Resources Empowering Educators

Our mission at Bellbird is to empower educators to create engaging play spaces and develop activities that ignite children's curiosity and imagination. Our Empoweing Educators articles offer ideas and insights on different ways early learning educators might creatively approach annual events, universal and seasonal themes and topics within early learning services that reflect and value contemporary approaches to early learning and development with sensitivity and awareness.

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Curious about Play Empowering Educators Centre Fitouts Inspiring Tutorials Recipes for Creativity

Why Change is a Process and not an Event

Watching the process of change is fascinating but what is felt during the activity holds the most potential for further learning.
Read more
How Children's Interests Impact STEM Engagement

Reframing STEM as part of a quality program encapsulates early childhood educators as play advocates.
Read more
Nurturing The Future World with Nature Play

Spending time in nature is essential for children’s health, development and support the intuitive disposition to becoming future conservationists. Children who feel connected to the natural world are more likely to preserve and care for it.
Read more
Why Risk Benefit Play is Worth the Risk

Ironically, intuition serves an innate biological function to warn us of danger that, if ignored, we often regret afterwards.
Read more
Understanding the role of the Environment as Third Teacher within your Program

One contemporary approach to early childhood education is the influence of Reggio Emilia, in which the physical environment is integral to learning. Beautiful and aesthetically pleasing, play spaces act as provocations for play and learning.
Read more
Listening for the Child's Voice

Throughout each day, thousands of sounds and noises create opportunities for learning and engagement through listening experiences where children can be exposed to the magic of sound and the immeasurable joy it can bring.
Read more
Why Learning about First Nations’ History is Important in Early Childhood Education and Care

We each have a connection to nature as a common starting point to begin essential conversations looking toward our future citizens, and perhaps, most importantly, reflecting on the vast amount of wisdom we can draw upon from our nation's tremendous past.
Read more
The Role of Co-Regulation and the Connection to Emotional Health for Children

Educators are in a constant state of decision-making when caring for children. The goal of keeping children physically protected from harm crucially lies in planning and prevention. It can also be applied to their emotional health too.
Read more
A Vision for Children's Learning

The three key strands associated with the EYLF comprise the elements of Belonging, Being, and Becoming. This blog is a deeper dive into an understanding of what it means to 'be' a child within the scope of who they are becoming.
Read more
Why fantasy play stimulates curiosity

For young children, learning self-expression can involve a process of trial and error. Educators need to shape their natural curiosity about how the world works and how they may interact with the people around them.
Read more
The long term benefits of learning about plant life cycles

A frequent learning experience included in early years programming is planting tiny seeds into fully-fledged plants. Exploring the concept of plant lifecycles through growing a garden, is a wonderful way to bring this to life.
Read more
How Learning environments contribute to a child’s sense of belonging

Supporting children in developing a positive self-identity can help to foster a sense of belonging. This can be achieved through positive reinforcement, building on strengths and interests, and allowing children to express themselves freely.
Read more
The Positive Effects of Celebrations and Change

Change is a constant throughout our lives. It can trigger periods of confusion, but when we keep compassion at the cornerstone of our thinking, it can also be the driving force behind some of our happiest moments and memories.
Read more
Exploring the stages of Discovery

Discovery is a disposition that seems to flow freely for most young children as they learn through experience in every moment of their lives. Capturing and shaping that magical attribute to extend and develop it is another process altogether.
Read more
Encouraging Creativity with Process or Product Learning

For some the 'process' is the best part, working through steps and stages, but for others, achieving the 'product' gives them the greatest satisfaction. So what should Educators focus on?
Read more
5 Play Experiences that Promote a Positive Transition to School

Everyday situations could be more emotionally charged, meaning children’s play and interactions could differ from the usual pace or tone as they process their feelings about what is currently happening as well as how they perceive the future to be.
Read more
Supporting Early Learners Transition to School

The optimal experience in preparing children for a life transition is to give them plenty of time to explore, ask questions and get familiar with the resources available to them.
Read more
Rethinking Your Outdoor Spaces to Encourage Risk Benefit Play

What makes children unique is that the smallest change to the well-known can provide a host of new ideas for play and learning.
Read more
The Wonder of Light and Shadow

Provided by nature or made by man, it seems that wherever they find it, from the biggest to the smallest of places, children explore it in many ways, interacting with excitement and joy.
Read more
Embedding Indigenous Perspectives in Early Learning Environments

Weaving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into everyday classroom practices enhances Early Learning by giving students a more accurate and richer understanding of Australia's earliest history and culture.
Read more
We Are Family

Although each family is different, the basic tenets for each are universal. Through collaboration and a genuine desire to connect with families, children learn how to participate in groups within the construct of the wider society.
Read more
Exploring Curiosity in Early Learning

Looking for inspiration on how to fuel children's natural curiosity? Jo Harris discusses what it means to be curious, to ask questions, seek answers and explore the amazing world around us from the eyes of a child.
Read more
Teaching The Circle Of Life

Many children are naturally enticed by the allure of creatures great and small, so it is an invaluable opportunity to begin to teach them about the delicate balance of life within the cycles of nature.
Read more
Ideas For Integrating Inclusive Practices In Early Learning

Inclusion means different things to all of us. At its core, is the concept that everyone has the right to feel included and represented in any setting, and the Early Learning sector plays a vital role in bringing this to the fore
Read more
5 Reasons Why Summer Is An Important Time in Children’s Lives

During the summer holiday season there is a subtle shift on early learning, with the focus on ‘being’ rather than ‘doing’. This can become an opportunity to experience a greater depth within relationships with all living things in the world around us.
Read more
The Benefits of Heuristic Play for Infants and Toddlers

Heuristic play is when babies and toddlers use real world objects, such as wooden spoons, containers, pots and pegs in their play to explore the properties of the objects. Is the object heavy or light? Does it make a sound? What is the texture?
Read more
Why Friendship, Connection and Safety are Vital To Children's Development

Children have the right to choose their own friends and safely connect with others.
Read more
Playing Games Are Serious Business

More than just a chance to have fun, playing games is serious business when it comes to a child's health and development.
Read more
Literacy - More Than Reading and Writing

Literacy is more than learning to read and write. Becoming literate also incorporates the development of essential language, cognitive, social and emotional skills as children interact and explore the world around them.
Read more
The Joy of Mud Play

While playing with mud, children are learning and testing theories, as well as developing foundational understanding of maths and literacy.
Read more
A Guide to Choosing the Right Table and Chairs for Your Child's Needs

Good ergonomics needs to start at an early age for health & wellbeing for life!
Read more
Outdoor Play For All Seasons

Outdoor play has many physical benefits - but it is also essential for social and emotional development too.
Read more
Learning Life Skills Through Pretend Play

Role play may appear to be a very simple activity, yet within it, young children learn practical life skills such as dressing themselves and learning how to care for and interact with others.
Read more
Self Expression Through Art & Craft

Making art and fostering creativity is important for the development of fundamental social and cognitive skills, including self expression.
Read more
Keeping Kids Connected Whilst Apart

Friendships nurture the soul. They provide us a listening ear, understanding, compassion, connection and joy. Regardless of our age, we all need a friend.
Read more
Challenging Our Minds With Puzzles

From early childhood right through to adulthood we love to play with puzzles, and the way they exercise our minds.
Read more
The Wonders of Discovery & Science with Children

Science education activities provide children with opportunities to develop and practice many different skills and attributes.
Read more
3 Ways Sensory & Tactile Play Supports Children's Emotional Development

We all know that sensory activities can be fun, but there are many benefits and learning experiences that support social and emotional development too.
Read more
Elements of the Perfect Block Play Areas for Children

Block Play is a favourite area for children's play, both indoors and outdoor. Read all about how adding a few key elements to these spaces can extend imagination, creativity and engagement between children and their peers.
Read more

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Empowering Educators

Why Change is a Process and not an Event

Watching the process of change is fascinating but what is felt during the activity holds the most potential for further learning.

How Children's Interests Impact STEM Engagement

Reframing STEM as part of a quality program encapsulates early childhood educators as play advocates.

Nurturing The Future World with Nature Play

Spending time in nature is essential for children’s health, development and support the intuitive disposition to becoming future conservationists. Children who feel connected to the natural world are more likely to preserve and care for it.

Why Risk Benefit Play is Worth the Risk

Ironically, intuition serves an innate biological function to warn us of danger that, if ignored, we often regret afterwards.

Understanding the role of the Environment as Third Teacher within your Program

One contemporary approach to early childhood education is the influence of Reggio Emilia, in which the physical environment is integral to learning. Beautiful and aesthetically pleasing, play spaces act as provocations for play and learning.

Listening for the Child's Voice

Throughout each day, thousands of sounds and noises create opportunities for learning and engagement through listening experiences where children can be exposed to the magic of sound and the immeasurable joy it can bring.

Why Learning about First Nations’ History is Important in Early Childhood Education and Care

We each have a connection to nature as a common starting point to begin essential conversations looking toward our future citizens, and perhaps, most importantly, reflecting on the vast amount of wisdom we can draw upon from our nation's tremendous past.

The Role of Co-Regulation and the Connection to Emotional Health for Children

Educators are in a constant state of decision-making when caring for children. The goal of keeping children physically protected from harm crucially lies in planning and prevention. It can also be applied to their emotional health too.

A Vision for Children's Learning

The three key strands associated with the EYLF comprise the elements of Belonging, Being, and Becoming. This blog is a deeper dive into an understanding of what it means to 'be' a child within the scope of who they are becoming.

Why fantasy play stimulates curiosity

For young children, learning self-expression can involve a process of trial and error. Educators need to shape their natural curiosity about how the world works and how they may interact with the people around them.

The long term benefits of learning about plant life cycles

A frequent learning experience included in early years programming is planting tiny seeds into fully-fledged plants. Exploring the concept of plant lifecycles through growing a garden, is a wonderful way to bring this to life.

How Learning environments contribute to a child’s sense of belonging

Supporting children in developing a positive self-identity can help to foster a sense of belonging. This can be achieved through positive reinforcement, building on strengths and interests, and allowing children to express themselves freely.

The Positive Effects of Celebrations and Change

Change is a constant throughout our lives. It can trigger periods of confusion, but when we keep compassion at the cornerstone of our thinking, it can also be the driving force behind some of our happiest moments and memories.

Exploring the stages of Discovery

Discovery is a disposition that seems to flow freely for most young children as they learn through experience in every moment of their lives. Capturing and shaping that magical attribute to extend and develop it is another process altogether.

Encouraging Creativity with Process or Product Learning

For some the 'process' is the best part, working through steps and stages, but for others, achieving the 'product' gives them the greatest satisfaction. So what should Educators focus on?

5 Play Experiences that Promote a Positive Transition to School

Everyday situations could be more emotionally charged, meaning children’s play and interactions could differ from the usual pace or tone as they process their feelings about what is currently happening as well as how they perceive the future to be.

Supporting Early Learners Transition to School

The optimal experience in preparing children for a life transition is to give them plenty of time to explore, ask questions and get familiar with the resources available to them.

Rethinking Your Outdoor Spaces to Encourage Risk Benefit Play

What makes children unique is that the smallest change to the well-known can provide a host of new ideas for play and learning.

The Wonder of Light and Shadow

Provided by nature or made by man, it seems that wherever they find it, from the biggest to the smallest of places, children explore it in many ways, interacting with excitement and joy.

Embedding Indigenous Perspectives in Early Learning Environments

Weaving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into everyday classroom practices enhances Early Learning by giving students a more accurate and richer understanding of Australia's earliest history and culture.

We Are Family

Although each family is different, the basic tenets for each are universal. Through collaboration and a genuine desire to connect with families, children learn how to participate in groups within the construct of the wider society.

Exploring Curiosity in Early Learning

Looking for inspiration on how to fuel children's natural curiosity? Jo Harris discusses what it means to be curious, to ask questions, seek answers and explore the amazing world around us from the eyes of a child.

Teaching The Circle Of Life

Many children are naturally enticed by the allure of creatures great and small, so it is an invaluable opportunity to begin to teach them about the delicate balance of life within the cycles of nature.

Ideas For Integrating Inclusive Practices In Early Learning

Inclusion means different things to all of us. At its core, is the concept that everyone has the right to feel included and represented in any setting, and the Early Learning sector plays a vital role in bringing this to the fore

5 Reasons Why Summer Is An Important Time in Children’s Lives

During the summer holiday season there is a subtle shift on early learning, with the focus on ‘being’ rather than ‘doing’. This can become an opportunity to experience a greater depth within relationships with all living things in the world around us.

The Benefits of Heuristic Play for Infants and Toddlers

Heuristic play is when babies and toddlers use real world objects, such as wooden spoons, containers, pots and pegs in their play to explore the properties of the objects. Is the object heavy or light? Does it make a sound? What is the texture?

Why Friendship, Connection and Safety are Vital To Children's Development

Children have the right to choose their own friends and safely connect with others.

Playing Games Are Serious Business

More than just a chance to have fun, playing games is serious business when it comes to a child's health and development.

Literacy - More Than Reading and Writing

Literacy is more than learning to read and write. Becoming literate also incorporates the development of essential language, cognitive, social and emotional skills as children interact and explore the world around them.

The Joy of Mud Play

While playing with mud, children are learning and testing theories, as well as developing foundational understanding of maths and literacy.

A Guide to Choosing the Right Table and Chairs for Your Child's Needs

Good ergonomics needs to start at an early age for health & wellbeing for life!

Outdoor Play For All Seasons

Outdoor play has many physical benefits - but it is also essential for social and emotional development too.

Learning Life Skills Through Pretend Play

Role play may appear to be a very simple activity, yet within it, young children learn practical life skills such as dressing themselves and learning how to care for and interact with others.

Self Expression Through Art & Craft

Making art and fostering creativity is important for the development of fundamental social and cognitive skills, including self expression.

Keeping Kids Connected Whilst Apart

Friendships nurture the soul. They provide us a listening ear, understanding, compassion, connection and joy. Regardless of our age, we all need a friend.

Challenging Our Minds With Puzzles

From early childhood right through to adulthood we love to play with puzzles, and the way they exercise our minds.

The Wonders of Discovery & Science with Children

Science education activities provide children with opportunities to develop and practice many different skills and attributes.

3 Ways Sensory & Tactile Play Supports Children's Emotional Development

We all know that sensory activities can be fun, but there are many benefits and learning experiences that support social and emotional development too.

Elements of the Perfect Block Play Areas for Children

Block Play is a favourite area for children's play, both indoors and outdoor. Read all about how adding a few key elements to these spaces can extend imagination, creativity and engagement between children and their peers.