New discoveries in classic picture books
Judith Harries’ series on classic picture books over the last 12 months has built into a fantastic resource for practitioners and parents, focusing on a range of authors and their individual styles.
Practical
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!
Activities to support sustainable development
These practical articles, written as part of an ongoing series by Hilary White, highlight how environmental themes can link to learning within the Early Years Foundation Stage.
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.
Four simple ways to inspire STEM learning from a young age
Find out how to invent and create quests to trigger children’s interest in STEM subjects.
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.
Parent: Preparing for school
Parents may be particularly worried at this time about the prospect of their child starting a new school but there is a lot they can do to smooth the transition.
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.
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Home learning: Five Minute Mum
Activities which parents can set up quickly and easily at home are often the ones to excite and engage children. In her entertaining book, Five Minute Mum: Give Me Five, Daisy Upton provides a wealth of ideas to support learning through play.
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.
Parent: School talk
Start early to prepare your child for school by sharing stories, setting up role-play and talking to friends and neighbours about what school will be like.
Parent: Big school, big step
It is never too early to start planning for your child's move to school. In the first of a new series, Annette Rawstrone outlines how to get a feel for what your local primaries offer and which ones would be a good fit for your child.