Get data logging outdoors! Use a Log-Box to measure light levels in different locations; record temperatures in rivers, streams and puddles and even measure sound. Here are 3 simple project ideas to get children excited about science whilst collecting and investigating their own data. Read more

The new TTS Maths Mastery leaflet picks out the best and most versatile resources to help you make the most of your mathematics budget – whatever the size. As promised, within this blog are links to some free resources! Read more

My children were very excited about a package that arrived containing our new project....a butterfly garden in which to watch caterpillars grow into butterflies before our eyes! Read more

Who knew corks could be so versatile? If you ever needed an excuse to crack open a bottle of prosecco (or four…) these cute cork crafts by Lottie Makes are it. We’ll show you just how easy it is to create budget-friendly resources for story-telling, small world play, maths games (who wouldn’t enjoy sorting and counting with ninja turtles?) and much, much more. Read more

Many of us gain a sense of satisfaction from arrangements that feel 'just right', whether it is the furniture in our rooms, the objects on our desk, or the tins in our cupboard. Children gain the same sense of satisfaction from exploring how things look and feel when they are positioned in different ways relative to each other. Read more

Our aim as teachers is to develop children’s understanding of mathematical concepts. We need to encourage children to explore their own mathematical ideas and challenge potential misconceptions. Manipulatives are a key component in the teacher’s toolkit, allowing the structure of the mathematics to be uncovered and hence understood more deeply by the children. (Humphreys and Parker, 2015, pg.26). A 2012 Ofsted report stated that too few schools used these resources well. Read more

No one runs a marathon without first training their legs to cope with the amount of exercise they will have to endure, SO WHY do we expect children to write before we have developed their shoulder muscles, arms and finally their fine motor muscles? It is imperative for Early Years settings to support children's early development, but does this mean giving them a pen and asking them to write? How can we expect them to write when we haven't "trained" them with the techniques they will require? Read more

I first came across tinker trays on Pinterest and I have been hooked on the idea ever since. They encompass everything I believe in; exploration, creativity, loose parts, nature and so much more! Read more

We show children where to look but not what to see…This simple phrase has become part of our philosophy, which feeds into our approach and is who we are today as a setting. Our approach was originally inspired by the Reggio Approach, but we have developed and fine-tuned it over the years and we fully expect to continue enhancing and adapting, because no matter how good you think you are, you can always be better. At the end of the day we are providing care and education for children in their early years – their most crucial years, so we should all be striving to provide the best. Read more

Although World War 2 is no longer a compulsory topic, many schools still choose to include it as part of the ‘significant events’ or ‘local history’ strands of the history curriculum. One focus that can really resonate is the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of children. Read more

As busy Early Years Educators we need to be doing our very best for boys every day. In order to do this I have put together a simple ‘High Five’ list of what we can do to help them achieve their very best. Read more

In the UK, 20.1% of children are learning English as an Additional Language, and we expect this figure to rise. Teachers readily adapt our linguistically and culturally diverse classrooms for the benefit of all our learners, but also understand that EAL children have quite specific language needs. Read more

A lovely autumn craft using 3 simple items. Read more

The return to school after the long summer holidays can be a little nerve-wracking for all concerned. Children are usually excited to be back, but often a bit nervous too. They hope they will like their new class and teacher, make new friends and that the work will not be too difficult! Teachers are wondering how on earth the holidays could have flown by so quickly and about how all their good intentions to be ultra-organised this year haven’t quite come to fruition. (If only there was one more week without the children!) Even the most experienced teachers can feel apprehensive about getting back on the roller-coaster for another year. The first day back is an important one because it sets the scene, allowing everyone to settle back in and feel: relieved, happy, comfortable, capable, included, excited to learn and many other emotions besides. If you are still pondering what to do, here are 10 activity ideas to help get the year off to a memorable start. Most can be adapted to suit any age group. Read more

We usually imagine the Anglo-Saxons as invaders, from across the North Sea. But I wanted to explore the world of learning and ask a simple question - what can we learn about the Anglo-Saxons from ink? I know only a few people - mostly churchmen - were literate - but great store was placed on books. Where did the ink come from - after all you couldn't just pop down the shops and buy a bottle of ink or a pen, could you? Read more

Support Phase 1 phonic skills through a play-based, practical approach, indoors or out with alphabet bags. Read more