Why you should ditch the bright display backing paper Many think the early years should be full of lots of wonderful display boards, filled with children’s art work. Although true, display boards are becoming a hotly debated topic with more and more suggested ideas for best practice. Settings are choosing to limit the number of display boards … [Read more...] about Why coloured display backing causes distraction for children
Enabling Environment
What is deconstructed role play?
Have you heard of what deconstructed role play is? Recently the term deconstructed role play is becoming more popular with early years workers but what does it actually entail? Traditional role play areas are often themed and inspired by adults, for example, a vets, supermarket or garden centre, however, many are now arguing that these areas … [Read more...] about What is deconstructed role play?
Investigation station ideas
Why you should have an investigation station Investigation stations are great to introduce to any room within an early years setting and can easily be adapted to suit the age, stage and interests of the children. Investigation stations can be placed anywhere in a room maybe on a unit, draws, black tray, floor space etc. They offer an extra element … [Read more...] about Investigation station ideas
Why not try transient art in your setting?
Do you know what transient art is? Have you ever heard of Transient art?Many settings incorporate this into their rooms, it is not something new, it is based on loose parts play. Transient art is known as moveable art, it is a collection of materials that children create a picture from, The materials that are used are … [Read more...] about Why not try transient art in your setting?
Physical Activity Guidelines – What are these?
Understanding of the Chief Medical Officers Guidelines for Physical Activity Within the new revised Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage, there is now a mention of the Chief Medical Officers guidelines for physical activity. For some practitioners and managers, this information may be new, therefore by reading this article, … [Read more...] about Physical Activity Guidelines – What are these?
How to manage play fighting games in the early years
Should play fighting games be promoted in the early years? Play fighting games are incredibly common in the early years. This type of play can sometimes be a sign of a safeguarding issue especially if this is out of character for the child. Therefore, it is best to observe this type of play and be aware of any issues that are identified during the … [Read more...] about How to manage play fighting games in the early years
Adult led outdoor games
Examples of Adult led outdoor games Outdoor games can be great fun and beneficial. A setting needs to ensure they have a correct balance between adult led and child initiated activities. You may choose to complete adult led games outdoors for a number of reasons for example: • To improve listening Skills • To encourage the children to follow … [Read more...] about Adult led outdoor games
What are the benefits to using and decorating a cable drum?
Using a cable drum in your environment Large cable drums can be an incredibly valuable resource to have in any early years setting. They can sometimes be difficult to source, however, the benefits once you have one are endless. Many people choose to place a cable drum in the small world area and then decorate these with Astro turf, painted … [Read more...] about What are the benefits to using and decorating a cable drum?
Why your role play should also include messy play
Incorporating other areas of learning into your role play area Having a role play area is a key element to any enabling early year’s environment, and the benefits are endless. It engages the characteristics of effective learning, promotes imagination, understanding of the world and a wealth of communication and language can often be observed in … [Read more...] about Why your role play should also include messy play
Why is the outdoors and nature beneficial to children in the EYFS?
Top 10 nature activities that aid children's development The early years is quickly becoming a sector completely in love with anything involving nature and the outdoors. This is because the benefits of these types of activities and experiences are limitless with the children more engaged in their play and learning than ever before. Being outdoors, … [Read more...] about Why is the outdoors and nature beneficial to children in the EYFS?