Robin’s Nest Family Daycare

Robin’s Nest Family Daycare At Robins Nest we believe in creating a nurturing, loving and educational environment for your child.

28.01.25The traveling Dinosaur Show has been a source of excitement for many of the children, sparking an increased inte...
29/01/2025

28.01.25
The traveling Dinosaur Show has been a source of excitement for many of the children, sparking an increased interest in all things dinosaur-related. To support this growing curiosity, we incorporated a dinosaur-themed activity today that also built on the children’s recent fascination with shadows and how the sun creates them.
Using dinosaur figurines and the sunny outdoor space, we placed the figurines on the tiles, and the children eagerly observed the shadows they cast. Together, we discussed how the light creates these shapes and how the shadows changed when the figurines were moved.
To extend this experience, I provided large pieces of cardboard and demonstrated how to trace the shadows to create dinosaur pictures. The children enthusiastically participated, choosing different figurines, experimenting with shadow sizes, and taking turns to trace.
During the activity, I noticed that some children had forgotten their correct pencil grip over the holidays. To support their fine motor development, I introduced hair elastics to help position their fingers correctly on the pencil. This adjustment not only helped improve their grip but also boosted their confidence and comfort as they worked on their drawings. The children enjoyed the experience, coming to me each time they changed colours or finished a new dinosaur tracing.

Learning Outcomes Linked to EYLF V2
1. Outcome 4.2: Children develop a range of skills and processes such as problem-solving, inquiry, experimentation, hypothesising, researching, and investigating.
o The children engaged in experimentation and inquiry as they explored how light created shadows, adjusted the figurines, and traced the shapes.
2. Outcome 5.1: Children interact verbally and non-verbally with others for a range of purposes.
o The children communicated their discoveries, sought assistance with tracing, and shared their thoughts and excitement with peers, fostering social interaction and language development.

This morning, as rain kept us indoors, the school-age children took the lead in organizing games for the younger childre...
03/12/2024

This morning, as rain kept us indoors, the school-age children took the lead in organizing games for the younger children. They gathered everyone in a circle for a game of Duck, Duck, Goose. While the younger children found the rules a bit challenging—running out of turn or forgetting the circle entirely—the older children demonstrated patience and encouragement, helping the little ones understand the game.
Next, the group transitioned to Musical Chairs. This game was an instant hit, with the children eagerly anticipating the music stopping and quickly sitting down to secure a chair. The younger children caught on quickly, enjoying the thrill of finding a chair and staying in the game.
The group then played Statues, showing great concentration as they froze mid-dance when the music stopped. This was followed by dancing to The Macarena and a variety of songs on the Kids Dance playlist from YouTube. Giggles, energetic movements, and creative dance moves filled the room as all the children participated enthusiastically.
By mid-morning, the rain cleared, and the children ventured outside, energized and ready to explore the outdoor space.
Learning Links
EYLF V2 Outcomes:
1. Outcome 1.4: Children learn to interact in relation to others with care, empathy, and respect.
Through collaborative play, the children practiced turn-taking, patience, and inclusion, particularly as the school-aged children supported the younger ones in understanding and participating in the games.
2. Outcome 3.2: Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing.
Engaging in movement-based games and dancing supported gross motor skills, physical fitness, and coordination, while also helping the children release energy and manage the constraints of being indoors due to rain.
NQS Element:
• QA 5.2.1: Collaborative learning
The older children demonstrated leadership and collaboration by guiding the younger ones through the games. The group dynamic encouraged shared responsibility and strengthened peer relationships.

What a joy-filled morning we shared as the children engaged in cooperative play with the car track and roller coaster! M...
27/11/2024

What a joy-filled morning we shared as the children engaged in cooperative play with the car track and roller coaster! Mr. B took the lead, enthusiastically dragging the resource out of the toy room and quickly fetching small cars for everyone. He distributed the cars among the group, showing generosity and leadership. Demonstrating how to push a car down the track, he explained the concept with excitement, and soon momentum had the cars racing over bumps and loop-de-loops, sparking wonder and joy.
Our littlest member, Mr. J, was captivated by the fast-moving cars and began giggling uncontrollably. He eagerly joined in, pushing his car down the track and clapping as it zoomed along. His delight was infectious, inspiring the older children to include him even further. They shared their cars, giving him an endless supply and ensuring his enjoyment continued.
As the game evolved, Mr. J began picking up the other children’s cars and cheekily throwing them off the track. His giggles were met with laughter from the group, showing how their actions had fostered a sense of inclusion and joy for all
Linking to EYLF V2 Outcomes
1. Outcome 1.4: Children learn to interact in relation to others with care, empathy, and respect.
o The older children demonstrated empathy and inclusivity, ensuring Mr. J had cars to play with and encouraging his participation with patience and kindness.
2. Outcome 3.2: Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing.
o The children practiced gross motor skills by pushing cars, refining their hand-eye coordination, and exploring concepts like momentum and speed.
The Value of Mixed-Age Play
Mixed-age play provides unique opportunities for children to learn from and support one another. Older children take on mentoring roles, reinforcing their understanding through teaching, while younger children gain skills and confidence by observing and imitating. This dynamic fosters inclusivity, enhances social bonds, and allows for diverse perspectives and problem-solving approaches.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Robin’s Nest! While I’ve always believed in waiting until the 1st of Dece...
21/11/2024

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Robin’s Nest! While I’ve always believed in waiting until the 1st of December to begin Christmas preparations, it’s hard to resist the festive spirit all around us. Homes are already lit up with twinkling lights, shops are adorned with decorations, and Santa has made his grand appearance in the shopping center. The excitement from the children was undeniable, and we decided to join in the festivities early to extend on their interest.
This morning, inspired by a Pinterest idea, we created Christmas tree-themed baubles. The children began by painting pre-cut paper plates a bright, festive red. After allowing the paint to dry, we flipped the plates and attached green strips of paper to form a triangular Christmas tree shape. To complete the decorations, we used a hand press to punch out green and white flower shapes, which the children carefully applied to their creations.
The activity was a wonderful blend of creativity, focus, and skill-building. The children delighted in the process of crafting something meaningful for the season and took great pride in their finished baubles, which we will hang to brighten up our space.
Learning and Development Highlights
• EYLF V2 Outcomes:
1. Outcome 2.1: Children develop a sense of belonging to groups and communities.
By participating in Christmas preparations, the children connected to the broader community and shared in the cultural celebration of the season.
2. Outcome 4.1: Children develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity, cooperation, and creativity.
The children showed curiosity about Christmas traditions and worked collaboratively to design their baubles, demonstrating creativity in their decorations.
• National Quality Standard (NQS):
Standard 1.1.2: Each child’s current knowledge, strengths, ideas, culture, abilities, and interests are the foundation of the program.
This activity was designed to build on the children's excitement about Christmas, reflecting their interests and supporting their developing skills.

The coldest, wettest, and foggiest day of the year was upon us, and the rain wasn’t just falling—it was pouring. Confine...
20/11/2024

The coldest, wettest, and foggiest day of the year was upon us, and the rain wasn’t just falling—it was pouring. Confined indoors once again, the children were restless. Our planned activities were quickly set aside as we embraced the children's creativity and energy, turning the day into a series of spontaneous, child-led explorations.
We began with stickers, making a start on Christmas decorations, filling the room with festive cheer. Next, we transformed the parachute into a cubby house, giggling as we climbed inside our cozy shelter. Large foam pieces became an obstacle course, inviting the children to balance, climb, and leap while testing their gross motor skills. The sensory table was filled with exciting new materials that intrigued curious minds, and finally, a lively dance session brought the house down.
The dance session took its lead from Mr. G, who asked, “Do you know the song Thunderstruck?” When I answered yes, he eagerly explained, “My mum and dad dance to that song.” With a quick search on Spotify, the room came alive as Mr. G and Mr. B demonstrated their energetic dance moves, inspired by what they had learned at home. The other children watched with awe before our youngest participant joined in, shaking his little bottom and moving enthusiastically to the beat.
As we enjoyed the morning activities and danced, laughed, and moved together, we were surprised by a visit from our coordinator, Casey, who joined in the fun and witnessed the joy that filled our space.
Learning and Development Highlights
This spontaneous, child-led day of activities nurtured a range of developmental skills and strengths:
• EYLF V2 Outcomes:
1. Outcome 1.4: Children learn to interact in relation to others with care, empathy, and respect.
The children demonstrated social connections through collaborative play, sharing ideas for activities, and supporting one another in the obstacle course and dance session.
2. Outcome 3.2: Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing.
Through active participation in the obstacle course and dancing, children engaged in movement and coordination, promoting their physical development in an enjoyable way.

The wet and foggy weather created the perfect opportunity for indoor play, so we extended the children’s developing coun...
19/11/2024

The wet and foggy weather created the perfect opportunity for indoor play, so we extended the children’s developing counting and number recognition skills through hands-on activities with the counting abacus and number puzzles.
To start, we explored the abacus together. Each child took a turn to find a color on the abacus and count how many beads were in that color. When some children got stuck, their peers eagerly stepped in to help, collaboratively calling out numbers until the counting was complete. This fostered a strong sense of teamwork and supported everyone's learning.
Next, we moved to the number puzzles. As a group, we identified and talked about each number on the puzzles, reinforcing recognition and sequencing. The children excitedly took turns selecting a puzzle to complete individually. While many chose number puzzles to continue practicing their counting, Mr. B expressed his preference for an animal-themed puzzle, and Mr. J chose the alphabet puzzle, demonstrating individual interests and learning styles.
As the children worked, some sought help, prompting others to join in and offer assistance. This spontaneous collaboration highlighted the children's growing social skills and ability to work together to solve problems.
Learning Outcomes
EYLF V2 Outcome 4.1
Children developed dispositions for learning, such as curiosity, cooperation, and confidence, as they engaged with the puzzles and counting activity. They actively sought solutions, supported each other, and celebrated their achievements.
EYLF V2 Outcome 5.2
Children demonstrated their emerging understanding of symbols, patterns, and relationships. They recognized and counted numbers on the abacus, engaged with puzzles featuring numerals, letters, and animals, and shared knowledge with their peers.
8 Ways of Indigenous Learning – Deconstruct/Reconstruct
The children learned collaboratively by breaking down tasks (e.g., identifying and counting beads or puzzle pieces) and then reconstructing their understanding as they worked together to solve problems. This hands-on, shared approach reflects the value of collective knowledge-building.

Last week at playgroup, we read The Very Selfish Crocodile, a story about a mean crocodile who wouldn’t let anyone near ...
14/11/2024

Last week at playgroup, we read The Very Selfish Crocodile, a story about a mean crocodile who wouldn’t let anyone near his river. But when he suffered a terrible toothache, a brave little mouse helped him by pulling out his sore tooth. Grateful, the crocodile invited the animals back to his river, and from then on, the little mouse helped him keep his teeth clean.
This morning, we expanded on this story to teach the children about the importance of dental hygiene. We set up molds of teeth and provided toothbrushes for the children to practice brushing. As they cleaned the teeth, we talked about proper brushing techniques and foods that help keep our teeth strong and healthy. Miss Mandy also brought a fun teeth-brushing activity to show the children how to brush their own teeth correctly. We sang songs about brushing, and the children enjoyed watching a lively video of Peter Combe singing about teeth cleaning.
Learning and Development Observations
This activity engaged the children in meaningful hands-on learning about dental care. Using teeth molds and toothbrushes allowed the children to practice brushing techniques in a playful, stress-free way. They learned about the importance of cleaning teeth properly, brushing all surfaces, and choosing healthy foods. Watching the video and singing songs helped reinforce these concepts in a fun and memorable way.
Learning about dental hygiene empowers children to take care of their own health and well-being. By understanding the importance of brushing their teeth and how to do it correctly, children are building habits that will benefit their overall health in the long term. This activity also supported social and language skills, as the children asked questions, shared their own ideas, and interacted with their friends.
Links to the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) V2 Outcomes
1. Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
o Element 3.2: By practicing dental hygiene, the children are learning to take responsibility for their own health and physical well-being. Understanding how to care for their teeth is an important part of maintaining overall health.
2. Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners
o Element 4.1: This hands-on experience encouraged the children to engage actively and show curiosity as they practiced brushing and explored how good hygiene impacts health. Watching the video, singing songs, and engaging in the brushing activity reinforced their understanding in a creative way.

This morning began with a sense of calm and purpose, as a heavy dew had left our outdoor play equipment wet and slippery...
13/11/2024

This morning began with a sense of calm and purpose, as a heavy dew had left our outdoor play equipment wet and slippery. Without hesitation, Mr. B and Mr. G noticed the damp playground and immediately knew what to do. They went straight to the cupboard, retrieved two towels, and set off to make the outdoor space ready for play. Carefully, they mopped up the dew, working together to dry each piece of equipment. They even took time to wipe away some leftover footprints from the previous day, showing pride in their work as they moved to the spinning disc for a final clean.
Once satisfied, they took their towels to the laundry and left them by the washing machine, knowing they’d be washed later. This thoughtful and thorough routine demonstrated their understanding of our morning responsibilities and their pride in caring for our space.
Learning and Development Observations
Through this simple yet meaningful act, Mr. B and Mr. G showed a strong sense of responsibility and independence, demonstrating their growing ability to follow and even initiate parts of our daily routine. Routines help children feel secure, confident, and capable, giving them a sense of mastery as they remember what to do and take the initiative. By knowing exactly where to find the towels and what to do with them after, the boys showcased their understanding of how we care for our environment.
This activity also encouraged cooperative play, as they took turns and supported each other to achieve a common goal. Their actions reflected respect for shared spaces and a developing pride in taking care of our learning environment.
Links to the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) V2 Outcomes
1. Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity
o Element 1.2: Mr. B and Mr. G showed confidence in making decisions about what needed to be done to prepare the outdoor area for play. They demonstrated a clear understanding of the routine and took initiative to carry it out, reinforcing their growing sense of independence.
2. Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
o Element 2.3: By actively participating in tidying and caring for the outdoor space, the boys showed respect for their environment. Their actions reflected a shared responsibility for the materials and space we use every day.

After a night of intense storms, we arrived to a surprising discovery this morning: around 50 brown beetles had been cau...
12/11/2024

After a night of intense storms, we arrived to a surprising discovery this morning: around 50 brown beetles had been caught in our outdoor undercover area. The children were both intrigued and concerned, noting that most of the beetles were upside down, their little legs waving as they tried to flip over. Together, we set out on a rescue mission to help these stranded beetles. Although some of the children felt hesitant at first, watching me gently lift the beetles and place them upright in the garden gave them the confidence to try it themselves.
The children carefully picked up each beetle, and, to their amazement, some beetles flew away as soon as they were set free. Just as we were wrapping up, we discovered one final beetle—a beautifully shiny, multicolored Christmas beetle! We gathered around and decided to bring this special beetle, whom we named Chris, indoors for a story.
Settling onto our group time pillows, I shared the following tale with the children:
“This Christmas beetle is named Chris. He is a special agent for Santa Claus and has been sent on a very important mission. Santa asked him to use his magic and fly to our town to keep an eye on all the children and report back if they have been good or bad. Poor Chris, though, got caught in last night’s storm and lost his way. He ended up in our garden with all the other beetles! Chris is so grateful that we saved him that he will give each of you one special wish, which he’ll share with Santa when he returns.”
Each child came up one by one to whisper their special wish to Chris, showing great excitement and imagination. When everyone had made their wish, we brought Chris outside and placed him on a special leaf in the garden. After a few moments, Chris spread his wings and flew away. I told the children that Chris had promised to keep watching over them and would report back to Santa.
Learning and Development Observations
This unexpected event provided the children with a unique opportunity to build empathy, courage, and curiosity. The beetle rescue mission encouraged the children to step outside their comfort zones, developing confidence as they followed my lead and took on the responsibility of carefully rescuing each beetle.
The experience also strengthened the children’s fine motor skills as they gently picked up each beetle. Furthermore, it sparked an interest in nature, leading to discussions about why the beetles were in our space, how storms affect animals, and how we can help creatures in our environment. Through the storytelling session, the children practiced active listening and imaginative thinking, immersing themselves in the idea of Chris the Christmas beetle’s magical mission.
Links to the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) V2 Outcomes
1. Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity
o Element 1.4: The children’s growing confidence in picking up the beetles and caring for them showed resilience and willingness to engage with their environment. By taking on a helping role, they felt a sense of pride and responsibility in their actions.
2. Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
o Element 2.4: Through the beetle rescue, the children demonstrated care, empathy, and respect for living things. This experience nurtured their sense of responsibility and connectedness to the natural world as they helped creatures in need.

Today, after a recent sandpit revamp following a little mishap, our outdoor play area sparkled with a fresh load of sand...
11/11/2024

Today, after a recent sandpit revamp following a little mishap, our outdoor play area sparkled with a fresh load of sand. Two very excited boys spent all morning immersed in creative play, exploring the new sand’s texture and possibilities. They dug an enormous hole, crafted a pretend birthday cake complete with candles, maneuvered a toy tractor through the sand, and enthusiastically cooked up a make-believe feast. When I encouraged them to come indoors as the temperature rose, they replied, “We’re busy playing!” With hats on and sunblock applied, they continued their imaginative play until their tummies began to rumble for lunch.
Links to the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) V2 Outcomes
1. Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity
o Element 1.1: The boys’ sense of belonging was evident as they immersed themselves in the familiar environment of the sandpit. Through imaginative play and collaboration, they demonstrated confidence in exploring and creating, and they were comfortable expressing their preferences—staying outside to continue their play instead of coming indoors.
o Element 1.3: As they worked together to make cakes and dig holes, they displayed resilience and persistence in their play. These interactions fostered their sense of independence and encouraged them to take on new roles and responsibilities, strengthening their self-identity and autonomy.
2. Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners
o Element 4.1: The boys actively engaged in play, exploring the properties of sand and using it to represent various items like cakes and meals. This shows they are building dispositions for learning—such as curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm—as they explore, imagine, and make meaning in their play.
o Element 4.4: As they played, the boys developed problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, discovering ways to make their cakes "stand" and figuring out how to dig the biggest hole. Their ability to think critically and work out solutions is a key aspect of learning through play.

Another hot day presented the perfect opportunity to extend the children’s water play from yesterday. To enrich the expe...
07/11/2024

Another hot day presented the perfect opportunity to extend the children’s water play from yesterday. To enrich the experience, we introduced containers of ice I had prepared overnight. As soon as the children felt the cold blocks, they excitedly noted, “It’s so cold!” Eagerly, they tipped the ice into the water tray and began picking up pieces to place into various containers. Within moments, they noticed the ice beginning to melt, shrinking as the sun’s warmth took effect. “It’s getting small,” they observed, linking the change to what they knew about heat and temperature. Miss P drew a connection to a familiar story, commenting, “Just like the snowman in Frozen!”
As the ice fully melted, the children continued to explore, and we added jugs and funnels to the tray. The play shifted to pouring and transferring water, with the children experimenting with different ways to fill and empty containers. They discovered how to control the flow using the funnels, practicing their coordination and fine motor skills. Before long, they decided to give the nearby plants a drink, pouring their leftover water into the soil with care.
Learning Outcomes and Observations
EYLF V2 Outcome 2.4: Children become socially responsible and show respect for the environment
This activity encouraged the children to observe and connect with their environment. By watering the nearby plants, they demonstrated an awareness of the importance of caring for living things and contributing to the health of their surroundings. This reflects a growing sense of environmental responsibility and empathy towards nature.
EYLF V2 Outcome 4.3: Children transfer and adapt what they have learned from one context to another
The children applied their knowledge about ice melting and water flow to new situations, such as observing how the sun melts ice and using funnels to control water movement. Miss P’s reference to Frozen and the snowman scene also showed how children can link new learning experiences to familiar stories and media, enhancing their understanding through connections.

This week, we faced an unexpected heat wave with temperatures 8 degrees above average. Initially, I thought it best to k...
06/11/2024

This week, we faced an unexpected heat wave with temperatures 8 degrees above average. Initially, I thought it best to keep the children indoors, but they were eager to play outside. After applying layers of sunscreen and donning hats, the children raced outdoors, only to quickly feel the intensity of the heat. They soon gathered back in the shade of our undercover area, where we decided to set up a refreshing water play station in our tuff tray.
The water play setup included jugs, watering cans, an assortment of cups, scoops, spoons, and plastic bowls. The children were thrilled, spending considerable time pouring, scooping, and transferring water from one container to another, exploring different ways to move and manipulate the water. Adding bubbles enhanced the experience, sparking joy and creativity as the children watched them form and burst in the water. Our littlest member eagerly joined in, splashing his hands in the water and sharing his excitement with the group.
Learning Outcomes and Observations:
This experience linked closely to EYLF V2 Outcome 1.3, as the children showed a strong sense of agency in expressing their desire to play outdoors despite the heat. Through water play, they displayed confidence in making choices, taking the lead in how they explored the water setup. By adapting the day’s activities based on the children’s needs and interests, we encouraged their self-expression and decision-making skills.
This activity also supported Outcome 4.4, as the children engaged in sustained shared thinking and experimentation with water. Through pouring, scooping, and transferring, they explored concepts of volume, measurement, and cause-and-effect relationships, developing early mathematical skills and fine motor abilities. The addition of bubbles introduced a sensory element that added to their cognitive and sensory learning.
NQS Link: Quality Area 3.2.2 – Inclusive Environment
This activity demonstrated flexibility in adapting the physical environment to create a safe and comfortable play space that respected the children’s interests and the changing weather conditions. By modifying the plan to accommodate water play outdoors in the shade, we ensured the environment met the children’s developmental needs while keeping their safety and comfort as a priority.

Address

Kleinton, QLD
4352

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 7:30am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+61404608254

Website

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