Goodstart Early Learning Strathfieldsaye

The research is clear 📚 reading aloud is one of the most powerful things we can do for our children.

When we read with a child, we’re doing far more than sharing a story. We’re building the foundations for language, confidence, curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.

Decades of research shows that children who are read to regularly:

💛 Build stronger language skills
Hearing rich varied language in books exposes children to far more words than everyday conversation alone. This growing vocabulary helps them understand, communicate and make sense of the world.

💛 Develop early literacy skills long before they learn to read
Through stories, children learn how books work – that print carries meaning, that pages turn left to right, and that stories have a beginning, middle and end. These early understandings make learning to read feel familiar and exciting.

💛 Strengthen phonological awareness
Rhymes, rhythms and playful sounds help children hear the building blocks of language.

💛 Grow their comprehension and thinking skills
Talking together about a story, predicting what might happen, wondering how a character feels, and connecting events to real life helps children develop memory, problem-solving, and higher-order thinking.

💛 Experience connection, comfort and joy
Shared reading fosters calmness, closeness, and moments of joint attention. These warm interactions support a child's sense of security and belonging.

Most importantly, children who experience positive, engaging reading moments from a young age are more likely to develop a genuine love of books - something that matters even more than early literacy skills alone.

Reading is simple, joyful, and sets children up for success in school and life.

Here is a list of some of our favourites below 👇

Today our Educational Leader Jaime attended the Victorian Institute of Teaching, Mentor of Pre-Service Teachers Seminar, an opportunity to deepen understanding around mentoring and supporting future educators as they begin their teaching journey.

Quality mentoring plays such an important role in shaping confident, capable and reflective teachers. Through guidance, encouragement and genuine connection, mentors help bridge the gap between theory and practice, creating safe spaces for pre-service teachers to learn, ask questions and grow.

At our service, we value the opportunity to support emerging educators and recognise the impact that strong mentorship has not only on teachers, but ultimately on outcomes for children and families ❤️

When we are intentional about our teaching and learning, even the simplest experiences become opportunities for curiosity, collaboration and discovery.

Our toddlers have been exploring volume, movement, cause and effect, and problem-solving through sensory water play using foam, tubing, funnels and loose parts. As children poured, transferred, scooped and experimented, they worked together to test ideas, predict outcomes and adapt their thinking alongside their peers.

These moments may look playful, but underneath the foam were rich learning opportunities supporting communication, critical thinking, fine motor development and social connections.

Intentional teaching is not about interrupting play, it is about thoughtfully creating environments and experiences that invite children to wonder, investigate and lead their own learning.

We are beyond excited to celebrate an incredible milestone for someone very special to our Goodstart Strathfieldsaye family, Tara, who has dedicated 20 amazing years to Goodstart! 💛🎉

Over the past two decades, Tara has played such an important role in the lives of countless children, families and educators. Beginning her journey as an educator, Tara built strong and meaningful relationships with children and families through her warmth, kindness, patience and genuine passion for early learning. Her caring nature and dedication have left a lasting impact on so many little hearts over the years.

Now, in her role as our incredible cook, Tara continues to make a difference every single day bringing comfort, care and joy into our centre in so many ways 🍎🥗👩‍🍳

Tara’s commitment, loyalty and passion for what she does is truly something to admire. Twenty years of supporting children, nurturing families and contributing to our centre community is such a remarkable achievement, and we are so incredibly grateful to have her as part of our team.

Please join us in congratulating Tara on 20 wonderful years with Goodstart Strathfieldsaye! 💐✨