This activity is a great way to develop the children's fine motor skills and practise using tools. Chunky tweezers cn be used to pick up the insects and transfer them to different containers. 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 Bug catching activity
Top 10 essentials for your outdoor space
Top 10 essentials for your outdoor space With the emphasis and research on outdoor play growing in strength every day, practitioners are increasingly questioning how they can improve their outdoors area. There are 2 main approaches early years practitioners are taking, one is based around a loose parts approach filling the outdoors … [Read more...] about Top 10 essentials for your outdoor space
Autumn hunt
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the outdoor environment and collect a range of natural objects. Providing the children with Autumn hunt checklists can help the children focus on the task and supports a breadth of language. Follow our hashtag #AfternoonActivityTime to follow all the exciting activities that are being shared on our … [Read more...] about Autumn hunt
New guidelines on technology use in the Early Years
New guidelines on using technology in the early years Using technology with children in the early years is an area which is becoming more frequently discussed as more children are becoming more competent with technology with many now owning their computer tablets. There are concerns that sometimes children are spending too much time on … [Read more...] about New guidelines on technology use in the Early Years
Washing pots and pans
Mud kitchens can be great fun, allowing the children to make 'food' using lots of natural resources; however washing up is another fun activity that children love to recreate. Giving children the opportunity to wash up pots and pans using sponges and soapy water can let their imaginative side out and enable them to act out tasks that they have seen … [Read more...] about Washing pots and pans
Why hand and footprint art should be banned in the early years
Do you agree that hand and footprint art should be banned in the early years Some are arguing that hand and footprint art has no benefits for the child and although examples of lovely art pieces can be seen on many early years sites and plans that they really have no place in the early years. All early years practitioners will have … [Read more...] about Why hand and footprint art should be banned in the early years
Early Years teachers shortage
Early years teachers shortage We have reported recently about the recruitment crisis being faced by many early years’ settings, also the difficulties practitioners are facing in gaining their level 3 qualifications because of G.C.S.E restrictions making gaining job positions and recruiting even more difficult putting a strain on settings and … [Read more...] about Early Years teachers shortage
Autumn sensory trays
Autumn sensory trays are a greay way for the children to experience nature and talk about the different seasonal changes. Items such as leaves, conkers, pine cones and sticks can be used to give the tray an autumn feel, adding sliced fruit as a new sensory extra. Follow our hashtag #AfternoonActivityTime to follow all the exciting … [Read more...] about Autumn sensory trays
Painting with water
Using water to paint outside is an easy and less messy way for children to make marks. Give the children some pots of water and some paintbrushes and let them 'paint' on a range of surfaces including chalkboards, the floor and brick walls. The children will love to watch their artwork slowly disappear as the water dries. Follow our hashtag … [Read more...] about Painting with water
Drawing in the sand
Using small sand tray with mirrors in the bottom are a great alternative way for children to experience drawing and mark making. Small paintbrushes can be used to make marks on the mirror. 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 Drawing in the sand