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!
Personal, social and emotional development
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.
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.
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.
Wash, wash, your hands!
The coronavirus has highlighted the importance of washing our hands to help prevent illness. Here are some activities linked to the EYFS which will inform children about why it is essential to regularly wash their hands, giving them the skills to do this effectively.
PSED: When I grow up
Being aware of how girls and boys are accessing your resources and spaces can help to combat any gender bias. Judith Harries suggests ideas to stimulate children's use of all the opportunities that are available in the setting.
PSED: Pitch perfect
The final article in this series on different ways to inspire a love of music, looks at ways to support children to play in pairs or small groups, and bring it all together as an exciting class band.
Literacy: Sharing traditions
Sarah Davies urges settings to celebrate ‘International Mother Language Day’ on 21 February. Its a great excuse to bring children, families and the wider community together to share their cultures, songs, stories and rhymes.
PSED: Feel the love
Sam McBratney's Guess How Much I Love You is a simple, classic story that provides a safe space for children to explore their feelings and their place in the world. Support them to think about ways to express how they feel.
PSED: Come into my den
The creation of small, cosy areas are important for allowing children to occupy private spaces, either on their own or with a friend. These secure, comfortable environments provide an ideal place to share emotions and ideas.
A trip to remember
If pitched at the right level, a trip to a historical or cultural location can be just as valuable in the early years as it is for pupils further up the school, as we found on our trip to Hampton Court Palace, says Elaine Booth, teacher at Latchmere School in Kingston-upon-Thames.
PSED: Brrr-illiant books for Christmas
Christmas is the perfect time of year to teach children the importance of helping others and sharing. The books of Raymond Briggs are a fantastic resource for instilling children with these values during the festive period.
Loving the darkness
While winter’s lack of daylight hours and long, dark evenings may make most of us feel like hibernating, consider ways in which you can explore the excitement of darkness with children.
PSED: More than a feeling
Emojis have become a key part of how we interact using technology and present lots of potential for learning. Judith Harries suggests we embrace this new form of communication to help children recognise their own and others' feelings.
Tuff decisions
Ailsa Chapman re-visits that stalwart of early years resourcing – the tuff tray, and suggests ways to extend its scope, with a range of imaginative ideas that children can take in any direction.
Start your week
Get your week off to a flying start with our suggestions for seasonal activities which embrace wet and windy weather! Don't forget to get involved with Early Years Wellbeing Week – and find out how one nursery is combating Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Let's all wash our hands
As the autumn and winter months bring more opportunities for cold and flu bugs to spread now is the time to be extra vigilant about handwashing in your setting. Try these activities linked to the EYFS which will educate children about the importance of regular handwashing and give them the physical skills to carry it out effectively.
Early years activities to celebrate the changing seasons
With summer a distant memory, it’s time to embrace rainy days and view them as a learning opportunity.
PSED: Recipe for success
The popular picture book Pumpkin Soup is a staple diet for settings during the autumn months. The efforts of Cat, Duck and Squirrel to make the most perfect pumpkin soup is a great lesson in team work and sharing.
PSED: Waste not, want not
In part two of her series on sustainability, Hilary White suggests ways for children to work together to discover that managing the rubbish we produce can be both fun and good for the environment.
PSED: Saying thank you to Dad
Make the most of Father's Day on 16 June to organise Personal, Social and Emotional Development activities which encourage children to talk about their fathers and their family life at home.
Sponsored
String & Keyboard Musik: inspiring young children to become music makers
Following a difficult childhood medical experience, Karen Karana Tse decided to dedicate her life to music. Eventually, she set up the String & Keyboard Musik programme, a captivating method of introducing music to children. She is now bringing the programme to the UK, where it is poised to meet a growing demand for music provision in early years.
Building positive futures through intergenerational contact
Bringing old and young together for meaningful interactions is now proving to have many benefits – not just for children and the elderly, but for society as a whole. Stephen and Denise Burke explain how they are working to maximise these benefits.
Marvellous museums
Use International Museum Day as a springboard for children to explore the role of museums and think about them as a way to share knowledge and ideas, and preserve memories of the past and present.