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Positive Discipline Strategies for Early Years Education

Discipline in early childhood is often misunderstood as control or punishment. However, in early years education, discipline is about guidance, not fear. Positive discipline focuses on teaching children appropriate behaviour through respect, connection and consistency. It helps young children understand their emotions, develop self-regulation and build strong social skills that last a lifetime. Positive discipline does not mean being permissive or ignoring boundaries. Instead, it means setting clear expectations while nurturing a child’s emotional and psychological well-being. What is positive discipline and why does positive discipline matters in Early Years? Positive discipline is an approach that encourages children to learn from their mistakes in a supportive and respectful environment. It is based on the belief that children behave better when they feel safe, valued and understood. Rather than asking, “ How do I punish this behaviour ?” positive discipline asks, “ What is...
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Supporting Multiple Intelligences in the Early Years

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  Supporting Multiple Intelligences in the Early Years Why Every Child Deserves to Be Seen, Heard and Valued In every early years classroom, children learn in beautifully different ways. Some love to sing, some build towers, some tell stories and others observe quietly. Yet, traditional education often focuses mainly on language and math, missing the many other ways children are intelligent. Dr. Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences reminds us that intelligence is not one-size-fits-all. Instead, children possess a combination of different strengths that develop at their own pace. In the early years, when the brain is rapidly developing, recognising and supporting these intelligences can build confidence, creativity and a lifelong love for learning. What are Multiple Intelligences and why does supporting Multiple Intelligences matter in Early Years? Gardner identified eight core intelligences that every child has in varying degrees: Linguistic – le...
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Encouraging Creativity in Pre-Schoolers

A Foundation for Lifelong Learning Creativity is not just about art, colours or craft activities; it is a way of thinking, exploring and expressing ideas. In the early years, creativity plays a vital role in shaping a child’s cognitive, emotional and social development. When pre-schoolers are encouraged to think creatively, they learn how to problem-solve, communicate their thoughts and confidently express who they are. In early years education, nurturing creativity involves providing children with opportunities, freedom and a supportive environment where their ideas are valued. Why does creativity matter and what does creativity look like in Early Childhood? The pre-school years are a period of rapid brain development. During this time, creativity helps children: Develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, build confidence and self-expression. Strengthen emotional regulation, resilience, enhance language and communication skills. Foster ...
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Why Play-Based Learning Outshines Worksheets in Early Years Education

In the early years of life, children learn best not by sitting still or filling in worksheets, but by moving, exploring, imagining and playing. Play is not a break from learning; it is learning. As research and classroom experience continue to show, play-based learning far outweighs worksheet-driven instruction in supporting holistic development during early childhood. Understanding Play-Based Learning Play-based learning is an approach where children learn through hands-on experiences, exploration and meaningful interactions. It allows children to follow their curiosity, make choices, solve problems and express themselves creatively. Whether it’s building with blocks, role-playing a shop, painting or outdoor play, every activity is rich with learning opportunities. Worksheets, on the other hand, often focus on rote skills such as tracing, colouring within lines or ticking correct answers. While they may appear structured and measurable, they rarely meet the developmental needs o...
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Creating a Child-Centred Home and Classroom for Early Years Children

In the early years, children are not just learning what to think, they are learning how to think, feel, explore and belong. A child-centred environment, whether at home or in the classroom, places the child at the heart of all decisions. It respects their voice, pace, interests and individuality, creating spaces where children feel safe, valued and empowered to learn naturally.   What does “Child-Centred” mean in Early Childhood and why do the environments matter? A child-centred approach recognises that every child is unique. Learning is not forced or rushed; instead, it unfolds through play, relationships, curiosity and meaningful experiences. Research and practice consistently show that children thrive when they feel respected and understood. Child-centred spaces: Build confidence and independence. Encourage curiosity and problem-solving. Support emotional regulation and social skills. Foster a lifelong love for learning. When children fe...
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The Quiet Bridge Between 2025 and 2026

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There is something deeply powerful about the last week of the year. Not loud. Not rushed. Just a gentle pause, where time seems to slow down and ask us to breathe. As 2025 prepares to take its final bow, this week becomes a bridge. A bridge between what was and what can be. Between the versions of ourselves that survived, struggled, healed and grew with the versions that are still becoming. Looking Back Without Judgement. The end of the year often invites reflection. We replay moments we are proud of and moments we wish had gone differently. 2025 may not have been easy. There were days that tested patience, situations that demanded courage and moments when simply showing up felt like a victory. And yet here you are. Still standing. Still hoping. Still choosing to move forward. This week isn’t about blaming yourself for what didn’t work. It’s about acknowledging your strength for everything you faced, especially the things no one else saw. Strength Doesn’t Always Roar A...
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The Importance of Routines in Early Childhood

Early childhood is a time of rapid growth - physically, emotionally, socially and cognitively. During these formative years, children thrive not in chaos, but in environments that offer predictability, safety and consistency . This is where routines play a powerful role. Routines are more than just schedules; they are the building blocks that help young children make sense of their world. What Are Routines in Early Childhood? Routines are repeated, predictable patterns of everyday activities such as arrival time, circle time, snack time, play, rest and departure. Unlike rigid timetables, routines provide a flexible structure that adapts to children’s needs while maintaining consistency. Examples include: Morning welcome rituals. Clean-up time after play. Storytime before rest. Handwashing before meals.   Why Routines Matter So Much in the Early Years 1. Create a Sense of Safety and Security Young children feel safe when they know what...
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