Butler Buzz
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EYLF Activities to Develop Gross Motor Skills 0-5 Years
In the first two years of life, children are rapidly developing their gross motor skills. Here are some activities tailored to 0-5 year olds that are linked to the Early Years Learning Framework. -
Nurturing Young Minds: Challenges of Teaching Sustainability in ECEC Programs
Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) plays a pivotal role in shaping young minds and fostering lifelong learning. One of the critical lessons we aim to instill in our young learners today is the importance of sustainable practices. However, integrating sustainability into ECEC programs comes with its own set of unique challenges. -
Linking EYLF and MTOP Practices to Theorists
Here's another quick reference guide. This time to help you link the EYLF and MTOP practices with Theorists in Early Childhood Development. Perfect for your programming, reflections, and learning stories!
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Linking EYLF and MTOP Principles to Theorists
Here is a quick reference guide to help you link the EYLF and MTOP principles with Theorists in Early Childhood Development. Perfect for your programming, reflections, and learning stories!
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A Guide to Writing Observations in Early Childhood Education
The practice of documenting observations is a cornerstone in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). These observations serve multiple purposes, from mapping a child's developmental milestones to identifying their interests and skills. Moreover, observations lay the groundwork for effective programming and are instrumental in maintaining quality as delineated by frameworks like the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the National Quality Standards (NQS). -
Your job simplified...
For just $1.15 a week you can simplify your job or enjoy just 2 apples a week... not even an apple a day... The key to the Weekly Programming and Reflection Child Educator Diary comes down to saving. With our experience in ECEC and customer and assessor feedback, we have designed and perfected the Butler Method designed to save in more ways than one. -
Digital vs. Paper: What's Right for your Service?
The question of sustainability in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) is more relevant now than ever. We were recently asked, "Wouldn’t it be more sustainable on digital media rather than all that paper?" It's an important question, and one that deserves a nuanced answer.
It's no secret that digital platforms have made significant inroads in various sectors, including education. Many customers, recognising the environmental and efficiency gains, opt for digital documentation or even a blend of digital and paper-based methods.
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Sustainability Prompts for your ECEC
It is pretty common now that most people recognise and even celebrate sustainable practices. This is no different in Early Childhood Education and Care. The industry places a heavy priority on Sustainable Practices and recognises your important role of inspiring the new generation in our collective responsibility. Early Childhood Education and Care has the opportunity to pave the way for a sustainable future.
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"Streamline practice and compliance": A Case Study
We asked our wonderful long term customers, Angel Tots Early Learning Centre, to share with us how Butler Diaries are used inside their service and they provided some amazing insights into compliance, streamlining practice, and creating tailored and individualised programs for the children in their care. -
STEM Experiences for Science Week
We love Science Week! What a great excuse to get dirty, ask questions, enjoy being wrong, and learn something new! Here are awesome STEM experiences you can try for Science Week. -
ACECQA OSHC Documentation Changes
By now, you've probably heard about the changes to OSHC Documentation that came into effect as of 1 July 2023 for South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria (for Western Australia check legislation for commencement date). We know! So many changes to tackle in one year! But don't worry, we are here to support you and reduce compliance confusion.
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NQF Changes to Know About
So much has changed this year! Don't fall behind... Here is a recap of all the NQF changes to know about. -
NAIDOC Week and Beyond
NAIDOC Week is a significant event in Australia that celebrates the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. For educators in early childhood education, this annual observance offers a valuable opportunity to engage young children in learning about Indigenous cultures, fostering respect, and promoting reconciliation. In this article, we explore NAIDOC Week using a EYLF lens and provide program suggestions and examples. Download your Free Programming Spread Example here.
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Early Childhood and Development: EYLF and NQS
Early childhood development is a crucial period that lays the foundation for a child's future growth and success. During this period, children go through significant changes in their physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development. In this article, we will discuss the critical developmental milestones that children go through during early childhood, in the context of the Early Years Learning Framework and the National Quality Standards.
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What's new: Diary and Resource Changes
What a big start to 2023 with the introduction of the new Frameworks. We have redesigned our Diaries and introduced new resources to represent the new Early Years Learning Framework and My Time Our Place Framework. While redesigning, we also took a look at our current Diaries to simplify and make documentation clearer. Find out what's new at Butler Diaries!
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Early Childhood and Technology: The Role in Early Learning Centres
Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, and it is inevitable that it will continue to play a significant role in shaping our future. The use of technology in early childhood education has become a topic of debate among parents, educators, and policy-makers. Some argue that technology should be integrated into early childhood learning, while others believe it can have negative effects on child development. In this article, we will explore the Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Standards and their recommendations for the use of technology in early childhood education. -
2023/2024 Financial Year Diaries
Are you looking for 2023/2024 Financial Year Diaries? We’ve got some big news for you! We have listened to feedback and are happy to announce you can expect something new and better in 2024!
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MTOP and EYLF Planning Cycle Explained: V2.0
Here we have another article from our EYLF and MTOP V2.0 Series that explains the MTOP and EYLF V2.0 Planning Cycle. As well as explaining the EYLF Planning Cycle, we break down the process and walk you through examples.
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Updated EYLF and MTOP V2.0 Learning Outcomes for your Weekly Programming and Reflection Diary
Your Programming and Reflection Pack just got bigger! Not only does it include Print-Ready Photo Evidence for your Weekly Programming and Reflection Diary, but it now also includes an Updated EYLF and MTOP V2.0 Learning Outcome template so you can start using the V2.0 Frameworks now. Yes, we are continuing the goal of no more sticky fingers!
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5 Stimulating Easter STEM Experiences (with links to EYLF) to do in your Early Learning Centre
Easter is a time for celebration, fun and learning! It is also a great opportunity to engage young children in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) experiences. STEM experiences help children develop critical thinking skills, creativity, problem-solving skills, and teamwork. Here are ten STEM experiences that are perfect for early childhood education and care services during the Easter season. -
The Evidence Behind the Culturally Responsive Calendar
Our Culturally Responsive Year is a monthly calendar designed to highlight the culturally competent and responsive practices carried out in the ECE Setting. It is a monthly reminder to actively involve children in cultural practices and activities as well as a record of the experiences for parents and assessors to view. It supports you to "build it in" rather than "bolt it on" to your program and practice. Write stories, draw pictures, or stick in photos to document your month and maintain a record of experiences for parents and assessors to view. -
Tips for Reflecting on Intentional Teaching
Intentional teaching involves "deliberate, purposeful and thoughtful" decisions in your environments, interactions and children's learning. The documentation you keep must show intentional teaching practices at its core. Here we break down Intentional Teaching Strategies and reflecting on these in your Weekly Programming and Reflection Diaries. -
"Beautiful and Visually Appealing": A Case Study
We love seeing the different ways educators are adding their own personality to their documentation. We checked out the Torquay Kids' teams Diaries and saw how educators are using different methods such as highlighting and photos to complete planning and reflections. -
"It's doing your work for you" A Case Study
"I don't know where it has been all my life."
Leanne is a veteran Educator in the industry for nearly 40 years. As a relief worker, she visits many centres with different philosophies and practices. When asked about her practice and method, she points to the Butler Method supporting her in her programming and practice. Leanne feels the Butler Method has simplified her documentation and helped her meet her obligations. She has described the diary as doing her work for her.
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The Importance of Critical Reflection in Early Childhood Education
Critical reflection – the process of carefully evaluating the outcomes of our actions – can help us to improve our educational methods, and thus to better meet the needs of the children in our care. Critical reflection is a skill that comes with time and experience, but it’s well worth putting in the effort to hone it, as it will help you to continuously learn and improve your practice over time. Read on to find out more about how you can apply critical reflection in your early childhood education centre. -
Print Ready Photo Evidence for your Weekly Programming and Reflection Child Educator Diary
We have created print ready photo templates to make providing photo evidence easier. They are the perfect size to print and stick into your Weekly Programming and Reflection Diary. The Design is drag and drop friendly and works with Free Canva Accounts. Learn more... -
Unpacking the New EYLF V 2.0 and MTOP V 2.0 Frameworks
Updates to the EYLF and MTOP have been released in 2023. The new Approved Learning Frameworks will be recognised alongside the 2012 Frameworks until early 2024 in which V2.0 will replace V1.0. Here we unpack the changes to support you in your planning, QIP and reflective discussions to get ready for the changes. -
Rated Exceeding "The Department Love It": A Case Study
We were lucky enough to be invited into Brady Bunch at Hervey Bay. This is one of their three Queensland centres with another three down South. The absolutely wonderful team took us through their service and how they achieved an Exceeding Rating. Brady Bunch completely flipped their planning and programming method and introduced the Butler Method is 2021. -
EYLF in Practice: Belonging, Being and Becoming
Fundamental to the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) are the three pillars Being, Belonging, and Becoming. These values guide the framework and our practice as Early Childhood Educators. This includes our mission, vision, and actions as well as our day-to-day operations. This article takes you through the three pillars of the EYLF.
