The Developmental Science of Risky Play – Why Challenge, Risk and Outdoor Exploration Matter in the Early Years
The word “risk” tends to make parents uneasy, and understandably so. But in the context of early childhood development, risk is not the opposite of safety. It is, in fact, a necessary ingredient in children’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth. A substantial body of research now supports what experienced early childhood educators have long understood: children who are given the opportunity to engage with managed risk in play develop more robustly across a range of developmental domains than those whose play is consistently risk-free. Here’s what the science says, and how Papilio approaches it in practice.
From Story to Learning: Papilio Celebrates National Simultaneous Storytime 2026
At Papilio, we know that the most powerful learning experiences don’t happen by accident. They’re crafted, intentionally, thoughtfully, by educators who understand what children need. National Simultaneous Storytime is one of those moments: a national event with deep educational purpose, and an opportunity for early childhood educators to do what they do best.
National Reconciliation Week 2026 – First Nations Learning, Country, and the Early Years
National Reconciliation Week, held each year from 27 May to 3 June, is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to reflect on what reconciliation requires of each of us. The 2026 theme, All In, is a call to move beyond good intentions and commit to meaningful action, every day. In early childhood education, that action begins with what we choose to teach, how we choose to teach it, and whose knowledge we recognise as worthy of a child’s earliest learning.
What Learning Really Looks Like for Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers
Ask a child what they did at childcare today and the answer is almost always some variation of “played.” Which is, to be fair, entirely accurate, and also a significant understatement.
What happens in a quality early learning environment isn’t separate from play. It is play, shaped by educators who understand the developmental science behind every activity they design, every question they ask, and every moment they choose to step back and let a child work something out for themselves.
Exploring the Nawi: Culture, Storytelling and the Art of Meaningful Learning
Some of the most profound learning happens not in formal instruction, but in a quiet moment of play, when a child picks up a piece of bark, places a small figure inside, and begins to tell a story.
This month at Papilio Early Learning, children have been exploring the concept of the Nawi, a traditional Aboriginal canoe from the Sydney language region, as part of our Lifelong Learning Curriculum, supported by resources from Wandana Aboriginal Education.
Big Feelings Explained: What’s Normal for Toddlers and Preschoolers?
Big feelings can feel all-consuming, for children and for the adults supporting them.
One moment your child is happily playing, the next they’re overwhelmed by frustration, disappointment, or exhaustion. Often, it happens at the end of a long day, during a transition, or when words don’t quite come easily enough to explain how they feel.
Summer Is Coming: Supporting Sun-Safe Habits for the Season Ahead
Australian summers invite us outdoors – longer days, warmer weather and meaningful moments spent exploring, playing and connecting. As we approach the end of the year and the sunny season ahead, sun safety becomes an essential part of caring for young children.
Screens & Under-5s: How Papilio Encourages Healthy Digital Habits from the Start
In today’s world, screens are everywhere, from video calls with grandparents to digital storybooks and classroom smart screens. For families with young children, the question isn’t whether technology should be used, but how to use it meaningfully.
Why Two Years of Kindergarten or Preschool Could Give Your Child the Best Start to School
The years before school are some of the most magical and important in a child’s life. Every question asked, every story told, and every friendship formed helps shape who they’ll become.
That’s why many families are now choosing two years of kindergarten or preschool, giving children more time to develop confidence, curiosity, and essential skills before taking the next big step into school.
Together We Shine: Honouring the Partnerships That Help Children Thrive This Early Childhood Educator Day
At Papilio Early Learning, we believe every child deserves the very best start in life, and that happens when families and educators work hand in hand.
As a parent, you juggle countless responsibilities. Knowing your child is surrounded by educators who nurture, guide, and celebrate them as much as you do? That’s what makes all the difference.