The Christmas period leads to practitioners falling in to old methods of practice Christmas is always an exciting time of years in the early years with many young children besotted by the magic and wonder created around Christmas time. Not only is this time of year well loved by children, practitioners and parents are also often very fond of the festive period and cannot … [Read more...]
Is play often unnecessarily interrupted?
Are children suffering because of routine disturbing valuable play? Everyone who works in the foundation stage is very much aware that the EYFS is a play based curriculum and the value that play hold for children. There are many different types of play, each having a variety of benefits. Meaningful play where children are fully engaged is the most powerful learning time … [Read more...]
Are your planned next steps meaningful?
Planning to promote children's next steps Everyone working in early years is very aware of the importance of supporting children to reach their next steps. There are many ways of doing this from specific boards, on planning sheets, or from wow moments achieve that are in learning journals. However, recently it has been suggested by Ofsted inspectors that next steps need to … [Read more...]
Is creating a provocation simply adult led learning?
What is a provocation? We have a great, more in depth article here detailing exactly what a provocation is which you may like to read first. However, in simple terms a provocation is something which is set up to 'provoke' learning. This may be a photo, a book, a display area, an example piece of work etc.... This seems to be a very popular trend at the moment … [Read more...]
Why all preschools should have a pen pal class
What is a pen pal class? The pen pal concept seems to be a very outdated one however there are so many benefits that it would be great to see children taking this up again. A pen pal class is where one class would sit and compose letters to another class somewhere else in the country or even in the world. It can be brought in to the 21st century with not just … [Read more...]
Funky fingers and finger gym – part 2
Funky fingers and finger gym activities If you would like to know more about the benefits of and introducing finger gym or funky fingers to your preschool children then head over to our part 1 article here. For those of you who have already read part 1 and are now looking for some great activities to set up of your own here are some top tips and activity … [Read more...]
What is finger gym and funky fingers?
What is finger gym and funky fingers? Finger Gym and funky fingers has become increasingly popular within early years settings as it encourages the development of fine motor and language skills that are essential for hand writing. More practitioners steering away from the direct teaching of handwriting preschools and are instead focusing on ensuring children have the … [Read more...]
Fine motor skills should be actively promoted daily
Why promote fine motor skills more? Fine motor skills are those smaller hand and finger movements such as picking up small objects, using pencils using a pincer grip and threading thin pieces of string. These fine motor skills are essential for children to be able to form letters and write once they are ready. Practitioners will often support writing development through … [Read more...]
Managing whole group behaviour
Different behaviour management methods Recently here at EYC we have had a lot of practitioners getting in touch asking for support and advice in handling group behaviour and behaviour management. A common complaint at the moment seems to be the general behaviour of a whole class/group/room of children rather than just one or two children with behavioural issues. This can … [Read more...]
What makes a good learning journal?
Are your learning journals outstanding and relevant? Learning journals vary greatly from setting to setting and commonly many learning journals are now completed through online apps and websites. As there is no clear set way of completing a learning journal it can sometimes be difficult to judge what should be included; whether there is too much or too little, photos or no … [Read more...]
Could your setting do more to promote Maths?
How can I check my maths provision is outstanding? Sometimes when you work in the same room day after day, with the same provision, and the same resources it can become difficult to think outside the box and evaluate your own provision. Maths can become a very standardised area which is always accessible but rarely used in the correct ways. For example sorting bears become … [Read more...]
10 skills children should learn before starting school
Essential skills children should learn before starting school Back in 2014 Ofsted called for a checklist to be issued to parents regarding the 10 skills children should learn before starting school. Of this, it includes being toilet trained and talking in sentences. The reasoning behind this checklist being issued to parents is that according to Ofsted to many children were … [Read more...]
Supporting children’s emotional wellbeing through home learning resources
Working in partnership is key to supporting emotional wellbeing There are many changes, transitions and difficulties that children can face in the early years and one of the most effective ways to support a child is to work in close partnership with parents. Parents may not always want to immediately make you aware that a child is experiencing a change or difficulty. … [Read more...]
How to increase interest in mark making on paper
The importance of children enjoying mark making Mark making in the early years is not be confused with handwriting and does not mean children must be sat learning to form letters however early mark making skills such as drawing, scribbles, circles, painting, making marks in messy play using tools or fingers are all important skills that need to be mastered. These skills … [Read more...]
Why you should have potion making in the EYFS out every day
How to set up a potion making area Potion making in the EYFS is great fun and has so many benefits for children in the early years. It's a great activity to have available daily and can involve as many or as few potion-making ingredients as you have available. These can include wet, dry, reusable or disposable materials depending on what you have to offer. Potion making is … [Read more...]
