Early Learning Lab (ELLA)

As the season of giving begins, new research by the Early Learning Lab shows that helping others feels good from a very young age 🌟
Our Director, Professor Annette Henderson, spoke with RNZ about our recently published study. Following a group of children from ages two to four, we found that toddlers who help spontaneously, whether that be comforting someone or sharing a toy, show the greatest happiness 🤩🧸🎁
This is the first study to track various prosocial behaviours and the positive emotions that follow across early childhood.
A huge thank you to all the ELLA families who participated in this meaningful research! ✨✨

May we all take inspiration from our youngest helpers and find joy in giving of any form. Merry Christmas from the ELLA team, and we will catch you in 2026 with more exciting results, and fresh new studies! 🎄

To find out more, you can listen to the RNZ interview here: https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/saturday/audio/2019016786/why-giving-makes-children-happier
Or you can read this short article here: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2025/12/15/-tis-the-season-to-help-others---even-for-toddlers.html

Dear Families, Please see here for an important recall notice for coloured sand -

Sand recall expanded after asbestos detected in more products The products identified were a 14-piece Sandcastle Building Set, and anko brand Blue, Green and Pink Magic Sand sets sold at Kmart.

Do you have a 2 - 3 year old child? Bring your coffee date with your friend to a play date at our centre! ☕️🧩

We are inviting parents to come to our centre and play puzzles with their own child, a friend’s child, and our specially designed digital child. This study is the first of its kind in our centre as it is the first time that we are asking parents to bring a friend with the same-aged child to our centre.

If this sounds like something you and a friend would love to get involved with, please message us, email us, or you can register your interest via our website, linked in bio 😄

Come visit us at our stand (B13) at the Baby Show this weekend at Auckland Showgrounds to learn more about our research, and sign up to participate in future studies!

We have an exciting new study at the Early Learning Lab looking at how sleep impacts toddler's social interactions, and we need participants!🌟

This study involves two visits to our child friendly centre at the University of Auckland city campus, and free carparking will be provided! Your toddler will play some fun games with the research team and yourself.

If you have a toddler aged between 24 and 30 months and are interested in finding out more, please either message us, email us, or you can register your interest via our website, linked in bio 😄

Participate | Centre for Developmental Science REgister your interest to participate To register your interest in participating in studies with the Centre for Developmental Science, follow the link below to enter your details, and one of the team will be in touch. When you and/or your child are eligible for a study, we will be in touch with a st...

If you are looking for something to do ... come see us at MOTAT for the STEM fair.

What's on See what's happening at MOTAT with our latest events...

An important message by fantastic colleagues:

Why we need to better support the wellbeing of children left behind Rachel Williamson-Dean, Pat Bullen and Gavin Brown explain why children who stay at schools where others come and go need wellbeing support.

New Article Alert! 📢
ELLA has published new research from our massive longitudinal study on cooperation throughout early childhood. This is the first published research from this study looking at multiple data waves!
We would also like to say a massive thank you to all the families who participated in this nine year long study 🌟
Swipe through to read more about our exciting findings, and stay tuned for more research announcements!

Our Early Learning Lab founder and director, Professor Annette M. E. Henderson, gave her inaugural professorial lecture last night at Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland.

She shared her journey to becoming a professor, her significant past work, and exciting current projects!
Watch the full lecture on the University of Auckland YouTube account:
https://www.youtube.com/live/CMmHO7jhS38?feature=shared

ELLA director, Prof. Dr. Annette Henderson's inaugural lecture is on tonight at 6:30pm! Stream it live here on YouTube!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMmHO7jhS38