Learning and Development

How to support children with turn-taking Turn taking is a vital factor in building positive relationships and social skills. Young children are very egocentric and it can take a while for them to understand and share with their friends. Turn taking can be applied to many areas of development and does not only cover the sharing of toys. These … [Read more...] about 7 Great ways to encourage turn-taking

Making moon sand for a sensory activity Have you ever wondered how to make moon sand or even heard of this before. It is very simple to make consisting of just two ingredients. Older children could make this on their own. This sensory activity is great for developing children's sensory awareness and it can also develop many other areas of … [Read more...] about A simple sensory activity for children

How practitioner's can support children's communication development When supporting children's communication development this can involve practitioners using strategies, making adjustments to the environment and using resources. The most important thing to consider is making this whole process fun for the child, as this can be a step in the … [Read more...] about 10 toys to support children’s communication development

5 reasons why Mud Play is great for children's development Allowing children to play with mud is more common now in early year’s settings. Previously many people were reluctant to let children play in mud, however people views have changed over time. Mud play is now recognised as a source of learning as there are vast learning opportunities … [Read more...] about Why mud play should be encouraged

10 top tips on how practitioners can enhance practice to support children's communication It is vital that all professionals working in the Early Year's sector have the skills and knowledge to support children's communication.  Language is one on the most important contributing factors of children’s cognitive, social and emotional well-being. … [Read more...] about Supporting children’s communication

  Why nursery rhymes and songs are important Singing nursery rhymes and songs to children as young as babies can help develop their language and communication skills from an early age. There are so many different ways adults can make this type of learning fun, whether this is by using props, music or musical instruments. Creating a fun … [Read more...] about Importance of Nursery Rhymes and Songs

Why sand play is important in helping children's development   Sand play is an easy activity to offer children, whether this is placing it in a sand tray with sand toys or  mixing it with other items such as shaving foam or baby oil to make a new texture. When children are happily playing in the sand they are learning new skills and … [Read more...] about How sand play can help children’s development

Tips on helping with toilet training Toilet training is a big milestone to accomplish for small children and parents can be just as nervous about tackling it. Children usually toilet train between the ages of two and four years old, however some children can start earlier or later than this. It is important to wait for the child to be ready, as … [Read more...] about 10 top tips for toilet training

Why learning a second language can help children's development It has been said that learning a second language at a younger age is far easier than learning it later on in life. Children absorb new information easier and quicker, therefore, if you are thinking of introducing a second language, introduce this sooner rather than … [Read more...] about Can learning a second language help children

What children learn from small world play Small world is an important aspect of children's play, aiding many areas of development. Imaginative skills are supported allowing the child to express thoughts and experiences into their play, whilst exploring the world in which they live. Small world also offers the opportunity for children to build … [Read more...] about Why small world play is important