Tuesday, 19 March 2013

EYLF Superstars!

Learning Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world

 

2.1 Children develop a sense of belonging to groups and communities and an understanding of the reciprocal rights and responsibilities necessary for active community participation,

Understanding their role within the room, the service, their family, the wider community.  Help them BELONG..

2.2 Children respond to diversity with respect,

We are all different and that’s what makes us uniquely perfect!  Celebrate what makes the children the wonderful individuals they are!

2.3 Children become aware of fairness,

Sharing, turn taking, respecting each other, conflict resolution.

2.4 Children become socially responsible and show respect for the environment.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.  This is more than a poster or display, this should be part of your day to day routine.

Tuesday, 5 March 2013

Excellence in EYLF

Your Actions Speak Louder Than Words..

Learning Outcome 1: Children have  a strong sense of identity.
Here are some tips to help your Educators be EYLF stars!
      1.1 Children feel safe, secure, and supported,
Give the children lots of cuddles, use positive words and tones, smile, create belonging areas in rooms, encourage the children to succeed.
      1.2 Children develop their emerging autonomy, inter-dependence, resilience and sense of agency,
Intentional teaching techniques are understood and used, Educators consistantly develop positive self concepts of children, build confidence in every child's abilities, understand children can lead their learning and enjoy where it takes you!
      1.3 Children develop knowledgeable and confident self identities,
Respect every child and family, show love, be kind, encourage all attempts, assist children to develop friendships.      
      1.4 Children learn to interact in relation to others with care, empathy & respect.
Children need to understand what conflict resolution is and to best way resolve their problems, Educators understand the unique personalities and behaviours of every child in their group, children have an understanding of actions and consequences.

Sunday, 3 March 2013

Green Mum

Meet Green Mum Deb

Some of Deb's ideas...




Introducing a new piece for you “Green Mum” Deb is a childcare professional who is taking some time out from her career to raise her beautiful Son and Daughter.  Deb is a green Mum if ever we saw one and her tips to green up your home are easy, cost effective and fun.  This months great piece of advice – 
“Are you always buying spring onions?  With the prices of fruit and veg rising the way they are here is an idea that is simple, quick and easy and will mean more money in your pocket!   Next time instead of throwing the root ends in the bin or the compost heap, pop them into a pot close to your kitchen where they will get some sun and before you know it you will have your very own home grown spring onions, simply cut the tops off as you need them.” - Deb

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Nothing say's Summer in Queensland like sweet juicy slices of pineapple.

Fast food companies have jumped on the Pineapple bandwagon and are adding them to hamburgers some are even deep frying them. There are pineapple flavoured slushies and smoothies and there are even pineapple flavoured iced doughnuts on the market at the moment!!

But why would you bother with any of these when the real thing is so easy to grow at home?  All you need to get started is a fresh pineapple and a spare patch in the garden!

Simply cut off the top so you are left with the spiky leaves, no skin or flesh, then just plant the spiky top out in the garden or into a large pot. 
Pineapple plants will take up about 1/2 square metre of space.  You could also pop the top in a container of water for a few days before planting it out into the garden, and before you know it you'll have little roots growing. This is quite fun to do with kids as they can actually see something happening.

Pineapple plants are quite slow growing, taking up to 2 years to fruit and each fruit takes about to 6 months to ripen, but it is truly worth the wait.  So next time you're out and about at the local farmers markets grab a pineapple and have a go at growing some at home.

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Home made goodies are always such a delight to receive.
   So this year, get creative in the kitchen and treat your family and friends to a gorgeously presented home made gift.
This is one of my favorite recipes. It is quick and easy to make and you should have all the ingredients at home already.
Tangy Lemon and Passionfruit Butter
90g organic butter
1/2 cup organic raw sugar
1/2 cup lemon juice (2 - 3 lemons)
2 organic free range eggs
2 tbs passionfruit pulp
Place all the ingredients in a heatproof bowl and place on top of a saucepan of simmering water.
Stir for 5-10 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
Then pour your gorgeous tangy butter into some funky jars.
That's it, done, easy peasy!
This recipe makes 2 cups and will keep for several weeks in the fridge.