Explore EYE's latest practical activities...
Tune into children’s interests and extend their learning with our seasonal step-by-step practical activities.
Communication and language development
EYFS reforms: Identifying opportunities
In the first of a three-part guide, Nicola Watson focuses on the statutory changes to the Prime areas of learning and provides advice on how to positively implement them in your practice.
Communication and language: Listen to this!
Jenni Clarke describes how practitioners can extend children's listening and speaking skills by tuning into their self-directed play, as part of ‘in the moment planning’.
How words can make all the difference to young children’s future life chances
It's important that all young children returning to school develop vocabulary through language, talk and day-to-day experiences, to put their feelings into words and share experiences. Jane Harley outlines practical strategies.
While we can’t hug…
Following on from his bestselling book The Hug, author Eoin McLaughlin has written this genuine book for our time, talking to young children about social distancing. Find out more about how to share this book!
Talking about me...
A child’s sense of self is a very precious thing and early years practitioners have an important role to play in nurturing this through quality interactions.
Maths: Creepy crawlies
Bug hunts can be a focus for indoors as well as outdoors. Tap into children's fascinations, with cues to count, categorise and respect these tiny creatures.
Literacy: On a clear day
One positive of lockdown is that the atmosphere is noticeably clearer. Make a date with Clean Air Day on 8 October to explore the importance of reducing air pollution.
Expressive arts and design: Natural rhythm
Use the book Giraffe's Can't Dance to ignite children's interest in the rhythm and sway of dance moves, giving them confidence to lose themselves in the moment.
PSED: Helping hands
The books of Rosie Wellesley are a wonderful starting point to explore the rewards of being helpful, doing chores together and sharing precious things with others.
Understanding the world: Going walkabout
Taking children out on nearby walks and providing ways for them to record and explore their observations is a great way to support learning and conversation skills.
Physical development: Safe in the water
At this time of year it is important that children understand the risks around different bodies of water – including paddling pools, ponds and swimming pools.
Communication and language: Roma adventure
The Lost Homework is a great book to link creative activities such as junk modelling and cooking while helping children to understand a chain of events.
Expressive arts and design: Happy Father’s Day!
Help children to get stuck in with making their own fabulous cards for Dad or another family member.
Expressive arts and design: Get busy!
Days with time spent more indoors than out can be a great opportunity to focus on creative projects that will excite children and give them a real sense of achievement.
Maths: Testing the water
Use the ‘Big’ books of Julia Jarman to involve children talking spontaneously about mathematical concepts such as full and empty, big and small and near and far.
Literacy: Tongue twisters
Experiment with alliteration as a way to build children's confidence in phonic knowledge of letters and extend their ability to identify and write simple words.
Expressive arts and design: In full bloom
Flowers, plants, snails and birds provide inspiration for a range of craft activities, including finger puppets, paper plate bird nest decorations and a crown of leaves.
PSED: A merry band
Tom Knight's Jimmy Finnigan's Wild Wood Band is a great book to pick up at this time to explore ideas of community spirit and social awareness.
Communication and language: Stay cool
Hilary White outlines how to discuss three key aspects of sun safety – the difference between sunshine and shade, the effects of the sun and sun protection strategies.
Physical development: On your bike!
Use Bike Week to re-think how you use wheeled vehicles in your setting and make the most of their potential to challenge children's balance, strength and control.
Understanding the world: Action stations!
In the moment planning brings a spontaneity and excitement to exploring job roles. Jenni Clarke sketches scenrios to demonstrate how learning takes off.
Get baking!
Prepare for Easter by involving children in some simple baking activities that will also develop their maths and literacy skills.
Celebrate National Pet Month and help children to understand the importance of responsible pet ownership
National Pet Month is all about raising awareness of responsible pet ownership through education, celebrating the benefits of pets and encouraging fundraising for the nation’s needy pets.
Things to do on a rainy afternoon
A rainy day in doors doesn’t have to mean a day stuck in front of the TV or computer. There are lots of activities to keep children occupied – and still learning. Painting, baking, and other arts and crafts are just some of the great ways to boost their creativity. Here are some activities that are perfect for wet weather days.