Togetherness has been an overwhelming focus throughout this entire year. We’ve had to work together to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve come together to support one another and we’ve achieved great things in Australia as a result. As educators and parents, it is our responsibility in particular to keep having conversations with children about togetherness. This includes equality, our rights and the rights of others, kindness and striving for a peaceful world. Just last week we celebrated and discussed Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June) and Sorry Day with children. And what beautiful and ..read more

Schools have reopened, parks are accessible again and we’re about to see restaurants opening their doors! While it feels like things are going back to normal, it’s still so vital that we don’t become complacent in the face of Covid-19. This goes for at home and at kindergartens and childcare centres too. Good hygiene practices, physical distancing measures and common sense are key to staying healthy and safe whilst reducing the spread of Covid-19 as well as other illnesses in the community. Hand sanitiser on entry and departure Whether you’re heading into a shop, childcare centre – anywhere re ..read more

After months and months of hard work, sweat and tears, our newly designed BonkersBeat.com website is about to go live! We are thrilled to not only help you to easily find lots of valuable content, but provide you with more practical tips, benefits and resources!  With plenty of free resources and support for educators and families, you’ll have more reasons than ever before to visit BonkersBeat.com! What’s New? Modern, clear and sexy design More features and benefits  Free access to the program for 30 days! Easier, user friendly navigation New Bonkers Beat Programs options More Educa ..read more

As the country and world start to ease restrictions and move forward with COVID-19 seen as part of life, being healthy is becoming even more crucial than ever before. There are many ways we can boost immunity and optimise the way our bodies function. In fact, they are so simple, you can incorporate them into every day! Make an effort in these four areas and you’ll be strengthening the immune systems of everyone in your family! Focus on whole foods: Vitamins and minerals from food are vital for a strong immune system. It can seem easy to reach for the pre-packaged foods, but they are often fill ..read more

Whether you’ve found being at home together a time to treasure, or the constant juggle a challenge, the time has come to start preparing for the transition back to school and kinder. It may be exciting for some, but it could also be scary, nerve-racking or sad for others. Children, educators and parents may need some extra support or strategies in place for managing wellbeing during the transition, whilst also adjusting to a new norm.  Keep an open line of communication More than ever, communication is essential. Keep talking to children about how they are feeling. Let them know that it i ..read more

By Robyn Papworth, Developmental Educator, Exercise Physiologist How does your body feel when you go for a walk? How does your mind feel after you’ve been dancing? How does your body feel while washing the dishes? How does your mind feel after spending time outside? For me, my body feels calm and stress-free after going for a walk. My mind feels excited and uplifted after dancing. My body feels stimulated and relaxed after washing the dishes. My mind feels at ease, and less anxious after being outdoors. “Our bodies are designed to move, our minds are designed to move, that’s why I am passionat ..read more

Mother’s Day is coming up on Sunday 10 May. This year it is just as important as ever to show mothers and the special women in our lives how much they are loved and appreciated. Each day we see the caring nature and willingness to help in mothers and women (this includes so many incredible early childhood educators!) and are continually in awe. We see women with incredible commitment to their families, their work and supporting those around them, and we see the heart and passion by which they are driven. This Mother’s Day we’ll be celebrating you all and sending out a big THANK YOU for all you ..read more

ANZAC Day, Saturday 25 April, is an important date in Australia’s history. Ordinarily many of us would attend a dawn service, to pay our respects to those who stood for the freedoms of Australia and its people, however this year will be different. There are still many ways we can commemorate the day and pay our respects, as well as explore concepts relating to ANZAC Day with children. Explaining ANZAC Day to children The key to discussing ANZAC Day with children is to focus on the broad themes of pride and commemoration, while keeping it simple. For example, we can talk about caring for one an ..read more

Whether you’re at home with a baby, toddler, pre-schooler or a school-aged child (or a combination of these!), working from with children is hard work. The coronavirus pandemic of 2020 has seen us all adapt to new way of living and working, as well as caring for our children. If you’re finding yourself struggling with the juggle of working from home with children by your side, we have a few tips to hopefully help you have more success with it. 1. Be patient and kind Firstly, be patient with yourself and with children during this unusual time. We’re all adjusting and it’s going to take some tri ..read more

Celebrating Easter in 2020 is not quite what we’re used to, is it? While Easter is usually about gathering with our families and friends, this year we must all stay positive and stay home. But that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy Easter! Just because we can’t physically be together with our loved ones, we can still use technology to share this special time of year. From video calls from your smartphone, to Zoom and Skype on the computer, or just a humble chat on the phone, connecting with family and friends in a meaningful way is still achievable. Whether you’re celebrating Easter this w ..read more