Research Around the World

•What are some of the current international research topics? The website that I explored was http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/. One of the most current international research topics is transitioning and how to make children feel confident and secure within the classroom. This topic is important regardless of whatever country the students are from. Children may have a difficult time transitioning from a new grade to the next or switching schools. If the topic is shared and teachers and parents can gain insight on various techniques on how to help their children feel secure within their environment, the transition will be smooth helping them feel comfortable quickly. •What surprising facts/insights/new ideas about early childhood did you gain from exploring this international early childhood website? One new insight that I gained from exploring the international early childhood website is assessment and how helpful it can be towards children’s education. The site offers facts about how assessments are stepping stones towards understanding where children may need additional help or are succeeding in their education. Although as teachers we know how essential assessment is, I never thought of it as a stepping stone. Now I can almost picture students taking leaps in their education once they successful complete an assessment and the progress is evident. •What other noteworthy information did you find on this website? Noteworthy information that I found on the website is the important detail about funding for early childhood education. Other countries also find it essential to provide additional money for helping children develop early in their education. Foreign countries are beginning to focus on the early years for children and see the importance of funding the education. This allows children all over the world to get the start to their education that they all deserve.