At Sorella Early Learning, one of the most anticipated events during Book Week is the Book Parade. It’s a joyful opportunity for children to dress as their favourite book characters, but beyond the fun, it’s also a powerful learning moment that builds confidence, imagination, and community spirit.
To make your Book Parade a success, here are our tried-and-true tips:
Keep it simple. Costumes don’t need to be elaborate. A crown for a prince, an apron for a baker, or a scarf for a magician can be enough. We encourage children and families to create costumes using materials already at home.
Focus on storytelling. We prompt children to share a few lines about who they are dressed as and why. This builds oral language and helps them reflect on their connection to the story.
Include everyone. Not every child may want to dress up—and that’s okay. We make the day inclusive by having group read-alouds, book-themed games, and buddy reading so that every child feels involved.
Make it a celebration. Families are invited to attend or watch short videos of the parade. We also document the day with photos and create a parade display in the classroom.
Our Book Parade is more than a costume day—it’s a storytelling festival. It empowers children to see themselves as part of the reading community and fosters pride in their literacy journey.
At Sorella Early Learning, Book Week is a celebration of storytelling through all forms of expression—and one of our favourite ways to connect with stories is through creative, hands-on art. Book-inspired crafts help bring books to life while supporting fine motor skills, comprehension, and imagination.
After reading a story, we offer craft experiences that allow children to recreate scenes, characters, or even invent new storylines. For example:
After reading The Gruffalo, learners might use cardboard rolls and felt to make their own woodland creatures.
Inspired by Possum Magic, they could paint their own magic-themed animal masks.
Following The Very Hungry Caterpillar, they can make collage-based food items to retell the story sequence.
These activities help children engage with the text on a deeper level. By talking about the story while crafting, they practise recall, sequencing, and verbal expression. It’s also a wonderful way for educators to assess comprehension in a relaxed, informal setting.
Book-themed crafts also provide an inclusive way for children with different learning styles to connect with stories. Visual learners, sensory seekers, and imaginative thinkers all thrive when reading is extended through art.
At the end of Book Week, we create a “Story Gallery” in our classroom, showcasing the week’s creations. Families are invited to visit and celebrate the children’s creativity and storytelling.
Becoming a parent for the first time is both thrilling and daunting, with a myriad of parenting concerns swirling in the minds of new mums and dads. From ensuring your bub is safe and happy to figuring out feeding and sleeping routines, the challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming. It’s no wonder that first-time parents often seek guidance and support in navigating these early days. This is where Sorella Early Learning steps in, offering professional childcare guidance and support to ease your parenting worries. With a focus on supportive parenting and early learning advice, Sorella is here to help you feel confident and assured in your new role.
Common Parenting Concerns
First-time parents often face a range of challenges as they adjust to their new role. Let’s explore some of the most common parenting concerns and how to address them.
Navigating Sleepless Nights
Sleep deprivation is a major hurdle for new parents. It’s normal for babies to wake frequently, but this can be exhausting for mums and dads.
Establishing a bedtime routine can help. This might include a warm bath, gentle massage, and a quiet story. Consistency is key – try to stick to the same sequence each night.
Consider alternating night duties with your partner if possible. This allows each parent to get some uninterrupted rest. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help from family or friends when you need a break.
Research shows that infant sleep patterns improve over time. While it may feel never-ending, this phase will pass. In the meantime, prioritise self-care and rest when you can.
Managing Feeding Challenges
Feeding concerns are common among new parents, whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. It’s important to remember that every baby is different, and what works for one might not work for another.
For breastfeeding mums, getting the right latch is crucial. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to seek help from a lactation consultant. They can provide valuable tips and support.
Bottle-feeding parents might worry about the right formula or feeding schedule. Sorella Early Learning’s nutrition guide offers helpful advice on this topic. Remember, your paediatrician can also provide guidance tailored to your baby’s needs.
Regardless of your feeding method, watch for signs that your baby is getting enough. Regular wet nappies and steady weight gain are good indicators. Trust your instincts, but don’t hesitate to seek professional advice if you’re concerned.
Supportive Parenting Guidance
Supportive parenting involves creating a nurturing environment where children feel loved, valued, and encouraged to grow. Let’s explore some key aspects of this approach.
Building a Trusting Relationship
Trust forms the foundation of a strong parent-child relationship. It’s built through consistent, responsive care from the earliest days.
When you respond promptly to your baby’s cries, you’re teaching them that they can rely on you. This doesn’t mean you have to be perfect – it’s about being present and attentive most of the time.
Physical affection, like cuddling and gentle touch, also helps build trust. These moments of connection release oxytocin, often called the “love hormone”, which strengthens the bond between parent and child.
Remember, building trust is an ongoing process. As your child grows, continue to be a reliable, supportive presence in their life. This will help them feel secure and confident as they explore the world around them.
Playtime is crucial for development. Offer a variety of age-appropriate toys and activities. Simple household items can often be just as engaging as store-bought toys.
Talk to your baby often, even if they can’t respond yet. This helps with language development and builds your connection. Describe what you’re doing, sing songs, or just chat about your day.
Remember, every child develops at their own pace. Celebrate your little one’s milestones, but don’t stress if they’re not hitting them exactly when expected. If you have concerns, discuss them with your paediatrician.
Sorella Early Learning’s Role
At Sorella Early Learning, we understand the joys and challenges of parenting. Our role is to support families through their parenting journey, offering expert guidance and a nurturing environment for children.
Childcare Guidance for First-Time Parents
First-time parents often have many questions about childcare. At Sorella, we’re here to provide answers and support.
Our experienced educators can offer advice on everything from settling-in routines to supporting your child’s learning at home. We understand that leaving your child in someone else’s care can be daunting, and we’re committed to making this transition as smooth as possible.
We encourage open communication between parents and educators. Regular updates about your child’s day help you stay connected, even when you’re apart. We also offer parent education sessions on various topics related to early childhood development.
Our playful learning spaces are designed to support your child’s natural curiosity and love of learning. We believe in creating an environment where children feel safe to explore and grow.
Providing Reassurance and Comfort
At Sorella, we know that peace of mind is crucial for parents. We strive to create an environment where both children and parents feel comfortable and reassured.
Our centres are designed with safety in mind, with secure entry systems and well-maintained facilities. We maintain high staff-to-child ratios to ensure each child receives individual attention and care.
We understand that every child is unique, with their own needs and preferences. Our educators take the time to get to know each child, respecting their individual personalities and learning styles.
For parents, we offer regular feedback and are always available to discuss any concerns. We believe in partnering with families to provide the best possible care and education for each child. and education for each child.
At Sorella, we believe art should be accessible, sustainable, and inspiring. One of the best ways to encourage creativity and environmental awareness is by using recycled materials in art projects. It not only reduces waste but also helps children see the potential in everyday items.
Recycled art encourages imaginative thinking. When a paper roll becomes a telescope, or a cardboard box transforms into a puppet theatre, children are actively problem-solving and exploring different ways to represent their ideas. These open-ended experiences support flexible thinking and creative confidence.
At Sorella, we provide a wide range of clean, safe materials—cardboard, fabric scraps, bottle caps, magazines, string, and natural items like leaves or sticks. These materials allow children to design freely, experiment with textures, and combine materials in new and interesting ways.
Families can create a “reuse station” at home with boxes or bins for different materials. Encourage your child to sort items by shape, size, or texture, and let them take the lead in deciding what to create. Whether it’s robots, collages, or mobiles, the goal is exploration, not perfection.
Creating art from recycled items also promotes discussions around sustainability. Talk with your child about where materials come from, how items can be reused, and why caring for the planet matters. These conversations help build respect for the environment from a young age.
Art is also a wonderful way to connect as a family. Set aside time each week for a shared art project. You might build something together, make a mural, or simply sit side by side and create your own pieces. These moments foster connection, communication, and a shared appreciation for creativity.
At Sorella, we see art as an expressive language—one where every child has something to say. Recycled materials provide a flexible, affordable, and environmentally conscious way for children to explore their imagination and ideas.
Through creative reuse, we’re not only nurturing young artists but also encouraging future caretakers of the world.
The winter holidays are a wonderful time to encourage meaningful family time, especially through nature-inspired play. At Sorella Early Learning Centre, we believe that connecting with the natural world helps children develop curiosity, confidence, and calm, perfect ingredients for a joyful school break.
Even with cooler weather, local parks and gardens offer fantastic learning opportunities. Try planning a “nature bingo” walk with your child. Create a list of things to spot: a bird’s nest, a round rock, something yellow, or a tree that’s lost its leaves. This playful challenge supports observational skills and turns an ordinary outing into a purposeful activity.
Back at home, bring nature indoors. Set up a mini nature table where your child can display their finds—sticks, leaves, shells, or seed pods. Include a magnifying glass and some drawing materials so they can take a closer look and record what they see. This supports early science skills and helps children feel proud of their discoveries.
You can also incorporate nature into everyday family routines. Make pine-scented playdough, brew herbal tea together, or read books about winter animals and how they adapt to the season. Ask your child what they notice about how nature changes in colder months.
If you’re looking for a creative twist, use natural materials to make your own puzzles or artworks. Try leaf rubbing with crayons, building a sculpture from twigs and clay, or pressing flowers between books to use in handmade cards.
At Sorella, we believe children are active participants in their own learning. Nature offers endless possibilities for open-ended exploration and creative play. This winter, we encourage families to take the time to pause, look closely, and enjoy the peaceful pace of the season.
Let the outdoors inspire your holidays—and turn everyday moments into something meaningful and fun.
At Sorella Early Learning, we believe that early childhood is not only a time for growth and discovery but also a time for building relationships with each other, with families, and with the wider community. When children feel connected to the people and places around them, their sense of belonging and confidence grows.
Community connections are a powerful part of our approach to early education. They help create a rich and supportive learning environment where children can see themselves as valued members of a larger world. These experiences also promote empathy, cultural understanding, and a strong foundation for lifelong citizenship.
Community Engagement in Early Learning
At Sorella, we actively seek opportunities to connect our learning environment with the community beyond our centre walls. Whether we are exploring local stories, participating in community initiatives, or inviting members of the community to share their knowledge and experiences, we aim to create real and meaningful links that enrich children’s learning.
These connections help children develop a broader understanding of the world and their place within it. They learn that communities are made up of diverse people, cultures, and contributions, and that they, too, have something important to offer.
A Place of Belonging for Every Child
We know that when children feel seen and valued, they thrive. That’s why we take great care in creating an inclusive environment where every family’s background, culture, and identity is celebrated. At Sorella, we work in partnership with families to highlight cultural traditions, family values, and local knowledge. These shared experiences foster mutual respect and help build a strong sense of belonging for all.
Our centre becomes more than a place of care and education. It becomes a hub of connection, where children, families, and the community come together to learn and grow.
Building Foundations for the Future
The early years are a critical time for shaping how children see themselves and others. Through consistent and meaningful community engagement, we help children develop important life skills such as kindness, respect, responsibility, and cooperation. They begin to understand what it means to be part of a community and how their actions can have a positive impact.
Research from the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY) shows that strong community connections contribute to better outcomes for children, including improved wellbeing, resilience, and a deeper sense of identity.
At Sorella, we are proud to be part of a supportive and vibrant community. By fostering strong relationships and meaningful engagement, we help children develop not only knowledge and confidence, but also a compassionate sense of connection that will guide them well beyond their early years.
Because when children grow in a community that values them, they grow with strength, purpose and heart.
