Recommended Reading

Sustainability for Early Years
Not just all about worm farms and vegetable gardens 

Sustainability is the one standard in the NQF that needs to be embedded yet so often we hear that this is one of the areas settings struggle with. In this exciting professional development opportunity Niki shares some of her experiences and knowledge gained and shared while being involved in the highly successful Seedlings Early Years Education for Sustainability Project in Victoria. We will explore holistic sustainability, what this looks like in the early years and how this can be developed and documented in a child friendly and meaningful manner.
Recommended Reading

Children in Wild Nature, A practical guide to nature-based practice by Niki Buchan

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STEM Detectives - Lots of innovative, practical ideas. identifying the STEM in play

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STEM Detectives
Identifying STEM and the Arts in Children's play

STEM Detectives is a program that has been developed specifically for the Early Years Sector including Family Day Care, Long Day Care, Out of School Hours Care and Preschool Services. Our Professional Development sessions are flexible and can be tailored to meet your specific needs. 

Why STEM? We recognise that young children learn in an integrated way and that STEM play and learning can not happen without including the arts and other subjects such as literacy.  STEM subjects all involve scientific thinking skills which is why they have been grouped.   

In this inspiring course Niki helps you identify what children are doing as they play through the STEM magnifying glass; identifying scientific thinking, mathematical thinking, problem solving, engineering principles and technology (and we don’t just mean computers, tablets and apps!).  Once you know what to look for, you will see it everywhere!  STEM Detectives will then give you the tools and strategies you need to extend these concepts and provide opportunities for children to continue to develop a love of learning and of course STEM and the arts!

There are a number of STEM Detective courses available including:
  • Introduction to STEM
  • STEM for under 3s
  • Ultimate STEM environments
  • ​STEM in Nature
  • Make your own STEM resources
Suggested Resources
Children's Tools, Creative Loose Parts, Science Laboratories
Recommended Reading

Adventurous Play - developmentally appropriate play, challenging and stimulating play

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STEM Detectives - Lots of innovative, practical ideas. identifying the STEM in play

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The Joy of Stuff
Loose parts - children need Stuff to do Stuff with

Ironically, we are surrounded by an overwhelming abundance of toys, yet few encourage fantasy, imagination or engagement. In this session we will explore the Theory of Loose Parts, what are age appropriate resources and practical ways to offer these within a childcare environment.

​We will look at judging the play value of resources against the cost both financially and environmentally. Niki will share lots of practical ideas, both indoors and outdoors, on resources that are simple and affordable yet offer highly complex play and learning opportunities for children of all ages. Definitely a course to attend before buying any more toys.

Children need stuff to do stuff with. Stuff that can be used in any and every way by any and every child in any and every space. (Niki Buchan)
Suggested Resources
Creative Loose Parts

Creativity Beyond Arts and Crafts
Looking beyond templates and worksheets!

We believe children are born creative, this natural creativity is most evident in the younger children and sadly is often stifled by well meaning adults in a variety of ways.

In this motivational session we will explore different creative skills and how we as adults can nurture them as well as include the teaching of specific skills without diminishing natural creativity.

​Niki will share a range of practical suggestions and ideas on the presentation of creative opportunities including art, crafts, role play, cooking, construction and others in this inspirational workshop.
Suggested Resources
Loose Parts