![Early touchscreen use may help with fine motor skills.](/web/20161014045635im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/o/j/b/q/image.related.landscape.380x253.groj7t.png/1474861680033.jpg)
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How to support your child's learning
Our children are little learning machines - every day, and in almost every way, they're learning. And long before they get to school, all this activity helps them get ready for a more formal learning environment.
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Fine motor skill activities for toddlers and preschoolers
Work on your child's fine motor skills while having fun with these play activities.
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TV noise can slow toddler word learning, study finds
Background noise from the radio or TV might be making it harder for your toddler to learn learn new words.
![<i></i>](/web/20161014045635im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/g/q/2/3/k/p/image.related.landscape.300x200.gq23iw.png/1468034187835.jpg)
The art of oral storytelling - and how you can start it with your kids
In this form of communication, the heart listens as well as the ears.
![Otto, 5, and Hugo, 6, Hadley with their mum, Kirstine Russell.](/web/20161014045635im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/g/p/0/f/b/n/image.related.landscape.300x200.gozplr.png/1464234192071.jpg)
Start school or stay and play?
Four-and-a-half, five-and-a-half or six? Kirstine Russell has tried every age point at which a child should start school.
![An early roster of presenters.](/web/20161014045635im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/s/i/x/y/image.related.landscape.300x200.gosdt8.png/1463711678158.jpg)
Australian stars share their favourite Play School memories
The excitement of the rocket clock, the neglected arch window and childhood crushes on presenter Benita Collings - these are just some of the things Australian celebrities remember most about Play School.
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5 ways to find time to read aloud 15 minutes a day
Incorporating minor adjustments in a family's daily routine can result in more time spent sharing and enjoying the stories
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How childcare supports your child's development – and how you can do the same at home
It may look like children are simply playing all day, but there's important learning happening in every activity and at every stage.
![There are plenty of reasons for Tony Abbott to hold fire and play a longer game.](/web/20161014045635im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/g/h/2/k/r/f/image.related.landscape.300x200.gnn19g.png/1459458349978.jpg)
'It's going to get even more scary': Sydney's preschool blackspot
Sydney's preschools are the most expensive and least attended in the land despite them giving more 'bang for the buck' than any other form of education.
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Photos: The latest celebrity pregnancy and birth news
Keep up to date with the latest on who is pregnant and who has exciting birth news.
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Sensory bin play ideas
Babies and toddlers explore their environment by using all of their senses. Encourage this inquisitive nature by offering sensory play with a variety of different materials.
![<i></i>](/web/20161014045635im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/g/m/m/x/2/9/image.related.landscape.300x200.gmiglv.png/1454650084079.jpg)
One-year-old snowboards like a natural
It often takes toddlers a little while to get steady on their feet after standing up and taking their first tentative steps - but not Sloan Henderson.
![play](/web/20161014045635im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/g/q/5/t/z/v/image.related.landscape.300x200.gmjiwx.png/1468476263779.jpg)
Pretend play ideas for toddlers and preschoolers
With simple props and a bit of imagination, pretend play is a great activity for young kids.
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