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 … [Read more...] about Funky fingers and finger gym – part 2
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 … [Read more...] about What is finger gym and funky fingers?
Rainbow Challenges in the EYFS
What are rainbow challenges? Rainbow challenges are something which seems to be increasingly popular with many childcare setting using these in their settings. Until recently I believed they were something which should be used in schools however they can be easily adapted to be EYFS friendly as the important part is creating the rainbow and the … [Read more...] about Rainbow Challenges in the EYFS
What parents really want to see on a show around
How to impress potential parents Often parents will ask to have a look around a setting before they decide whether or not it is right for them and their child. This is also a great opportunity for parents to ask any questions they might have and for a setting to really sell itself as the best in the local area. The pressure felt by managers and … [Read more...] about What parents really want to see on a show around
My practitioners lack imagination and new ideas
How can I support my practitioners in expanding their practice? When you have worked in the same setting, with the same age range for a long time with minimal up to date training it can become easy for practitioners to get stuck in a rut with practice. This can result in the same handful of activities being completed on a regular basis and … [Read more...] about My practitioners lack imagination and new ideas
Top 5 autumn leaf activities
Connecting with nature through leaves Nature and the outdoors can often be a daunting thing with the British weather and many of us adult disliking the wet and cold however as early years practitioners we all know the importance of allowing children to engage with the outdoors environment. We have a great article here detailing why you should … [Read more...] about Top 5 autumn leaf activities
Using old and vintage resources in the early years
Finding old treasures to create exciting opportunities in the early years The early years is all about creating enabling environments that stimulate, excite and provide opportunities to explore the characteristics of effective learning. This can be done through many different planning formats and in both child led and adult led activities. It can … [Read more...] about Using old and vintage resources in the early years
Why children in the early years should go barefoot
Why it's time to ditch the shoes in nurseries This is a very bold statement to make with many parents buying children their first pair of shoes before they are even walking, however, research is showing that wearing shoes may actually be doing more damage than good. Many feel children need a good pair of shoes to protect children's feet and ankles … [Read more...] about Why children in the early years should go barefoot
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 … [Read more...] about Fine motor skills should be actively promoted daily
The benefits of Autumn for children
How to get the most out of autumn Autumn is a wonderful time of year to really use nature to promote the development of children. Whilst this may seem like an odd statement to make as the wet and dreary weather kicks in, the days grow shorter and everything seems some what muddier and duller, it doesn't take away from the wealth of learning that … [Read more...] about The benefits of Autumn for children