Digital Literacy in Early Childhood: Why It’s More Than Just Screen Time
In today’s digital world, children are growing up surrounded by technology. But digital literacy in early childhood is about much more than just screen time. It’s about helping children understand, navigate, and interact safely with digital content in meaningful ways. At Affinity Education, our Lifelong Learning Curriculum introduces digital literacy thoughtfully, helping children develop essential skills they’ll need for school and beyond.
How Early Learning Centres Can Reduce Anxiety in Young Children
Anxiety in young children is more common than many people realise. According to the Australian Government’s Department of Health, up to 7% of children aged 4 to 17 experience an anxiety disorder in any given year. Early signs of anxiety can emerge even earlier, sometimes as young as three years old. In a world that often feels overwhelming, helping children develop the tools they need to navigate their emotions and build resilience is essential. One of the most effective ways to do this is by enroling them in an early learning centre before they start primary school.
From Play to Big School: Fun Play Activities That Build School Readiness Skills
As children approach the age of starting school, educators at Affinity Education run centres focus on preparing them for this significant transition. One of the most effective and enjoyable ways to build school readiness is through play. Play-based learning engages children in activities that foster cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development, ensuring they are well-prepared for the demands of a formal education setting. Read on as we delve into the benefits of play-based learning and share some fun play ideas that build school readiness skills.
Essential Development Milestones Before Starting Big School
Starting primary school is a significant milestone for children and their families. To ensure a smooth transition, it’s essential to focus on four critical development milestones during early childhood: emotional confidence, social connectivity, foundational learning, and physical health and wellbeing. This blog post explores the importance of early learning in the first five years and how a quality early learning curriculum helps children achieve these developmental milestones, all the while preparing children for success in school and beyond.
When Should I Send My Child To School?
Starting ‘Big School’ is an exciting time in a child’s lifelong learning journey. When to start is influenced by state-specific guidelines and a child’s individual readiness. In this blog post, we will explore the appropriate age for starting school in different parts of Australia and highlight the benefits of early childhood education in preparing children for this significant milestone.
What is Big Thinkers STEM?
Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) has always played a vital role in the development of our Lifelong Learning Curriculum for children aged 3 to 5 years old.