ASELS

Mat time is the perfect window to turn healthy eating into an interactive group adventure, helping children build a positive relationship with foods through story, discussion and play. Educators can play food games, sing catchy food songs, and read books and hold discussions about food, healthy eating, healthy food behaviour, the health benefits of good nutrition, the food chain, and the digestive cycle (ending with p**p!).

Learning about food is fun! Children enjoy planting and harvesting easy-to-grow vegetables and herbs, milking animals, collecting eggs from hens, planning menus, cooking, pretend cooking through dramatic play, eating a rainbow of foods, making faces out of foods, food games such as guessing foods by their smell or taste, sensory food bins, and songs that involve foods.

Every nutrient-dense meal you provide today builds a stronger tomorrow. Focus on whole foods, colourful veggies, protein and essential fats to give children the ultimate head start.

Nutrition in the early years of life matters:
- 90% of brain development happens before the age of five
- Nutrients build a strong shield against illnesses and support brain development, bone and muscle growth, and physical strength
- Early food choices dictate lifelong eating patterns.

Introverted children often get along well with others who share their interests and preference for quiet activities with minimal stimulation. Educators can support friendships by offering activities and resources that interest the children and by encouraging play-dates outside of the centre by facilitating connections.

Support introverted children by validating their feelings and accepting their choices. Allow children to take their time entering group situations. Offer understanding and build trusting relationships through words, such as "I can see you're checking things out, that's fine".

Introverted children need downtime. Educators can plan for this in advance by including quiet activities in their educational program, such as reading, building, completing puzzles, painting or other artwork. They should also ensure there is a designated quiet corner for children to retreat when needed.

Whilst many introverts are social, time spent with others can be overstimulating. This can lead individuals to avoid large social gatherings in preference for time spent alone. This is not antisocial behaviour, but rather a response to how their brain is wired.

Who am I, and where do I fit in the world? Books are a powerful tool for supporting a child’s growing identity. During the early years, children are constantly figuring out who they are. Books act as mirrors and windows, helping children shape their sense of self, build confidence, and take pride in their unique heritage.

Here is how reading helps children discover themselves:
- Seeing Their World Reflected: Reading about characters with similar family structures, cultures, or names (like in ‘The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name’) validates a child's own lived experience and boosts self-esteem
- Exploring Unique Strengths: Storylines about characters overcoming obstacles help children identify their own personal values, resilience, and inner strengths
- Connecting to Culture and Country: Books like ‘Welcome to Our Country: Ceremony’ connect children to history and community, grounding their cultural identity and sense of belonging.

When we share these stories, we give children the permission and the vocabulary to proudly say, "This is who I am!"

Let's support our little readers as they write their own stories! Which book has resonated with your own life or identity?

How can we help our children build a world where everyone feels welcome? 🌍✨The Premiers’ Reading Challenge can be a platform for teaching children about diversity and inclusive behaviours. Books act as both mirrors and windows. They allow children to see their own lives reflected back at them, while opening a window into the lived experiences of others.

Here is how the challenge helps them embrace differences:
- Normalising Diverse Identities: Meeting characters from different cultural backgrounds, abilities, and family structures teaches children that diversity is normal
- Challenging Unfair Stereotypes: Inclusive stories break down biases before they start, encouraging open-mindedness
- Celebrating Diverse Perspectives: Reading about unique traditions and viewpoints shows children the value of different ways of living
- Inspiring Inclusive Actions: Watching characters welcome outsiders teaches children how to actively include others.

You can turn any book into a conversation about inclusion! Next time you read, ask: "How did the characters make others feel included?" or "What makes us unique, just like the people in this story?"

Let's read our way toward a kinder, more inclusive future! 👇 What books have helped your child/ren learn about different cultures or perspectives?