Reading to your child every day is one of the most powerful ways to support their development. At Sorella Early Learning, we encourage daily reading because it nurtures language skills, builds emotional connections, and fosters a lifelong love of learning. Whether it’s a bedtime story or a quiet moment during the day, here’s why daily reading is so beneficial.
1. Expands Language and Vocabulary
Children absorb new words and sentence structures when they hear stories read aloud. Exposure to rich language in books helps expand their vocabulary, improves comprehension, and strengthens communication skills. Even before they start speaking, babies benefit from hearing words and sounds, setting the stage for future literacy development.
2. Enhances Cognitive Development
Books introduce children to new ideas, concepts, and ways of thinking. Stories encourage problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking as children engage with characters, predict what happens next, and relate events to their own lives. Reading together also helps strengthen memory and concentration.
3. Encourages a Love for Learning
Children who develop a love for reading early are more likely to enjoy learning throughout their lives. Making reading an enjoyable and comforting activity helps children associate books with positive experiences, building a foundation for future academic success.
4. Strengthens Parent-Child Bonds
Reading together creates a special opportunity for connection and closeness. Sitting down with a book provides undistracted one-on-one time, which fosters emotional security and strengthens your child’s bond with you. This sense of comfort and routine can also help children feel calm and ready for sleep at bedtime.
5. Supports Emotional and Social Development
Books introduce children to different emotions, experiences, and perspectives. Through stories, they learn about kindness, empathy, and how to navigate different social situations. Reading books with diverse characters and themes helps children develop an understanding of the world around them.
At Sorella Early Learning, we encourage families to make reading a daily habit, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day. Whether it’s a picture book, a nursery rhyme, or a favourite bedtime story, reading together supports learning, communication, and emotional connection in ways that last a lifetime.
The Importance of Sensory Play in Early Learning
Sensory play is an essential part of early childhood education, helping children explore the world around them through touch, sight, sound, taste, and smell. At Sorella Early Learning, we incorporate sensory activities into our curriculum because they encourage cognitive growth, fine motor development, and creativity. Let’s explore why sensory play is so important for young learners.
Play is a powerful tool in early childhood education, not just for learning but also for building self-confidence. For young children, play is where they make sense of the world around them, test their ideas, and develop a sense of autonomy. Through play, children explore their abilities and realise what they are capable of, and it is through these experiences that they build a positive sense of self.
At Sorella Early Learning, we recognise the importance of fostering self-confidence through a play-based approach. When children engage in imaginative play, role-playing, or cooperative activities, they are encouraged to take risks, make decisions, and solve problems. Whether they’re building with blocks, creating stories with friends, or experimenting with different art materials, they are learning to trust their ideas and abilities.
It’s essential for children to experience success in these activities. When a child completes a puzzle, creates something with their own hands, or works with peers to overcome a challenge, they gain a sense of accomplishment. These small successes are vital stepping stones in building self-confidence.
Equally important is creating an environment where children feel safe to fail and try again. Failure is often seen as a negative experience, but for young children, it’s an opportunity to learn and grow. By encouraging persistence and a growth mindset, we teach children that challenges are not barriers, but part of the learning process.
Through play, children also develop social skills, learn to navigate relationships, and gain confidence in their ability to communicate their ideas. As they interact with their peers, they learn how to express themselves, negotiate, and work together. These skills not only contribute to their sense of self-worth but also prepare them for future social interactions.
Incorporating opportunities for children to take on leadership roles, whether in group activities or decision-making, can also help build their confidence. When children are given the space to lead, they develop a sense of responsibility and ownership over their environment and actions.
Ultimately, helping children build self-confidence through play is about providing them with the freedom to explore, make mistakes, and celebrate their successes. It’s an approach that empowers children to believe in themselves and their potential, equipping them with the skills and resilience they need for future success.
As we step into 2025, early childhood education continues to evolve, reflecting changes in society, technology, and our understanding of child development. A key trend is the increasing emphasis on personalised learning. Recognising that each child learns differently, educators are moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach, offering more tailored programs that allow children to explore at their own pace. This helps foster a deeper connection to learning and supports the development of unique skills.
Another trend gaining traction is the integration of digital literacy. While screen time remains a hot topic, there’s no denying the role technology plays in modern education. Early childhood programs are now incorporating age-appropriate technology that engages children while helping them develop crucial digital skills. This, however, is done with careful consideration, ensuring a balance between screen-based activities and traditional play-based learning.
Sustainability and environmental education are also becoming central to many early learning centres. More schools and educators are introducing concepts of sustainability early on, teaching children about the environment, conservation, and eco-friendly practices. Whether it’s through outdoor learning experiences, gardening programs, or sustainable classroom materials, children are gaining an appreciation for the planet.
Finally, a growing focus on emotional intelligence (EQ) is transforming early childhood education. Rather than just focusing on academic milestones, there’s a concerted effort to nurture children’s social-emotional development. Programs are increasingly incorporating mindfulness practices, social-emotional learning (SEL), and conflict resolution strategies to help children manage their emotions, build resilience, and form healthy relationships.
As we look toward the future of early childhood education, these trends reflect an exciting shift towards a more holistic, child-centred approach that values individuality, emotional well-being, and global awareness.
Chinese New Year is a time of joy, celebration, and family togetherness. It’s the perfect occasion to introduce your little ones to a rich cultural tradition while encouraging their creativity. At Sorella Early Learning, we believe in fostering hands-on learning experiences, and what better way to do this than through festive crafts? Here are some simple and fun DIY Chinese New Year decorations you can make with your children.
Traditional Chinese paper lanterns are a symbol of celebration and good fortune. To make these, take a piece of red construction paper and fold it in half lengthwise. Cut slits along the folded edge, stopping about an inch from the edge. Unfold the paper and decorate it with gold glitter or markers. Form the paper into a cylinder and secure the edges with glue or tape. Add a handle with a strip of paper and hang your lanterns around the house.
Red envelopes, or “hongbao,” are traditionally given during Chinese New Year to symbolise good luck. You can turn these into a decorative garland by decorating small red envelopes with gold stickers or drawing Chinese characters for luck. Attach the envelopes to a string or ribbon using tape, then hang the garland across a wall or doorway for a festive touch.
Dragons are iconic in Chinese culture, representing strength and good fortune. To create a dragon puppet, cut out shapes for the dragon’s head, tail, and body segments using red, yellow, and green cardstock. Decorate the pieces with markers, crayons, or additional paper cutouts, then glue the body segments together to form a long dragon. Attach the dragon to popsicle sticks to create a puppet, perfect for a Chinese New Year parade.
Cherry blossoms symbolise renewal and beauty, making them a lovely decoration for the New Year. To make your own, tear pink tissue paper into small squares and twist them into flower shapes. Glue these onto bare branches, either real or artificial, and display your cherry blossom branches in a vase for a beautiful and meaningful decoration.
Each Chinese New Year is associated with an animal from the zodiac, and making an animal mask can be a fun way to celebrate. Decorate a paper plate to resemble the zodiac animal for the year, then cut out eye holes and attach string to either side of the plate to secure it as a mask. This is a creative activity that can help children learn about the zodiac while enjoying the festivities.
Engaging in DIY crafts with your children helps build fine motor skills, encourages creativity, and fosters an appreciation for cultural traditions. At Sorella Early Learning, we aim to inspire curiosity and understanding through hands-on learning. Celebrate this Chinese New Year with these delightful crafts and bring the spirit of the holiday into your home. Don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media using #SorellaCrafts. Wishing you a year full of happiness, prosperity, and creativity!
Gōngxǒ Fācái! (Wishing you wealth and prosperity!)
At Sorella Early Learning, we understand that good nutrition is the foundation of every child’s growth, learning, and overall wellbeing. That’s why we proudly provide freshly prepared, nutritious meals and snacks made onsite by our dedicated chef. Our focus is on creating meals that are not only healthy but also appealing, helping children develop positive eating habits from an early age.
Our chef carefully designs meals and snacks to include a variety of fresh, seasonal ingredients, ensuring every child receives the right balance of nutrients to support their energy and development throughout the day. From vibrant fruit platters filled with juicy, seasonal produce to colourful vegetable sticks paired with creamy, kid-approved dips, we make healthy eating exciting and delicious. Wholegrain mini sandwiches with nutritious fillings, such as avocado or turkey, are another favourite that ensures children get the right mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. For a little treat that’s still wholesome, we prepare baked goods like low-sugar muffins sweetened naturally with fruit.
We know that busy families want peace of mind when it comes to their child’s diet. At Sorella, every meal and snack is thoughtfully prepared to meet the unique needs of growing children. Whether your child has dietary restrictions, allergies, or specific preferences, we work closely with families to ensure every child is safe, included, and well-nourished.
When your child joins us at Sorella Early Learning, you can rest assured that they’re not only receiving high-quality care but also enjoying fresh, nutritious food every day. Providing meals and snacks onsite not only supports their physical development but also fosters a love for healthy eating that will benefit them for years to come.
If you’d like to learn more about how Sorella Early Learning supports your child’s wellbeing, contact us today. Together, we can nurture healthy, happy learners who are ready to take on the world! all a very Merry Christmas from all of us at Sorella!
As Christmas approaches, gatherings, parties, and celebrations fill the calendar – along with opportunities for your little ones to meet new faces and share magical moments. While navigating these social settings can be exciting, it’s also natural for children to feel shy or unsure about how to connect. The festive season is the perfect time to engage little ones in creative and fun activities. At Sorella Early Learning, we embrace the magic of Christmas by turning craft time into an opportunity for learning, bonding, and sensory exploration. Here are some simple, child-friendly Christmas decoration crafts that you can try at home.
1. Paper Straw Stars
This craft is perfect for little hands and helps develop fine motor skills.
What you need:
Paper straws (in festive colors and patterns)
Glue
Scissors
String or twine
Instructions: Cut the straws into smaller pieces and help children arrange them into star shapes. Use glue to secure the pieces together. Once dry, attach a piece of string to hang the stars on your tree or around the classroom.
2. Paper Plate Christmas Trees
This craft is simple yet effective for fine motor skill development.
What you need:
Paper plates
Green paint or crayons
Glue, pom-poms, stickers, or sequins
A wooden craft stick (for the tree trunk)
Instructions: Cut the paper plates into triangle shapes. Let the children paint or color them green. Once dry, they can glue on decorations like pom-poms or sequins. Attach a craft stick to the bottom to complete the tree.
3. Handprint Wreaths
Turn tiny handprints into keepsake wreaths perfect for your Christmas display.
What you need:
Green construction paper
Scissors
Glue
A red ribbon
Instructions: Trace the children’s hands-on green paper and cut them out. Arrange and glue the handprints in a circular pattern to form a wreath. Finish with a red ribbon bow at the bottom.
4. Cupcake Liner Angels
A sweet and simple craft that’s ideal for little learners.
What you need:
Cupcake liners (white or patterned)
Craft paper
Glue
Markers
Instructions: Fold one cupcake liner in half for the angel’s wings and glue another liner on top for the body. Draw and cut out a circular face from craft paper, adding a smile and some hair with markers. Attach the face to the top of the angel’s body and display it proudly.
5. Felt Christmas Stars
A no-mess option for younger children!
What you need:
Pre-cut felt shapes (stars, trees, etc.)
Fabric glue
Child-safe decorations like buttons or pom-poms
Instructions: Provide the children with felt shapes and let them glue on decorations. These can be strung together to create garlands or hung individually as ornaments.
We hope that you enjoy these Christmas-themed crafts! Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas from all of us at Sorella!
