Here are 10 alternative cooking ideas to try out with preschool children Cooking is a great way to support many aspects of development such as fine and gross motor skills, mathematical understanding and exploring cause and effect. Many settings give children the opportunity to take part in cooking activities with biscuits, cakes and … [Read more...] about 10 alternative cooking ideas for preschoolers
Enabling Environment
Encouraging all children to join in with messy activities
How can practitioner's support children who are less reluctant to join in messy activities Messy activities can be unappealing to some children, through fear of getting messy. Some children do not like the feeling of particular resources such as sand or paint on their fingers and for this reason they will avoid these types of activities. It is … [Read more...] about Encouraging all children to join in with messy activities
Top 10 books to promote early maths
Ten great story books that promote early maths skills Maths is an important aspect of development for young children. Number skills alongside learning shape, space and measure are important skills needed in adult life. Maths development can be supported through the use of stories and books. Here are 10 top books that promote maths in the early … [Read more...] about Top 10 books to promote early maths
Creating a nursery rhyme sack for all ages
How to make a nursery rhyme sack to use in your setting Instead of having to search around the room for your nursery rhyme props why not make a nursery sack to keep all your props in ready for song time. This sack can be easily made to support all ages of children. First of all, decide what nursery rhymes you would like to include in this … [Read more...] about Creating a nursery rhyme sack for all ages
10 great nursery rhymes to sing with children
Singing Nursery Rhymes in your setting As we know singing nursery rhymes are a great way to introduce children to early phonic skills, it gives children the ability to hear, identify and manipulate letter sounds. Singing with children should be incorporated into everyday practice. When singing nursery rhymes it is providing children the … [Read more...] about 10 great nursery rhymes to sing with children
8 ways to make outdoor play same as indoors
Offering children outdoor play The outside environment should offer the same opportunities as the indoor environment. This allows the children to experience outdoors yet still have access to the same level of learning. Outdoor play is important for children's development, providing them with fresh air and the opportunity to discover and learn … [Read more...] about 8 ways to make outdoor play same as indoors
10 ways to create a Communication Friendly Environment
What is a Communication Friendly Environment? A Communication Friendly Environment is a space that encourages and promotes good communication. This approach focuses on the role of the environment in supporting speaking and listening skills, emotional well-being, physical development and general engagement. The environment in which a child … [Read more...] about 10 ways to create a Communication Friendly Environment
How to make 5 nursery rhymes interactive
Top tips on making Nursery Rhymes interactive and engaging These opportunities should be introduced to children from the minute they are born as there is no harm in singing songs and lullabies to babies. As children become more familiar with the songs they will begin to have their favourites and will request these during song time. There … [Read more...] about How to make 5 nursery rhymes interactive
Babies and outdoor play
5 Great ways to let babies explore outdoor play It is important that all children are able to access outdoor play every day. Accessing this environment with babies can have its challenges. However, Ofsted are very keen to see babies having fresh air everyday. Some settings will take the babies out in pushchairs to ensure they get some fresh air … [Read more...] about Babies and outdoor play
Mark making activities for younger children
10 simple mark making activities for younger children There is no reason why young children shouldn't be encouraged to join in mark making activities. It can be an exciting moment when parents are given their children's first scribbles. This stage of development is known as #markmaking. Mark making is important as this is where the journey … [Read more...] about Mark making activities for younger children