This week is National Allotments Week. I’m very much an enthusiastic amateur when it comes to gardening, but over the years we’ve grown a few things with relative success! I love spending time outside with my kids and gardening with children is great therapy for all the family. The kids really benefit from just being […]
maths
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10 Activities to Try This Summer
Looking for some small on cost but big on fun activities to do this summer? Look no further! Here are ten activities you can do with things you’ll probably already have at home!
Mini Scientists: Chalk Planets
Recently, T and I have been learning about space. We’ve done this topic a few times now, first when she was about two and a half, again last year and then again this summer. It’s something which we can delve deeper into every time we study it, which is really fun! This time, it happens […]
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Springtime Snail Race!
The days are getting warmer and it really feels like Spring has arrived, doesn’t it? If you head out into the garden or to the park, you might start to see snails which are coming out of hibernation just now. Depending on how keen a gardener you are, they may or may not be particularly […]
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Chalk Number Formation Activity
Last year T was finding number formation quite a challenge. She had just turned five, so I wasn’t worried about it, but it was frustrating her as she wanted to get it right! I wanted to come up with some simple, fun ways to help her practise this skill. There are innumerable worksheets you can […]
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The Theory of Loose Parts
What are Loose Parts? If you are someone who is interested in play, or early years education, then you may have come across the term Loose Parts. This is a term coined by architect Simon Nicholson in his 1971 article How NOT to Cheat Children: The Theory of Loose Parts. It can refer to both large, […]
Outdoor Noughts and Crosses
If you read my blog or follow me on social media you might know that getting outside is a big part of our day to day lives. At the moment, we tend to spend the morning outside. Our current morning routine is to have breakfast, do a couple of quick activities together, and then get […]
Valentines Sensory Play
Valentines Day is almost here! If you hadn’t realised, don’t worry: it’s not until Thursday. You’ve still got time! May I suggest you finish reading this post for some great Valentines sensory inspiration, and then get on it?! T has been asking me if Valentines Day includes children. Of course! Or at least it does […]
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Valentines Addition Activity
Last year, just before Valentines Day, I picked up a few loose parts in the shops. Included amongst them were some numbered miniature clothes pegs and some heart shaped confetti. I wasn’t quite sure what I had in mind, but they were all things I thought might come in useful for some Valentines themed activities. […]
Baby Play: Circles Treasure Basket
I’ve written before about the concept of Treasure Baskets and how they provide valuable sensory and learning experiences for very young children. The idea is that babies aged 6-18 months can enjoy playing with a ‘treasure basket’ of ordinary household items which can provide more stimulation and sensory input than traditional toys.