytime Extravaganza

    For Preschoolers: Choose books with bright pictures and engaging stories. You can also use puppets or stuffed animals to act out the stories.

    For Older Children: Encourage them to read to their younger siblings or even create their own stories. This not only fosters a love of reading but also strengthens sibling bonds.

    Our favourite books of all time are: Where the wild things are & The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Creating a Fun Drop-Off Experience


I understand that drop-offs can be particularly tough during school holidays when routines are disrupted. Here are my secrets to making drop-off a smooth and enjoyable experience:

  1. Special Goodbye Rituals
    Establish a unique goodbye ritual that’s just for you and your child. Whether it’s a secret handshake, a special hug, or a silly song, this can make parting ways feel more special and less stressful.

  2. Bring a Comfort Item
    Allow your child to bring a small comfort item from home, like a favourite stuffed animal or a family photo. This can provide a sense of security and familiarity during the day.

  3. Highlight the Day’s Exciting Activities
    Share with your child the fun activities planned for the day. Knowing they have exciting things to look forward to can make saying goodbye easier.

  4. Stay Positive and Reassuring
    Keep your tone positive and reassuring at drop-off. Let your child know that you’ll be back soon and that they’re going to have a great time with their friends and teachers.


Remember, the key is to keep things fun, inclusive, and engaging for all ages. With these tips, I’m confident that your preschoolers will feel just as much a part of the holiday fun as their older siblings. If you have any questions or need more ideas, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our many educators looking to assist in every way. Happy playing!

Warm regards,
Norma

What is Messy Play? Messy play refers to activities that involve tactile exploration and sensory experiences through materials like water, sand, mud, paint, playdough, and more. It’s about letting children dive in, get their hands dirty, and explore the world around them in a hands-on way.

Benefits of Messy Play:

  1. Sensory Development: Messy play stimulates the senses, helping children explore different textures, temperatures, and consistencies, which is crucial for sensory development.
  2. Creativity and Imagination: Engaging in messy play encourages creativity and imagination as children experiment with materials, invent stories, and express themselves freely.
  3. Fine Motor Skills: Activities like pouring, squeezing, and molding during messy play enhance fine motor skills, coordination, and hand-eye coordination.
  4. Problem-Solving Skills: Messy play presents challenges for children to solve, such as building structures with sand or figuring out how to mix colors, promoting problem-solving abilities.
  5. Emotional Regulation: Getting messy can be a stress-reliever for children, allowing them to express emotions in a safe and non-verbal way.
  6. Social Skills: Collaborative messy play activities promote teamwork, sharing, and communication among peers, fostering essential social skills.

Why Messy Play Matters: Integrating messy play into daily routines is vital. It aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the National Quality Standards (NQS), emphasising play-based learning and holistic development. By incorporating messy play experiences, edukare can create enriching environments that cater to each child’s unique learning needs.

Our top 5 tips to implementing Messy Play in our centres and at home:

  1. Provide designated messy play areas with easy-to-clean surfaces.
  2. Use non-toxic, child-safe materials.
  3. Encourage children to explore freely without fear of making a mess.
  4. Rotate materials regularly to keep activities engaging.
  5. Incorporate messy play into planned learning experiences linked to EYLF outcomes.

Messy play is more than just fun; it’s a fundamental aspect of early childhood development that should be celebrated and embraced in any childcare setting. By embracing the mess, educators and parents can empower children to learn, grow, and thrive in a supportive and stimulating environment.

Remember, messy play isn’t about the mess—it’s about the learning and joy it brings to young children’s lives.