Changing practitioners perspectives for a loose parts approach The loose parts approach seems to attracting an increasing amount of attention in the early years sector. Settings that follow this approach are currently very inspiring and have a unique approach often taking similar elements from Reggio settings. This seems to make … [Read more...] about Loose parts – getting practitioners on board
Why you should not make reindeer food this year
Reindeer food is damaging Reindeer food is a much loved craft option to make with children in the early years. It usually involved oats and glitter along with a little poem card asking you to sprinkle it outside on Christmas eve to help guide Santas' sleigh. In the early years this activity is done in many ways from it being more of sensory … [Read more...] about Why you should not make reindeer food this year
Does Christmas bring out the worst practice in the early years?
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 … [Read more...] about Does Christmas bring out the worst practice in the early years?
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 … [Read more...] about Is play often unnecessarily interrupted?
Should plug socket covers be removed from the early years?
Plug socket covers could cause more damage than good Plug socket covers have been on the agenda for quite some time but have recently hit the headlines again after a video went viral showing the dangers that plug socket covers can cause. It has previously been believed that plug socket covers offer safety and prevent children from inserting … [Read more...] about Should plug socket covers be removed from the early years?
Should glitter be banned in early years settings?
Glitter banned in early years settings! Glitter has recently hit the headlines with one large chain of nurseries completely banning the use of glitter in their nurseries. This includes for messy play and arts and crafts. Tops day nurseries will be banning glitter in all future activities including those completed over the festive period. This … [Read more...] about Should glitter be banned in early years settings?
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 … [Read more...] about Are your planned next steps meaningful?
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 … [Read more...] about Is creating a provocation simply adult led learning?
Why you should regularly change the early years environment
Why should I make changes to the early years environment? It may seem like a very strange thing to suggest that the early years environment is regularly changed, many will question whether this causes upset and unfamiliarity for the children, disrupting their emotional wellbeing and confidence within the setting. This however is not the case … [Read more...] about Why you should regularly change the early years environment
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 … [Read more...] about Why all preschools should have a pen pal class