Using biscuit cutters are a great way for the children to print shapes onto paper. Simply offer a range of biscuit cutters and some flat painting trays containing different coloured paint. The children can dip the cutter in the paint and print onto their paper. Follow our hashtag #AfternoonActivityTime to follow all the exciting activities that … [Read more...] about biscuit cutter printing
Lego patterns
Using Lego with the paint is fun for the children! They can create lots of different patterns and sequences using the colours. Follow our hashtag #AfternoonActivityTime to follow all the exciting activities that are being shared on our Facebook page every day at 11.30. … [Read more...] about Lego patterns
Top Tips on accessing the outdoors, even in the cold
Top Tips on accessing the outdoor environment, even in the cold Outdoor space and time for every child is crucial every day, yet when living in the UK with the unpredictable weather and cold temperatures. it can be difficult to be motivated to spending time outdoors. However it is possible to make the most of the outdoors in all weathers. The … [Read more...] about Top Tips on accessing the outdoors, even in the cold
Should Early Years practitioners accept parents on Facebook?
Is Facebook a line that shouldn't be crossed with parents? Facebook is arguably the most popular and widely used social media platform with the majority of individuals holding an account and using it daily. It is a great way to share your thoughts, photos and opinions with the outside world and your friends and family. But should Early Years … [Read more...] about Should Early Years practitioners accept parents on Facebook?
Should all pre-school children wear a uniform in the Early Years?
Do you think that all pre-school children should wear a uniform? Wearing a uniform marks a big step in a child’s life, showing their belonging to a setting and sets them up for the future when in their work they may be required to wear a uniform. However is preschool too early to begin instilling such norms and taking away children’s choice about … [Read more...] about Should all pre-school children wear a uniform in the Early Years?
Are settings rated below Ofsted ‘Good’ beneficial to children’s development?
Are ‘Good’ settings beneficial to children’s development? Unfortunately sometimes settings are graded at levels 3 and 4 which are seen as requiring improvement or inadequate, in these cases settings are allowed to continue offering services to families and offering care and education to children, however some feel this should not be the case and … [Read more...] about Are settings rated below Ofsted ‘Good’ beneficial to children’s development?
Sand writing
Sand trays can be used for a variety of activities! Why not add some leaves to the tray, with numbers written on them, and encourage the child to use a large stick to experience writing the numbers in the sand. This activity enables the child to experiment using different natural tools in order to make marks. Follow our hashtag … [Read more...] about Sand writing
The end product is of little importance in the early years
The end product is of little importance in the early years This is a debate which is rising in early years; is it the about the process of the product? Early years settings enjoy arts, crafts and getting creative as there are many benefits to this play based approach however are too many practitioners loosing site of what’s important and … [Read more...] about The end product is of little importance in the early years
Magnets in the Sand
Magnets are a great resource to use with young children as they learn some early scientific skills. Why not hide some metal objects such as paperclips, spoons or coins in the sand tray and encourage the children to find the hidden 'treasure' using a … [Read more...] about Magnets in the Sand
Building block shapes
This is a great activity to develop mathematical awareness alongside hand eye co ordination. Simply use coloured electrical tape or masking tape to create some 2D shapes on the floor. The children can then use building blocks to build on top of the … [Read more...] about Building block shapes