01/06/2026
Playdough is one of our Educators’ favourite activities and has been a staple of the Early Childhood Education and Care setting for decades. Why?
Because of the range of developmental benefits it offers to children. Find out more about the benefits of playdough here:
https://exploreanddevelop.com.au/playdough-recipe/
29/05/2026
The Koala children participated in a fun and engaging storytelling session using the book ‘Dear Zoo’. Instead of the animals from the original story, Malcy introduced a variety of Australian animals (soft toys), including a wiggly squirrel, a dark loving possum, a sleepy wombat, a spiky echidna, a splashy platypus, a scary snake, and finally a lovely dog.
Reading to children is foundational to all their learning. If you want to read more about reading to your child, click on the link:
https://exploreanddevelop.com.au/childrens-literacy-development/
27/05/2026
THE IMPORTANCE OF PLAY BASED LEARNING
Play based learning encourages exploration, creativity, and imagination as well as cognitive, physical and social development. Children learn while having fun and without realising that they are learning. So many concepts can be learned through simple conversations combined with fun experiences.
At Explore & Develop, we pride ourselves on being able to provide these experiences to children through our programs within our services. But, there’s no reason why you can’t continue that learning and fun at home. "Our learning through play" booklet provides you with some great ideas to continue the learning at home.
https://exploreanddevelop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2021-12-Learning-Through-Play-Explore-Develop-Ebook.pdf
26/05/2026
Bilby children exploring watercolour painting. Providing opportunities for children to explore a range of materials at a young age enables their sense of curiosity.
25/05/2026
The junior room environment was thoughtfully adapted to reflect the children’s current interests while also supporting their social, emotional and physical well-being.
By observing the children’s ongoing fascinations, we created meaningful and engaging spaces that encouraged exploration, imagination and a strong sense of belonging within the environment.
22/05/2026
"Finding a home"
S started by lining up the kangaroos and attempted to count them, saying, “One, two, five.” She then picked up the twister tool to develop her fine motor skills. Each time, she paused briefly before carefully placing a kangaroo into its matching coloured spot. She completed this task without any errors, successfully sorting each kangaroo into its correct “home.”
Hong
22/05/2026
What a beautiful morning for our Junior preschoolers to be out in the sun exploring threading. The experience sparked conversations of care and kindness as the children talked about who they would give their necklaces to.
19/05/2026
We are looking for educators to join our casual pool. Work directly with us and build relationships with our team and our community.
10/05/2026
Our Koala's team capturing the joy!
“I find puddles!” E shares with her peers.