Blog Tag: Activity

Early years activity: Magic mystery box    

The Magic Mystery Box is a playful activity that encourages young children to communicate, listen and share ideas. The surprise element captures interest, while the predictable routine helps children feel safe to express themselves using words, sounds, gestures or facial expressions.  Magic mystery box learning aims Resources you will need for this activity Magic mystery box activity outline How… Continue reading Early years activity: Magic mystery box    

Early years activity: Mini movers obstacle challenge

Here’s a simple, adaptable, mini movers obstacle challenge activity using your everyday nursery equipment. Children balance, crawl, jump and climb their way around the route, building strength, coordination, practice listening, turn-taking and positional language (under, over, on etc). Quick to set up, easy to adapt and a brilliant way to get your children moving. Mini… Continue reading Early years activity: Mini movers obstacle challenge

Early years activity: Frozen balloon explorers  

Freezing water in balloons is an amazing sensory experience and also a great opportunity for children to discover the science behind freezing and melting.  Frozen balloon explorers activity learning aims Resources you will need for this activity  Frozen balloon explorers activity outline You could make these with the children and discuss what they think will happen at each… Continue reading Early years activity: Frozen balloon explorers  

Early years activity: Pancake creations

Have a flippin’ fantastic time celebrating Pancake Day with this week’s pancake creations activity! Your little chefs will weigh, mix, pour and observe the magic of the process as ingredients evolve into deliciousness. Pancake creations activity learning aims Resources you will need for this activity Ingredients – adjust accordingly. The following makes around 8-10 thin pancakes:  Equipment:  Pancake creations activity outline How to extend this activity Use balance… Continue reading Early years activity: Pancake creations

Early years activity: Non-standard measures 

Children need opportunities to physically experience and compare different types of measures such as length, size and height, so provide lots of opportunity for young children to explore contrasting items to compare their features in terms of measures.  Non-standard measures activity learning aims Resources you will need for this activity Non-standard measures activity outline How to extend this activity NDNA products… Continue reading Early years activity: Non-standard measures 

Early years activity: Fruit faces

This fruit faces activity introduces young children to a variety of fruits in a fun, hands-on way, encouraging them to explore healthy foods through play. By creating ‘fruit faces’ children can develop positive attitudes towards healthy eating, practise fine motor skills and learn the names, colours, weights and textures of different fruits. This activity also supports social interaction and communication as… Continue reading Early years activity: Fruit faces

Early years activity: Cosy calm den 

Periods of excitement or routine changes can often feel overwhelming for young children, bringing extra noise, activity and heightened emotions. This activity provides a cosy, calming retreat where children can step away from the busyness around them. The den offers a quiet space for moments of stillness and emotional regulation whenever children need a peaceful break.  Cosy… Continue reading Early years activity: Cosy calm den 

Early years activity: Indoor jungle safari adventure  

This jungle safari adventure is a fun and engaging indoor obstacle course designed especially for babies and toddlers. It is a safe, sensory-rich activity that encourages little ones to crawl, climb and explore as they journey through a series of soft, themed challenges. Perfect for developing motor skills, coordination and confidence, this playful adventure brings… Continue reading Early years activity: Indoor jungle safari adventure  

Early years activity: Comparing natural objects 

Maths can be found in every aspect of nature and it provides endless opportunities for children to explore mathematical concepts. This activity will look at making comparisons between natural objects found in nature.   Comparing natural objects activity learning aims Resources you will need for this activity Comparing natural objects activity outline How to extend this activity… Continue reading Early years activity: Comparing natural objects 

Early years activity: Leaf printing

Leaf printing is a fun and sensory way for young children to explore nature, colours, shapes and textures. By using real leaves and paint, children can create unique patterns while developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. This activity also helps children to develop an understanding of seasonal changes and encourages curiosity about the natural… Continue reading Early years activity: Leaf printing

Early years activity: Scrumptious soup 

This simple cooking activity encourages sensory exploration, fine motor skills and early maths through hands-on food preparation. Children will help wash, stir and measure ingredients to make a healthy Honeyed Carrot Soup, while learning about where food comes from and trying new tastes.  Scrumptious soup activity learning aims Resources you will need for this activity Ingredients … Continue reading Early years activity: Scrumptious soup 

Early years activity: Kindness potion

In the kindness potion lab, children mix ingredients for helping, sharing and other kind acts. This sensory, PSED focussed activity helps build language for feelings, turn taking and kind, gentle words.  Kindness potion activity learning aims Resources you will need for this activity Kindness potion activity outline How to extend this activity NDNA products to support you with this activity Building your… Continue reading Early years activity: Kindness potion

Early years activity: Make your own safety clothing 

This activity helps children explore how bright and reflective materials improve visibility in the dark. Through hands-on fun making ‘reflective ribbons,’ they’ll learn real-life safety while sparking creativity and curiosity.  Make your own safety clothing activity learning aims Resources you will need for this activity Make your own safety clothing activity outline How to extend this… Continue reading Early years activity: Make your own safety clothing 

Early years activity: Bonfire Night 

A child looks at the New Year's Eve Fireworks on the sky

Bonfire Night is a traditional celebration, filled with the excitement of fireworks, sparklers and bright colours lighting up the sky. For young children, this can feel magical, but it may also be a little overwhelming. This activity offers a safe and creative way to join in the celebrations by making sparkly firework pictures. Through art… Continue reading Early years activity: Bonfire Night 

Early years activity: Picture Perfect 

Little photographer taking picture with toy camera at home

Here, children are given the opportunity to create their very own nursery photo using props, backdrops and as much creativity as they can muster! This fun activity supports children to explore self-expression, confidence and identity while capturing a special memory of their time at nursery.  Picture Perfect activity learning aims Resources you will need for… Continue reading Early years activity: Picture Perfect