Growing Minds Blog | Sensory Play, Education & More

Why I Stopped Saying "Be Careful" (and What I Say Instead)

Why I Stopped Saying "Be Careful" (and What I S...

"Be careful" used to fly out of my mouth on repeat - until I saw it freeze my toddler mid-play. Here’s the quick, practical swap: short, specific phrases that teach...

Why I Stopped Saying "Be Careful" (and What I S...

"Be careful" used to fly out of my mouth on repeat - until I saw it freeze my toddler mid-play. Here’s the quick, practical swap: short, specific phrases that teach...

The Importance of Risky Play in Early Childhood Development. An Expert Guide for Parents and Educators.

The Importance of Risky Play in Early Childhood...

Risky play is an irreplaceable part of childhood that nurtures the whole child; body, mind, and spirit. As parents and educators, our role is not to eliminate risk, but to...

The Importance of Risky Play in Early Childhood...

Risky play is an irreplaceable part of childhood that nurtures the whole child; body, mind, and spirit. As parents and educators, our role is not to eliminate risk, but to...

Embedding Culture Through Play: Inside My NAIDOC Week Toy Room Refresh

Embedding Culture Through Play: Inside My NAIDO...

From Professional Practice to Home Truths As someone who has both taught and trained educators, I know how tempting it can be to "cover" a celebration week with a poster...

Embedding Culture Through Play: Inside My NAIDO...

From Professional Practice to Home Truths As someone who has both taught and trained educators, I know how tempting it can be to "cover" a celebration week with a poster...

How to Celebrate NAIDOC Week Through Sensory Play (at Home or in the Classroom)

How to Celebrate NAIDOC Week Through Sensory Pl...

For young children, sensory play is one of the most powerful tools for learning, and when paired with culturally respectful resources, it can help foster deep connections with Country, nature,...

How to Celebrate NAIDOC Week Through Sensory Pl...

For young children, sensory play is one of the most powerful tools for learning, and when paired with culturally respectful resources, it can help foster deep connections with Country, nature,...

❄ Frozen Worlds & Imaginative Rescue: Why Small World Sensory Play Matters

❄ Frozen Worlds & Imaginative Rescue: Why Smal...

Discover the developmental benefits of small world sensory play with this frozen arctic rescue setup. Easy to create, engaging for toddlers, and perfect for building imagination, regulation, and early learning...

❄ Frozen Worlds & Imaginative Rescue: Why Smal...

Discover the developmental benefits of small world sensory play with this frozen arctic rescue setup. Easy to create, engaging for toddlers, and perfect for building imagination, regulation, and early learning...

🧠 The Power of Scaffolding: Why Stepping Back Can Be Just as Powerful as Stepping In

🧠 The Power of Scaffolding: Why Stepping Back C...

Discover how scaffolding supports early learning and independence in toddlers, with expert tips for parents and educators based on EYLF and Vygotsky.

🧠 The Power of Scaffolding: Why Stepping Back C...

Discover how scaffolding supports early learning and independence in toddlers, with expert tips for parents and educators based on EYLF and Vygotsky.