Wonder Child: The ECE Lab

Hello to all my wonderful parents and fellow educators! There is one activity that children almost never seem to tire of in early childhood settings: water play. Whether it’s pouring water between cups, washing toy animals, or splashing with measuring spoons at the sensory table,  children are naturally drawn to water in a way that feels both calming and exciting at the same time. In our centre, water play is one of the sensory activities we provide almost every day because it consistently captures children’s curiosity and attention. I still remember one little girl who often stayed close to the sidelines during group activities. One afternoon, I added a few drops of blue food colouring to a basin of water, and almost instantly, her expression changed. She slowly stepped closer, dipped in a measuring cup, and became completely absorbed in exploring the swirling blue water.  Moments like these are a beautiful reminder of how sensory play can gently invite children into explorat...

Hello to all my dedicated parents and fellow educators! One situation I occasionally observe in early childhood settings happens during mealtimes. Sometimes, a child who has little interest in eating suddenly becomes willing to finish an entire meal the moment a favourite song or video appears on a screen nearby. Many adults immediately feel relieved because, for a few peaceful minutes, the child is finally sitting still and eating. Moments like these are incredibly understandable. Busy mornings, long workdays, and exhausted evenings can make screens feel like a helpful solution during stressful routines. In many families,  screen time often begins not from laziness or neglect, but from simple survival and practicality.  At the same time,  repeated screen use during meals or emotional moments can gradually shape how children relate to comfort, boredom, eating, and self-regulation. Young children are still developing the ability to tolerate frustration, wait patiently, and...

  Hello to all my wonderful parents and curious minds! As I sit here today, I’m reminded of a moment in my  centre  last week. A little girl picked up a simple, smooth grey stone. To anyone else, it was just a rock. But to her? At first, it was a piece of gourmet birdseed for her imaginary feathered friend. A few minutes later, that same stone became a sturdy stepping stone, connecting a path across a "lava" floor. This is the beauty of  Loose Parts Play . I know it can feel a bit daunting or even "messy" to some parents—seeing a basket of sticks, stones, or wooden rings instead of a shiny new gadget. You might wonder, "What do they even do with this?" But let me tell you, as an ECE with 20 years of experience,  when a toy has no fixed purpose, the child’s imagination becomes its engine.  Today, let's explore why these simple materials are often more beneficial for deep creative thinking than highly stimulating electronic toys. 1. Cultivating the ...