How can I check my maths provision is outstanding? Sometimes when you work in the same room day after day, with the same provision, and the same resources it can become difficult to think outside the box and evaluate your own provision. Maths can become a very standardised area which is always accessible but rarely used in the correct ways. For … [Read more...] about Could your setting do more to promote Maths?
Supporting children’s emotional wellbeing through home learning resources
Working in partnership is key to supporting emotional wellbeing There are many changes, transitions and difficulties that children can face in the early years and one of the most effective ways to support a child is to work in close partnership with parents. Parents may not always want to immediately make you aware that a child is experiencing … [Read more...] about Supporting children’s emotional wellbeing through home learning resources
Should baby rooms have topics on their planning?
Are there any benefits to having a topic in a baby room? Topics and themes are somewhat high on the agenda in early years with many settings feeling they need some sort of underpinning topic for either classroom organisation and layout or for the children to concentrate on whereas other settings are completely against having topics in their … [Read more...] about Should baby rooms have topics on their planning?
How to increase interest in mark making on paper
The importance of children enjoying mark making Mark making in the early years is not be confused with handwriting and does not mean children must be sat learning to form letters however early mark making skills such as drawing, scribbles, circles, painting, making marks in messy play using tools or fingers are all important skills that need … [Read more...] about How to increase interest in mark making on paper
Why the use of CD players in the early years should be limited
The damaging impact of CD players being overused CD players, ipods, computers, radios etc can often be seen in early years environment playing anything from nursery rhymes, classical music or even pop music however when these are played on loop every day it can have some very damaging effect on children's development. Music is … [Read more...] about Why the use of CD players in the early years should be limited
The benefits of using a song board
Why you should create a song board in your setting Song boards are a brilliant and simple resource that can be used across the ages in the EYFS. A song board can be made in a variety of ways using a large piece of card, covering in sticky back plastic, adding a section for the song that is being sung and rows of velcro. Add song widget cards … [Read more...] about The benefits of using a song board
Why you should have potion making in the EYFS out every day
How to set up a potion making area Potion making in the EYFS is great fun and has so many benefits for children in the early years. It's a great activity to have available daily and can involve as many or as few potion-making ingredients as you have available. These can include wet, dry, reusable or disposable materials depending on what you … [Read more...] about Why you should have potion making in the EYFS out every day
Why you should create a ‘toilet talk’ door
What is a toilet talk door? A toilet talk door is simply a place you can share information with practitioners. It is taken from the old phrase of 'toilet talk' simply meaning where everyone uses the toilet and talks to each other whilst they do so. There is no denying this happens and people have nothing better to do whilst they use the toilet … [Read more...] about Why you should create a ‘toilet talk’ door
Using old tyres in the early years environment
Why are tyres a useful resource? The early year's environment is incredibly important and can often be thought of as the third teacher. The EYFS highly advocates the importance of the learning environment. For these reasons, it is incredibly important that in early years settings the environment is made as engaging and interesting as … [Read more...] about Using old tyres in the early years environment
Ways to promote mathematics in the outdoors environment
How can I promote mathematics in the outdoors environment? Mathematics can often be something practitioners find difficult to promote in the outdoor environment as a lot of the emphasis can turn to social skills, physical skills and understanding of the world. However, mathematics is incredibly easy to promote outdoors and has so many benefits … [Read more...] about Ways to promote mathematics in the outdoors environment