Storykate: an early childhood teacher and trainer, armed with ukulele and the gift to generate endless curriculum ideas.
Hello, fellow educators!👋🏻 I'm Kate, an experienced early childhood teacher and tertiary education instructor passionate about enriching early learning. With extensive experience across various roles—from nanny and storyteller to educational leader and early childhood trainer—I bring a wealth of knowledge and innovative teaching strategies to the table. At Storykate, I'm dedicated to sharing engaging educational practices through stories, puppet shows, action songs, ukulele, mind maps and circle games. Whether you're teaching young children or training future educators, you'll find invaluable resources here. I offer a treasure trove of free resources, creative ideas, and digital products designed to enhance your teaching methods and pedagogy. I helped hundreds of students and educators achieve their professional goals. 👇Why Subscribe? Subscribe to get your hands on exclusive content that blends storytelling, puppetry, and music with effective teaching techniques. These resources are perfect for keeping your programs lively and educational, especially during circle time. 🐞Join me at Storykate to explore new ways to jazz up your teaching style and connect with a community of like-minded early childhood educators. Let’s make learning fun and meaningful together!
Storykate Stories: June
Welcome to storytime with Kate!Hey Educators!Kate's story from practicePeople often say, “You must be so patient to work with young children.” But honestly? I’m not sure patience is what we need most in this job. Take James, a fiery four-year-old who pushes a peer off the scooter to claim his turn. Does this moment call for patience? Or does it call for understanding? Patience, as defined, is about tolerating something unpleasant without getting angry. But when working with young children, that mindset can be harmful. If we constantly feel like we’re “putting up with” kids, it’s a sign we’re disconnected from their needs and development. What if we replaced patience with understanding? When James pushes, I don’t clench my fists and count to ten. I see it as a moment to teach, to guide. James doesn’t need silent endurance—he needs support, co-regulation, and a trusted adult to show him a better way. The truth is, understanding children—their stage of development, their challenges, their needs—leads to connection. And that’s far more sustainable than patience. Because when you truly understand… there’s nothing to endure. I'd love to hear your thoughts. What helps you stay connected to children in tricky moments? 🧡 Kate Walk on Country PrintoutWalking on Country – Sensory reflection (Printable) https://payhip.com/b/sojKH This gentle, sensory-based worksheet invites children (and educators!) to slow down and notice the world around them using all five senses. Designed especially for early childhood and primary settings, it's a perfect companion for outdoor learning, bush kinder walks, or any nature-based experience. Children are prompted to observe, listen, touch, and reflect – all while building a sense of connection with Country. It includes tick-box sensory options, open-ended questions, and space to imagine how children might explore their environment. This resource works beautifully as part of a sustainability or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives unit. It encourages respect, presence, and wonder. Song of the month: Innanay Guppu Wanna Traditional Yorta Yorta songInanay gupu wanna A theorist of the month: Howard GardnerOnce upon a time, a teacher named Howard Gardner noticed that his students had very different strengths and abilities. Some students were great at music and could pick up a new tune quickly, while others were amazing at solving puzzles or had a natural talent for understanding other people’s emotions. Gardner wondered if there were different types of intelligence, beyond just the traditional idea of being smart. He began to research and study the idea of multiple intelligences, which suggests that there are many different ways that people can be intelligent. He came up with a list of eight different intelligences, which he believed were all equally important and valuable. These included:
Want to learn more? Check this post https://storykate.com.au/howard-gardners-theory-of-multiple-intelligences/ Resource of the month: Linking cubesThese colourful, interlocking cubes are a hands-on favourite in early childhood settings! Designed to support playful learning from ages 3 and up, this resource builds number sense, patterning, and fine motor skills through active exploration. 💡Perfect for:
As an early childhood educator and teacher trainer, I’ve seen how much children love these cubes—and how much learning naturally flows from playing with them! Book of the month: books about emotionsThis month, I decided to focus on books to support children's self-regulation - naming emotions is an important part of child's emotional development. Get your books here https://amzn.to/3GFJkMq Agree is... https://amzn.to/3F0AoAz Felt story of the month WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE RESOURCE, BOOK OR GAME FOR YOUNG CHILDREN? Thanks for reading, and I hope these resources spark new ideas in your classroom. Stay tuned for next month’s edition; remember, creativity is key to keeping the joy in learning! All the best,
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Explore More on Storykate What would you like me to make articles and videos about? What resources would you like me to create? Send me a message via DM or FB and I will try my best to make it. |
Storykate: an early childhood teacher and trainer, armed with ukulele and the gift to generate endless curriculum ideas.
Hello, fellow educators!👋🏻 I'm Kate, an experienced early childhood teacher and tertiary education instructor passionate about enriching early learning. With extensive experience across various roles—from nanny and storyteller to educational leader and early childhood trainer—I bring a wealth of knowledge and innovative teaching strategies to the table. At Storykate, I'm dedicated to sharing engaging educational practices through stories, puppet shows, action songs, ukulele, mind maps and circle games. Whether you're teaching young children or training future educators, you'll find invaluable resources here. I offer a treasure trove of free resources, creative ideas, and digital products designed to enhance your teaching methods and pedagogy. I helped hundreds of students and educators achieve their professional goals. 👇Why Subscribe? Subscribe to get your hands on exclusive content that blends storytelling, puppetry, and music with effective teaching techniques. These resources are perfect for keeping your programs lively and educational, especially during circle time. 🐞Join me at Storykate to explore new ways to jazz up your teaching style and connect with a community of like-minded early childhood educators. Let’s make learning fun and meaningful together!
Welcome to storytime with Kate! Hey Educators! Why do children like to hide in nooks and crannies, sit in secluded spaces? Kate's story from practice: When music is not required As a relief teacher and early childhood trainer, I’ve been visiting different early childhood centres around Melbourne and even beyond. And I’ve noticed something interesting.🤨 In toddler rooms especially, there’s often loud, upbeat music playing in the background during outdoor play. I’m talking about baby shark and...
Welcome to storytime with Kate! Hey Educators! "Writing precedes reading. One who writes learns to read with greater ease and understanding." – Maria Montessori 18 years ago telling children stories and teaching them to read using innovative approach Kate's story from practice When I was working with a group of 4- to 5-year-olds, we set up a soccer goal one day. The children seemed excited, especially the boys, who quickly organised themselves and started a game. One of the girls walked up...
Welcome to storytime with Kate! Hey Educators! How are you? Grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s dive into another Storytime with Kate.☕ I am recovering from the operation on the voice chords, which, fingers crossed, can give me the ability to sing and talk without tension soon. Stay tuned and you may watch my new videos with ukulele! I love hot chocolate and all sorts of weird teas, including turmeric latte with almond milk. What about you? Kate's story from practice I started working in...