No one could have predicted the events that derailed everyone’s plans for 2020. Now, at the start of a new year, the future is still uncertain as we continue to adapt and respond on a daily basis to the volatile movement of a virus.

Fortunately, inspired educators can find learning in just about every circumstance – including the challenges of the last months. The prospect of wearing a mask whilst working with children has been a hurdle many have had to overcome. How can we share our emotions, empathy, and directions with the children in our care with a piece of cloth covering half our face?

Read Carol Garboden Murray’s surprising reflections and revelations on the expressive art of caring.

As we head into a new year, we still find ourselves coping with difficult circumstances and hoping for better times. In strained conditions that have the potential to discourage us, what is most crucial as we continue to care for children? Valuing each child as an individual who is unique, precious and unlike any other is foundational. As an educator, carer or parent, you have the power to change lives for the better, in fact to impact the world and make it “worthy of its children”.

Watch this video to hear these words by the musician Pablo Casals, and let them inspire you for the future.

Best wishes for a new year!

This Christmas more than ever, including children in the warmth, colour and light of the festive season seems important. Here’s a simple art-craft project giving children a chance to explore with colour and create a star-shaped decoration for the windows in your setting, or to take home as a gift. Find instructions and accompanying photos here.

What’s most important about celebrating Christmas with children? Alice Sharp takes us through her own memories to point out the key qualities that make a true Christmas. In her usual lively style, Alice offers uplifting and hopeful thoughts at a time when we all need to hear them.

Read her article and find out about her upcoming webinar.