Category: Resources

e-books, useful templates, inforgraphics, cheat sheets and other wonderful early childhood educator resources

Paint samples or paint swatches from Bunnings as a resource for early childhood educators

~ storykate ~ Leave a comment

Paint samples from Bunnings can be a fun and creative resource for early childhood learning activities. 

Extra bonus – they are free! You can start collecting them over time or get the whole batch from resource rescue or similar recycling store. 

Here are some ideas to use paint samples in the classroom or at home:

1. Colour Sorting and Matching:

Use the paint samples to teach colours to young children. Have them sort the paint samples into different color groups or match them to corresponding objects or items in the classroom.

2. DIY Colour Wheel: Create a large colour wheel using various paint samples. Children can arrange the colors in a circular pattern to understand colour relationships and primary/secondary colors.

3. Name Recognition: Write each child’s name on a paint sample, and have them find their name among the colourful cards. It’s an interactive and personalized way to practice name recognition.

4. Pattern Making: Cut the paint samples into different shapes and colours. Encourage children to create patterns by arranging the shapes in specific sequences (e.g., ABAB, ABCABC).

5. Texture Exploration: Discuss the different textures of paint samples with children. Some might be glossy, while others may have a matte finish. Let them feel and compare the textures.

6. Counting and Math: Use paint samples as manipulatives for counting exercises. Children can stack the samples to represent numbers or perform basic addition and subtraction activities.

7. Alphabet Matching: Write uppercase and lowercase letters on separate paint samples. Have children match the uppercase and lowercase pairs together.

8. Storytelling and Creativity: Encourage children to use the paint samples as prompts for storytelling or artwork. They can choose a colour and create a story or draw something inspired by that colour.

9. Environmental Awareness: Discuss the importance of reusing and recycling materials. Paint samples are a great example of repurposing materials, and children can learn about sustainability through hands-on activities.

10. Sensory Exploration: Arrange the paint samples in a sensory bin filled with rice, sand, or beans. Children can explore the different colours and textures through touch and play.

Remember to supervise young children during these activities, especially if scissors are involved.

Storykate Curated Booklist

~ storykate ~ Leave a comment

Looking for some great books to read to children during group times?

Say goodbye to the hassle of searching for the perfect story for circle times! I handpicked each book based on its engaging storytelling, captivating illustrations, and positive themes.

Every title in our curated booklist has been chosen with the intention of fostering a love for reading and sparking the imagination. But that’s not all! In addition to our thoughtfully curated booklist, Storykate offers additional resources and tips to enhance your story times. From discussion prompts and extension activities to creative storytelling techniques, we provide you with the support you need to make your story times truly exceptional.

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https://payhip.com/b/FYsab

Cheers, Storykate

Mind Mapping for early childhood educators – the ultimate guide

~ storykate ~ Leave a comment

Dear Educators! I am very excited to share the first detailed step-by-step guide to mind mapping in early childhood education for early childhood educators and teachers. It is only 10 AUD and is available to download via this link!

https://payhip.com/b/6IsJE

Get your ultimate guide to Mind Mapping for educators! This is especially useful for mind mapping in early childhood education.

I also created a video Using Mind Maps (Webbing) for Planning:

Watch the video here

https://youtu.be/8pVyoR7AFnQ?si=7fFwShyttZ3rd2kv

Introduction to Mind Mapping (Webbing)

  • In this video, I talk about how to use mind maps (also referred to as webbing) as a tool for planning educational activities, particularly in early childhood settings. This is a crucial method for mind mapping in early childhood education.
  • Webbing and Mind Mapping – these two terms are used interchangeably in the video. Both involve creating a diagram where ideas branch out from a central topic, helping to organize and plan.

Examples of Mind Maps

  • One example shown involves using a mind map to explore different ways to approach a butterfly-related project. Ideas included using dance (with scarves to mimic wings), art projects (such as making butterfly wings or mosaics), dramatic play, and studying the butterfly life cycle.
  • Another example is a more complex mind map about tyres. This map explores various questions children might ask, such as why tyres are black, their environmental impact, how they are made, and whether they can be recycled. Both examples are great for mind mapping in early childhood education.

Creating Mind Maps for Outdoor Activity Planning

  • Central Idea: In this part of the video, the educator creates a mind map with a central idea of planning activities for an outdoor area.
  • Branching Ideas: From this central idea, branches include different types of equipment and activities:
    • Balls: Different sizes and textures.
    • Hula Hoops: Branches for materials (wood, plastic) and games.
    • Pool Noodles: Ideas for obstacle courses and dancing activities.
    • Bubbles: Set up a bubble station where children can make bubble solutions and wands.
    • Bean Bags: Use them for fundamental movement skills, balance activities, and games.

Further Ideas for Outdoor Play

  • Dramatic Play – suggestions for integrating dramatic play outdoors, such as setting up:
    • A car wash with bicycles and ride-on cars.
    • A picnic area, camping spot, or sandpit for “pie-making.”
    • A potion station for children to create “witches’ potions.”
    • A farmers’ market or simple shop using recycled materials.

Benefits of Mind Mapping for Planning

  • Idea Generation: Mind mapping allows educators to quickly come up with a variety of ideas and expand on them creatively.
  • Organisation: It helps to visually organize thoughts and plan different aspects of activities, making the process of planning more efficient and structured.

Conclusion

  • Mind maps are a powerful tool for brainstorming, planning, and organizing educational activities.
  • I encourage educators to use mind maps in their planning.

Are you using concept mapping, mind mapping in early childhood education?

How do I teach early childhood students to do observations?