We have worked with the communication charity I CAN to develop this guide. Speaking is often confused with other aspects of communication and language. Speaking is the way that someone communicates their ideas, requests and makes observations orally. It is described in the Early Years Foundation Stage profile as ELG 03. Read more

We have worked with the communication charity I CAN to develop this guide on developing good listening and attentions skills. Listening and attention are the most fundamental skills required for learning to talk. This area is specified in the Early Years Foundation Stage profile as ELG01. Read more

Childhood memories of a perfume or potion mixed and swirled with a carefully chosen stick in a humble jar is a treasured memory. Help to create such powerful memories for your children and in doing so enrich them with vital key learning experiences. Read more

The role play area in a toddler room is, in my experience, a popular and key area of play and learning. Whether the area is set up as a home corner, a hospital, a veterinary surgery, a shop or a Post Office, it offers children the opportunity to play and re-enact actions and scenarios they have seen or experienced first-hand; from an everyday activity, such as making a cup of tea, to more specific situations like going to the doctors. Read more

The schema of transformation is probably the most complex and the one that holds the most fascination for children. From empty to full, from wet to dry, from solid to liquid, small to big, alive to dead; children want to know what makes these things happen, why, can they be undone, and can I control them? Read more

We all love Mr Men and Little Miss books and the latest creation is particularly timely! Little Miss Inventor is being launched on the 8th March to coincide with International Women’s Day and British Science Week. The blurb says: “Her brain is full of ideas which she turns into extraordinary inventions in a shed at the bottom of her garden” and author Adam Hargreaves intends her to be “a positive role model” for girls. Read more

Outdoor play can often be seen as tricky to set up and manage or is just treated like a play time, but when done well outdoor play is the most amazing opportunity for children (and adults) to learn, explore and discover. Read more

Is there anything more interesting than playing with light? As adults, we use light to create a mood, a sense of comfort and cosiness; is it any wonder that light is so appealing and calming for young children too? In this post, I want to share with you some ways we use light up learning in our setting. Read more

Despite the digital age we are in, most writing tasks in primary schools are performed on paper, with a pen or pencil. Handwriting still forms an integral part of our education system, which means children who are unable to write quickly and legibly are at a disadvantage. Alfie, age 10, talks about how he struggles with handwriting but also, how he is improving his skills. Read more

It’s easy to forget how simple materials can be used for such a variety of different effects. We equipped a small group of A level students with plastic aprons, brushes and some equipment to get them started. Find out what they created and how below. Read more

Have you heard of Skwooshi? It is a mess-free mouldable compound with a difference. Penny Watts, director of the Association for professional nannies (BAPN) very kindly tested it out and gave us her thoughts…. Read more

In need of some ideas for free school trips? In the present climate, teachers are tending to organise fewer trips and visits for their classes than in years gone by. This may be for several reasons, firstly the cost - budgets are tight and each pound spent has to be seen to be worthwhile and secondly, they are time-consuming - they need to be carefully planned, have to be linked to learning and objectives (not simply to have a nice time – heaven forbid!) and must be assessed for every possible risk. Read more

Anyone involved in teaching young children knows how important it is to develop skills for independence, but it can be a tricky balance. How much risk-taking is acceptable? How much time can we allow for trial and error? As someone once said, "It's okay not to know, but it's not okay to not try". Sometimes our desire to help can actually hinder children's progress in this regard. Liz Boffey looks back on her experiences, considering how independence can be encouraged and the differences small changes can make. Read more

At the recent Nursery World Show in Liverpool, we had some fantastic conversations about how our resources are used. We would like to share one practitioner's idea here - a lovely use of the Talking Number Turtles that children will really enjoy! Read more

Even the most reluctant writers will want to try out our magical illuminated writing boards. Read on for the chance to win a set of 4 boards, including pens, worth over £115! Read more

During recent years, many research projects have been carried out to examine the use of the weighted vest. Research shows that most individuals do benefit from wearing a weighted vest at least some of the time. Although there is no conclusive evidence for using weighted equipment that has been measurable in research projects, it is reported that many research participants elect to continue using weighted equipment after investigative projects finish. Read more