“ Loose parts play ” is an architectural concept from the 1970’s currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity in the early years learning curriculum framework. This development is enjoying burgeoning popularity in childcare centres and kindergartens across Australia. Early educator are choosing to embrace ideas of empowerment, creativity and self-directed learning. We believe that children are never too young to engage their minds through play, and we love seeing little people imagining big ideas!
Loose parts play is effectively ‘junk drawer play’ but on a much larger scale. It involves all the bits and bobs and odds and ends of life that adults struggle to find multiple purposes for.Children, however, are the masters of imagination and creativity. With supervision and the slightest adult facilitation, they can turn what we would see as a pile of rubbish into a wonderland. Secret tunnels, magic portals, precious gemstones and buried treasure take their place alongside makeshift transportation, musical instruments and construction vehicles.No idea is wrong. No idea is too big or too small or out of place. Everything can shift and change and flow with the reversal of expectations and the removal of ‘rules’. It’s this very concept of a positive sense of self that links loose parts play directly to the Little Scholars philosophy of learning.
Loose parts play is a revolution for the burgeoning development of a child’s thinking processes. Our educators do not tell children ‘how’ to do things, only that they may do what they like. This means that sometimes materials are used in ways that adults would not have expected. This subversion of expectation creates a dynamic in which the children are in charge and they are permitted to let their imaginations run wild, forming a vital part of their early learning curriculum.
Learn more about Loose Parts Play by downloading this guide by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority.
Our centres provide a wide variety of materials for loose play learning. We check every item for safety (no loose nails or splinters etc). From there, the learning is at the direction of the child. You might find the following items in a loose parts play environment. We encourage parents and carers to add anything they feel might be suitable for this wonderful explosion of delight and design.
Little Scholars are an innovative educational experience for children in their early years.
Contact us today to discuss your child’s enrolment. We give your child more than just supervision.
Our centres provide creative and intellectually stimulating activities for early learners of all ages. Give your child the very best during this important developmental stage.
There’s nothing like a three year old with a transport obsession! Plane, ship and train spotting is an excellent way to encourage your child’s interests whilst creating an engaging, contextual learning experience that can connect their early learning centre activities to the real world. Your child’s interests in transportation and machinery will have been noticed by their early education teachers and encouraged. You can expand on their excellent work by crafting a family day out that everyone will enjoy.
Here are the best places to go train spotting in the South-East Queensland region. Train spotting in Brisbane isn’t just limited to the electric train system. The Caboolture line especially boasts a broad variety of freight trains, long distance passenger trains and even the odd diesel. Anyone with a Thomas obsessed kid will know all about diesels! Thomas lovers may also enjoy a day trip out to the old turntable in Imbil. If you want to take the train spotting experience further, you can always book a Steam Train Sunday ticket or ride the Valley Rattler historical park in Gympie.
Got an eagle-eyed toddler in love with planes? Here is where you can take them to spot planes near Brisbane.
Don’t forget the wonderful Sir Charles Kingsford Smith Memorial near Brisbane Airport. The memorial features The Southern Cross aeroplane, carefully preserved for eager aviation enthusiasts, displayed in a giant hanger. It’s open 24/7 and is completely free. Learn more here.
There are a number of excellent vantage points from which young learners can see enormous ships. Any coastal point that you can find is going to offer many opportunities to spot a variety of ships. A fun idea for Brisbane families is to head to the P&O Docks at Hamilton to see the huge cruise liners come in to port. Imagine the look on your child’s face as they are completely dwarfed by the ship of their dreams! This spot offers a plethora of family-friendly dining and activity options in the surrounding areas to cap off a wonderful family day out.
Anywhere along Bramble Bay and on the Redcliffe Peninsula will offer little ship spotters great views of cruise ships and freighters coming in and out of port. You can also take a drive out to the Port of Brisbane to see these giants up close.
To truly pique little interests, toddlers love a visit to the Queensland Maritime Museum where they can get up close and personal with a variety of different vessels.
Becoming involved in, and planning activities around, your child’s interests is not only an excellent way to connect their learning between home and school but to create special moments together that can sometimes be lost in the grind of the day-to-day.
Looking for other great ideas for your toddler this weekend? Check out our guide to toddler friendly bushwalking!
Looking for the right childcare experience for your little plane spotters? At Little Scholars, we believe in embracing your child’s natural curiousity and helping them to develop interests. Tour our centres across Brisbane and The Gold Coast to see how we do early learning better.
Now more than ever, it is of the upmost importance that we foster sustainability for children. The banning of plastic bags from supermarkets, the cultural shift towards upcycling and repurposing and our renewed focus on the environment means that our children are well on their way to becoming the eco-warriors of the next generation.
Little Scholars places a lot of importance on the need to create a sustainable world. It is at the very core of our curriculum – particularly our Small Green Steps Program. We recycle our resources, conserve our water and practice energy efficiency. Our cleaning products are made from natural ingredients and come straight from organic sources. The gorgeous campuses made of sustainable material blend effortlessly with our breath-taking natural surrounds and we ensure there is a little of the environment within everything we do.
These are lessons that you can take home with you as well. Sustainability in early learning can very easily become sustainability in the home. Here are some ideas for embracing these concepts on your own property.
Allow your toddler to take part in the recycling activities that you do as part of your time with them. When it is time for the weekend shop, ask them to collect your green bags and put them in the boot of the car. During shopping, talk them through your choices and try to stay away from the over-use of plastic wrapping.
Not really a green thumb? That doesn’t matter. What does matter is allowing your child to become involved in planting and gardening. Little Scholars has woven gardening into the curriculum. Continuing the message at home is an ideal introduction to sustainability for little ones. Vegetables on an apartment balcony, flowers in a window sill – doesn’t matter. Choose the plant, tend to the plant, watch it grow. You might just be planting the seed of sustainability that could last a lifetime.
Put a stop to ‘throw away’ culture in your house. Ask your child to collect any old or unwanted toys and take them to the Op Shop together. Take a drab old bookshelf and paint it crazy colours to give it a new life. Turn ripped and torn old shirts into cleaning cloths, dress up clothes or crazy headbands.
At Little Scholars, we believe that sustainability in childcare is an important stepping stone towards creating environmentally aware citizens of the future. Find out how our program incorporates sustainability for children and much, much more.
From about eight months of age, baby is ready for some creative play with your help and guidance. Baby can now lift and hold things and is starting to explore more. Baby play is all about learning new things and there are lots of things to start showing and teaching baby. Encouraging and creating lots of baby play environments will assist them in continuing to develop their fine and gross motor skills, language and visual perception play.
Finger painting is a wonderful place to start your baby play fun. If you are concerned about your little one eating the paint, you can make your own safe finger paints easily by mixing baby rice cereal as per instructions and then adding a little food colouring. Sit baby in their high chair, in the bath or even outside with some paper and finger paints and let them explore the colours and textures.
If you are after a less messy baby play idea, why not try stickers? Stickers are fun to watch baby interact with. You will need to help baby remove them from the backing sheet but they are often fascinated with stickers sticking to their hands, feet and clothes. Once baby learns that they stick where you put them, give them some paper and start sticking them on. Stickers are great for fine motor skills. Keep some handy in your bag for times when you need to keep baby entertained when out and about.
Bowls, cups and spoons are an easy, instant baby play idea – and great for when you are in the kitchen and baby wants to come, too. Sit baby on the floor with a variety of metal, plastic and wooden tools like spoons, cups and bowls and show baby how to play. Stack and knock over the cups, use the spoons as drumsticks and even put all the spoons in a bowl and tip them out again. Babies love to make noise so banging a spoon on a bowl or saucepan is a favourite way to play.
Playdough is wonderful fun for babies from about eight or nine months old and is an activity that children find engaging well into primary school. Each developmental stage has new benefits of using playdough. Starting out with playdough is more about poking and prodding. Roll some balls with the play dough and show baby how to bang them flat with their hands. Squish some playdough and give them some tools and just let them dig, stab and smoosh it. Playdough can be purchased ready-made or you may like to make a big batch at home. Just remember to make it non-toxic in case baby decides to give it a taste test!
Discover how the unique curriculum at Little Scholars can enhance your child’s development. Contact us today.
Personalised service, extra-curricular programs, innovation and creativity. Healthy meals, happy educators and supportive administration. When looking for ‘the best childcare centre near me’ in far north Brisbane, the Deception Bay childcare branch of Little Scholars is head and shoulders above the rest.
So what’s the Little Scholars Difference?
The Little Scholars difference really comes down to you. The needs of parents and their children was considered above all else when it came to design, curriculum, innovation, meal planning and the million-and-one extras that give Little Scholars centres that special touch. This is a childcare program that has children and their parents firmly at the centre of all decision-making. This is a true best practice educational environment and you’ll be able to tell that on your very first tour of the Deception Bay childcare centre.
All the Little Scholars centres offer:
Interested in Little Scholars? You can arrange a personalised tour here.
All childcare centres must pass strict guidelines to do with quality of care and deliverance of a learning framework. As parents, it can be confusing to know which centres are best meeting those guidelines and perhaps exceeding them wherever possible. The wonderful thing about Deception Bay childcare is that parents are offered choice. This is the choice and the opportunity to give your child the best step forward in terms of their educational, social and emotional development. And at Little Scholars, the uniquely engaging and enriching programs on offer make them exceptional by anyone’s standards.
If you have the very best on your doorstep, you owe it to yourself to consider what life would be like if you were a Little Scholars family.
Are you currently searching “childcare centre near me”? Let us show you how incredible Deception Bay childcare can really be. Arrange your Little Scholars tour today!
The decision to enrol children in a reputable, high-quality childcare environment is no longer just to do with the working life of their parents. Increasingly, it’s become an active choice for fostering child development, socialisation and the gathering of real-world practical skills that will positively impact a child’s future academic pathways.
Good early learning and pre-school programs encourage babies and toddlers to become active participants in the world around them. A kindergarten program school transition that follows a set of academic standards, supported by carefully chosen resources and highly-trained staff, has statistically demonstrated increased levels of numeracy and literacy by the time children reach formal schooling. Early childhood care that is lovingly and thoughtfully crafted to ensure best possible outcomes for children provides them with a stepping stone into their primary school education (and beyond) that may not be possible if they were taught purely in a home environment.
”{Childcare} offers long-lasting social, economic and academic benefits for kids and their parents. Studies have shown that children, including babies and infants from the ages of 6 months to 4 years, benefit from the {childcare} environment, including its quality instruction, structure and social lessons.”
– 6 Benefits of Daycare for Young Children, The Childcare Advantage.
Not only is child development enhanced by attending childcare but securing children into an excellent childcare and kindergarten environment can also increase the social support network for parents themselves. The ability to speak to, empathise and make connections with like-minded parents not only provides children with weekend play-date opportunities but the parents themselves are given a much-needed social lifeline.
The Raising Children Network offers parents a glimpse at typical child development milestones. As with any resource, these should be read as a guide instead of a prescriptive map of behaviour.
Many of these milestones can be developed at a greater rate by engagement with highly trained childcare professional educators supported by an innovative and exciting early years learning program. Little Scholars prides itself on delivering the utmost care to the young people who attend its centres across South-East Queensland.
Babies will be encouraged to develop their movement, vision, speech and language and social behaviour through a gentle, compassionate early years program.
Toddlers will work on their emotional development under the watchful eye of trained educators. Their speech development, cognitive leaps and play-based learning will be encouraged through a curriculum designed to promote each child’s abilities.
Children embarking on their kindergarten program will be presented with a range of activities, including key extra-curricular involvement, that will allow them to be learners who question and interact with the world around them rather than passive engagement.
If you’d like to know more about how Little Scholars benefits child development and learning, book a tour today to see our unique curriculum in action.
When considering the pros and cons and googling ‘childcare near me’, look at your current situation and potential future situation then consider all scenarios. Could a new job be on the horizon, a new baby or a sibling attending school? These are just a few things that will impact the decision you make on childcare location.
Click here to find a Little Scholars Childcare near you or your workplace.
Introducing young children, particularly toddlers, to the beauty and fun of natural swimming holes is like opening up a photo album of your own youth. The gorgeous, untouched glory of the wide variety of waterfalls Brisbane region has to offer cuts through any over-dependence on screens and phones within seconds. Be transported to a different time by the whipping sounds of native birds, the crispness of the air and the cold lick of the swimming holes on the backs of your legs. It was a simpler time, when kids were kids.
Here’s where you can go to grab a slice of Brisbane waterfalls magic for yourself.
It would be impossible to include every last natural swimming hole in South-East Queensland. We are incredibly lucky to find ourselves living in such an ecologically diverse environment. The information collated below was chosen because of the toddler and small child-friendly nature of the landscapes. Larger, deeper swimming holes have not been included.
Please also consider the following points when travelling to the waterfalls Brisbane has to offer.
There are no lifeguards on patrol at any natural swimming holes. The safety of your children is entirely your responsibility. They must be appropriately supervised at all times, never leave your sight and be encouraged to behave and play safely.
It is the firm belief of Little Scholars to engage positively and respectfully with the environment. Do not leave rubbish in or around swimming holes – take it with you. Obey all signage and ensure that you leave the area as beautiful as it was when you found it.
This is one that not many have heard of. Lees Road Crossing in Dayboro is just within reach of Brisbane and offers a plethora of places to sit calmly and watch the world float by. There are shallow spots for toddlers to splash and play and plenty to explore.
Families with young children will be heading to the Sunshine Coast (near Maleny) to find the wonderful Gardners Falls. A shallow rockpool awaits toddlers and small kids and there is plenty of shade to be found for happy travellers. Bring the camera as this is a natural setting you won’t want to forget, set to the soundtrack of gorgeous native birds.
The falls themselves are surrounded by many different rock ledges but the rock pools are definitely going to hold the most appeal for your toddlers. Of note is the short walk from the carpark to the water as well – easy, accessible, brilliant.
Perhaps the most iconic Brisbane swimming hole, Cedar Creek has entertained generations of Brisbane families. Halls Road Crossing is the best choice for families with toddlers as there is a wide variety of wildlife as well as safe land to walk around on (but there are no toilets). You must ensure you wear appropriate foot wear at all times (even in the water) as this is quite a rocky area.
Andy William’s Park has plenty of rock paddling pools for toddlers as well as picnic facilities.
This swimming spot can be found on the Gold Coast near Thunderbird Park. Once the steps and paths are negotiated (potentially a little difficult for small legs but some help from mum and dad should do it), you’ll come across three separate rock pools that offer delightful swimming opportunities for any age or ability. There are lower rock pools that are more suitable to small ones as the top one is quite deep.
This is a very natural setting – there are no bathroom facilities or rubbish bins. There is, however, opportunity to have a picnic or use one of the BBQs.
Visiting this waterfall involves a drive north. It’s found in the Sunshine Coast hinterland (near Montville) inside the borders of the Kondalilla National Park. Admittedly, there is a steep descent from the carpark to the water which must be taken into consideration depending on who is in your group.
Once you get here, it’s definitely worth it. The falls themselves tumble down four metres of rockface – making this one of the most gorgeous sites you’re going to see outside of a picture book. The swimming hole is absolutely beautiful and the kids will simply love it.
If you’re feeling particularly energetic (or you have older kids who need wearing out), there is a walking track that traverses about 5km and includes 100 steep stairs. Ensure you have appropriate sun coverage as well as food and drink.
This is an easily accessible spot for families with young children. It’s a mere half hour or so from the CBD. There are shallow waters for splashing and exploring that are just perfect for toddlers and little ones. The water is clean and mostly clear, and there are plenty of shady spots to spread out a picnic blanket and make the most of the day.
Sustainability lovers and nature explorers of Little Scholars will be thrilled by the amount of wildlife that can be found at Bunya Crossing Reserve. Ducks, lots of fish, marsupials and cheeky tadpoles are just waiting to be examined!
This idyllic spot borders the South Pine River and is set back in a secluded, natural setting. Close by the carpark, you’ll find a wonderful rock pool area that almost seems like it was designed for toddlers to play in.
This is the perfect way to spend time with the family, all while not spending any money. Ensure that sun protection and personal safety are accounted for and that you take all rubbish with you when you leave.
When you’re done exploring waterfalls, Brisbane childcare excellence is waiting to be discovered. Learn how our early learning program inspires environmental awareness in little ones. Contact us today.
The Gold Coast is ripe with opportunities for healthy, outdoor family fun. You’ll be bombarded with suggestions for theme parks and the like but if you’re looking for more creative things to do on the Gold Coast with toddlers, the following suggestions are bound to make for some excellent memories.
The best bet is to head to Harley Park and Ian Dipple Lagoon (Broadwater). Charis Seafood does daily pelican feedings at about 1.30pm every day. The clever birds start massing an hour or so before (they must have watches in their massive beaks). This is an exciting and impressive activity that little kids will enjoy as they take in the wonderous size and amusing antics of these impressive water birds.
This is not an editing error! Bushwalking with a toddler in tow is possible and it can be enjoyable as well, as long as you’re prepared.
Bushwalking provides toddlers and young children with the opportunity to exercise in an entirely natural setting. It promotes an appreciation of the beautiful natural settings that we often take for granted in Australia and it’s an excellent way to spend some quality time together as a family.
The best locations for bushwalking with young children on the Gold Coast are:
The big theme parks have the crowd, the prices and the plastic. If that’s exactly what you’re hoping to avoid with your little ones, take heart! There are a number of fantastic family-friendly venues on the Gold Coast that promote sustainability and conservation. They provide families with animal experiences in a natural, respectful way that sets up a lifetime appreciation for the wonderful creatures we share our world with. These can make for excellent days out and really are one of the best things to do with toddlers on the Gold Coast.
Places you can take toddlers to see animals on the Gold Coast:
How can nature and creativity enhance your child’s learning? Contact Little Scholars today to find out how.
If you’re looking for a Gold Coast childcare centre, we know how important it is to find the right fit. At Little Scholars, we have two highly regarded childcare and early education centres at Ashmore and Nerang. In addition to the uniquely enriching and premium service Little Scholars provides, each of our Gold Coast centres have their own unique benefits.
At Little Scholars Ashmore, one of our two Gold Coast Childcare centres, we’ve taken advantage of the leafy surrounds and incorporated them into the centre. Vegetable patches, rainforest walk, gardens, sprawling lawns and sand play scapes aim to encourage children to nurture and explore the environment. There are so many wonderful areas for play, imagination and story time at Ashmore including large mature trees, huge timber decks and play equipment. No matter the weather, all children from zero to five years old, can enjoy the natural surrounds through the floor to ceiling windows in the centre. Other key features of Little Scholars Ashmore include:
If you’re looking for a home away from home for your children and a centre focused on good old-fashioned play, Little Scholars Nerang is for you. The layout has been intentionally designed to nurture the physical, emotional, cognitive and social aspects of children from 15 months to 5 years. With three flowing classrooms and a specially designed water park, loose part environment for construction and an art space, children can engage with whatever sparks their interest. Other key features of Little Scholars Nerang include:
Reviews by parents
But don’t just take our word for it! Find out what parents are saying about Little Scholars childcare centres.
“Beautiful centre and friendly staff!” – Jay Luckie [Nerang]
“Little Scholars Ashmore is an amazing centre with wonderful staff thank you all. My son Leo has learnt so much since starting and he has grown so much more confidence in himself. He loves coming to daycare all thanks to the Amazing Staff great job.” – Robbie-lee Ryder
“This is by far the best centre we have been to. My 8mo loves her carers and always comes home happy… the carers do so many activities with the kids and send photos home of their day! The facilities are clean and well maintained inside and out. So happy we chose little scholars Ashmore!” – Karmelle Boehme
“Wow this Centre has transformed into something so special. The children have such a wonderful set up both for their outdoor environment, with a private yard for the babies. I went to have a look at their brand new nursery that has just opened. What a beautiful environment for a baby to learn through their play. Just beautiful. This centre is fantastic and provides all meals and nappies.” – Kristy B.
Book A Tour Today
Discover for yourself why more families are choosing Little Scholars as their Gold Coast childcare centre. Make an appointment for a personal guided tour – the coffee’s on us!
At Little Scholars School of Early Learning, we’re dedicated to shaping bright futures and instilling a lifelong passion for learning. With our strategically located childcare centres in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, we provide tailored educational experiences designed to foster your child’s holistic development.
Let us hold your hand and help looking for a child care centre. Leave your details with us and we’ll be in contact to arrange a time for a ‘Campus Tour’ and we will answer any questions you might have!
