Supporting children with English as an Additional Language (EAL) can be difficult due to a language barrier. Many Early Years Professionals struggle to communicate with EAL children, putting a strain on the child's learning and development. Here are some top tips in supporting children with EAL; Visual aids The use of visual aids and widgets are … [Read more...] about 5 Tips to support children with EAL
Early Years Practice
Gender stereotypes in play
Can gender stereotypes interrupt children's curiosity and imagination? Should children be given the freedom to explore their gender role? There is much debate within the Early Years sector on whether children should be encouraged to break out of their gender stereotypes and explore their own identity. Many parents have voiced their opinion on … [Read more...] about Gender stereotypes in play
The benefits of Free Flow Play
Why free flow helps children's development Many nurseries today offer free flow; this allows children to independently choose to move between the different environments. For some settings free flow can pose challenges as they may be based upstairs and have to find ways of accessing the outdoors, whereas settings based on one level have more … [Read more...] about The benefits of Free Flow Play
Why children shouldn’t sit in the W position
How to prevent children sitting in the W position Do you have children in your nursery that sits in the W position? Have you ever wondered how this might be affecting their development? What is the W-Sitting position? The W sitting position is when children will sit with their legs out to the side and will make the shape of a W. … [Read more...] about Why children shouldn’t sit in the W position
How music can boost children’s development
Why music is a great tool to help children's development Music is a great learning tool for children, especially from a young age. Many people forget that listening to music can begin in the womb, playing music to babies who are not yet born can help them later on in life. Being around music is important for children as this can help many … [Read more...] about How music can boost children’s development
Problem solving in Early Years Settings
The role of the practitioner in supporting children's problem solving skills An adult has a crucial role to play in supporting children's problem solving skills, children need to be set challenges and be prompted with questions and suggestions. It is important that adults do not provide children straight away with the answers. Some early years … [Read more...] about Problem solving in Early Years Settings
Using ICT Digital cameras in Early Years Settings
Ideas on using ICT digital cameras with children Using digital cameras is a great way for children to capture those special moments and be at the centre of their learning. All children love looking back on photos of themselves. It is also a great way to develop those language skills by holding conversations about the photos. As ICT is a part of … [Read more...] about Using ICT Digital cameras in Early Years Settings
Activities to carry out in your Sensory Room
Inspiration on activities for your Sensory Room Thinking of activities to offer in your sensory room can be quite easy. A sensory room is a room designed to develop children's senses, this is achieved through lighting, music, and objects. A sensory room can also be used to help children with limited communication skills. Here are a few ideas of … [Read more...] about Activities to carry out in your Sensory Room
Ways to help children’s speaking, listening and understanding
Helping practitioners find ways to support children's speaking, listening and understanding Children's speaking, listening and understanding is a core element of their learning and development, these three elements play a central role in their lives. It is important that practitioners support children in this area of development and if concerns … [Read more...] about Ways to help children’s speaking, listening and understanding
Ideas on how to make a sensory room
Top tips on creating a sensory room When it comes to deciding on how best to create a this room, there are many things to consider during this process. Here we will discuss some pointers that will help you in your planning process, Who will use the room? It is important to discuss with your team on who will use the room, what the ages of … [Read more...] about Ideas on how to make a sensory room