Preschoolers
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Socially Speaking
Many children with autism and language delays find it hard to be 'social'. All kids need social language skills to make friends and participate in conversations - but sometimes, special needs children need help to learn how to connect with others. In this helpful article, children's Speech Pathologist, Fiona Teudt, explains how parents can help their children to develop social language skills.
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The benefits of pretend play
Pretend play is an important part of your child's learning and development. In this down to earth article, teacher Sonja Walker gives ideas to encourage your child’s language, social and cooperative skills and tips for choosing toys that stimulate kids’ imaginations.
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Making Maths Count for Pre-schoolers
Teachers agree that pre-numeracy skills are an important part of children’s early learning, but recent research also indicates that there is more to maths than just numbers.
This easy to read article explains how you can encourage your child to develop early maths skills.
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Support for children with Autism
Children with autism are making huge progress as they enjoy Bright Start, Kids First's Early Intervention program for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders and other developmental delays.
This popular and highly successful program helps special needs kids to become more independent and self reliant as they prepare for school.
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200 books for kids of all ages
This fantastic free list of more than 200 high quality children's books will help you fill your child's book shelves and make library visits a breeze.
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Teaching Kids to Share
According to children's Speech Pathologist and social language expert, Ros Osling, parents who frequently step in to resolve their children's disputes deny their kids the opportunity to learn how to problem solve.
So how can we teach our kids to share with others without the squabbles?
This informative article gives simple, practical tips that will make teaching your children to share easier...
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Sound Advice
Approximately 7 in every 100 Australian children will experience a speech or language delay. If not addressed early, these problems can impact on a child's overall communication, learning and social development.
Speech Pathologist, Ros Osling is a language and literacy specialist at Kids First.
Her advice about child's speech and language milestones makes compelling reading for every parent.
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Early learning makes a big difference
A recent report called Child Care and Early Education in Australia has detailed the findings of experts who spent two years following the lives, learning and experiences of more than 10,000 Aussie pre-schoolers.
Their findings are remarkable and are relevant to every parent of children aged two to six.
One of the key discoveries of this report is that high quality early education plays a vital role in preparing Australia's children for success in learning and life....
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Confident Little Kids - Where are they now?
Jake, Ben, Sara and Will are just some of the many children who enjoyed Confident Little Kids classes at Kids First in 2009.
Last week, they started school for the first time.
We caught up with their parents to find out how their first week of 'big school' went.
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Helping kids improve their Handwriting
Does your child have messy, illegible handwriting?
Does your child have trouble holding and using a pencil and avoid tasks that require attention to fine detail?
Recent research has revealed that kids with poor handwriting skills often miss out on important learning opportunities.
In this informative article, paediatric Occupational Therapist, Lenora Delaney explains why helping children to write easily is important to their success at school...
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Overcoming Back to School Blues
Starting school for the first time, 'big school' is uncharted territory for young kids and their parents.
But going back to school can be daunting for many older children too.
Even those who look forward to returning to the classroom can be daunted by the first few weeks of the school year.
In this down to earth article, teacher Sonja Walker provides parents carers with ideas and strategies to help kids overcome back to school nerves.
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Shopping for Toys - Kids First saves you time and money
Shopping for Toys - Kids First saves you time and money
Kids First has the perfect solution with a new partnership with Australia's favourite on-line toy store, Yogee Toys.
You will save time, stress, and most importantly money - courtesy of exclusive discounts just for Kids First families
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Overcoming Santa Photo Phobia
Is your child frightened of Santa?
If so, he or she is not alone. Every year thousands of excited youngsters lose the plot just before meeting the man they've been longing to see all year!
Kids First's Child Psychologist, Karen Spitzer, has some helpful tips to help kids overcome their fears so that everyone can enjoy the annual Santa photo experience.
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Toys that Teach
Christmas is coming and toys are on the agenda for most kids this month.
But are the toys you are planning to give developmentally appropriate for your child?
Teacher Sonja Walker has suggestions for frazzled parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles to make buying an educational toy a joy
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Is it Time for Big School?
At this time of year, many parents are facing a difficult decision about whether to send their four year old to school next year or not.
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