A recent study done at the University of Sydney shows the positive effects parents/guardians can have on their child’s language development through specific techniques such as asking open-ended questions, allowing children to discuss things that are of interest to them personally as well as adults taking the time to pause and let children lead conversations.
Also in Australia, healthy habits are a topic of interest and research. “The Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Guidelines for Early Childhood Settings are part of the Commonwealth Government's Plan for Tackling Obesity and Plan for Early Childhood” (Early Childhood Australia 2011). These guidelines are evidence-based, realistic resources that will support healthy habits including eating and physical activities in young children attending early childhood education programs according to the details.
From exploring the Early Childhood Australia website, it is interesting to see that there are many of the same issues and trends of concern in Australia that we have here to America. From the quality assurance of childcare programs to childhood obesity, it was surprising to see many similarities. In thinking about this, it makes me want to attend an international early childhood conference so that I am able to soak in all of the best practices throughout the world and incorporate them into programs that will benefit children within my community.
Reference: Early Childhood Australia: http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/
Tasha,
ReplyDeleteAs I explored the European Early Chilhood Research website, I also found it interesting how many topics were similar to those we are pursueing in the United States. It sounds like Australia is experiencing some of the same early childhood issues too. It's surprising that they are concerned with childhood obesity and healthy habits because I though that was solely an American issue because of our lifestyles. Thanks for sharing!
Hello Tasha,
ReplyDeleteWow such an interesting blog. My heart goes out to the children who are without parents or guardians to care for them. Ending up in a detention center is such a drastic measure to be placed in. It's devastating to know that these children are experiencing this. Im glad that the Commissioner is making changes for the better for these orphaned children. They deserve a fighting chance at life regardless of the cards they were dealt in life. Thank you for sharing Tasha.
Tasha,
ReplyDeleteI am glad you chose to explore the Australian website. I find it fascinating that things that early childhood education professionals have been doing for years, such as open-ended questions and allowing children to lead conversations is just now being studied in the way parents interact with their children. I wonder if this will help to prove that early childhood education professionals really do know what we are talking about when it comes to providing the most appropriate education for young children. Thanks for posting this. I think it gives us all a boost.