Childcare and Early Learning Articles

Why bedtime stories matter more than we think

Discover how dramatic and pretend play supports oral language for children in home-based childcare.

Te Wiki o te reo Maori 2025 – 50th Anniversary

Dramatic play is more than just fun and imagination; it’s a vital part of a young child’s emotional growth.

Family and dramatic play helps tamariki to use their imagination to act out familiar and unfamiliar roles, characters and situations.

Have you ever noticed a child lining things up in a row, sorting toys by colour, or carrying things from one place to another?

We know that playing outdoors provides numerous benefits for children including physical and mental health benefits.

Loose parts are thought to play a big role in how neural networks form in the brains of very young children because they stimulate the senses.

Here’s some ways to support tamariki of all ages to engage with, and become curious about exploring loose parts and treasure baskets.

‘Loose parts’ are ordinary, everyday, open-ended materials that can be manipulated and used in various ways, moved, carried, shared, combined and taken apart in various configurations and designs.