The Best DIY Cardboard Doll's Houses You'll Fall In Love With - Sticks & Stones Education

The Best DIY Cardboard Doll's Houses You'll Fall In Love With

One of the things that made me happy as a child was making my own doll's houses. You see I had this AWESOME mid-century modern dolls house that really was the bee's knees and I was so in love with it. But of course my parents decided I didn't need it any more and they gave it away and subsequently broke my heart. So I started making my own using cardboard boxes from around the house. This love of DIY doll's houses has remained and I still to this day make simple doll's houses for my classrooms and the children love them. I get pet food delivered each week, and I reuse the bubble wrap and the boxes. 

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The Benefits of Arts & Crafts for Children's Learning & Development - Sticks & Stones Education

The Benefits of Arts & Crafts for Children's Learning & Development

From early mark making with chunky crayons and finger painting to using play dough and clay to create figures or objects. Children's fine muscle strength and dexterity develop through creative and open ended play. They learn to tell visual stories using their hands and this then supports their language and literacy development not only through school, but life. 

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What are We Famous For? - Sticks & Stones Education

What are We Famous For?

What are we famous for at Sticks & Stones Education? I have a business mentor and one of the things she has been suggesting for years is that...

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The Most Quotable Quotes about Play & Learning - Sticks & Stones Education

The Most Quotable Quotes about Play & Learning

I have always loved quotes. When I was much younger and an avid reader .... or rather I had the time and space to be an avid reader. I would dive into the world of words and collect quotes that reminded me of characters I'd loved or wisdom that I felt would guide me in life. 

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Our New Look Website for 2021 - Sticks & Stones Education

Our New Look Website for 2021

Three years ago in March 2018 I built a new website, and in March of 2021 I felt it was time for a change.   I have been meaning to update the webs...

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Theorist in the Spotlight: Maria Montessori - Sticks & Stones Education

Theorist in the Spotlight: Maria Montessori

Maria Montessori played an integral role in modern early childhood education

Redefining the gender norms of her time, Maria Montessori is an Italian physician, who was the first woman to graduate as a doctor in Italy. She faced significant scrutiny from her peers  where she was isolated in her practical classes. This resulted in her having to practice on cadavers after hours, as a woman being in presence of a naked male body was frowned upon. However, despite these challenges she graduated with honours in 1896. 

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Developmental Milestones: The One Year Old - Sticks & Stones Education

Developmental Milestones: The One Year Old

When children celebrate their first birthday, they are entering their second year of their life. They go from sitting independently to crawling to standing with support to walking, or toddling independently. So much physical change emerges during this milestone year, which in turn impacts their social, emotional and cognitive learning. They may become more independent and like to do things in their own way and their own time. They are driven to learn, and this drive only increases as they become older, heading towards their second birthday aka 'the terrible twos' (Hint: they're not terrible, they're just misunderstood and often misrepresented!). 

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Developmental Milestones: Baby's First Year - Sticks & Stones Education

Developmental Milestones: Baby's First Year

From the day we are born our brains are growing and developing. We learn by connecting with the people in our lives. Those within our families, and those who care for us. This is why it is so important for parents, carers and educators to provide babies with as many learning opportunities as possible to encourage their development.

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