Spread a little kindness! World Kindness Day is a lovely opportunity to help children explore what it means to be kind, caring and thoughtful towards others. This simple activity encourages children to recognise kind actions and think about the little things they can do to make someone else feel happy, included and cared for. World… Continue reading Early years activity: World Kindness Day
Blog Tag: MyNDNA
Early years activity: Poetry in the Dark
It’s that time of year when the dark nights are closing in and children are noticing the changes in the world around them. This activity provides an opportunity for children to explore darkness in an exciting way by using all their senses in a familiar environment, giving them the confidence and skills to share ideas… Continue reading Early years activity: Poetry in the Dark
Top tips: Digital safety and safe use of technology
Technology is becoming a bigger part of everyday life in early years settings, from staff information and records to digital communication using parental apps. As technology changes we need to ensure our practice keeps up too. Digital safety is about protecting everyone who accesses or shares digital information, while safe use of technology is about… Continue reading Top tips: Digital safety and safe use of technology
Top tips: Effective progress tracking
Effective progress tracking is about much more than recording children’s progress. When used well, it gives nursery managers and educators a clear picture of how children are developing, highlights patterns and identifies where additional support or changes to provision may be needed. The key is to make tracking purposeful, manageable and something the whole team… Continue reading Top tips: Effective progress tracking
Early years activity: Nature’s colours
This is a simple outdoor activity that encourages children to explore the natural world through colour, observation and creativity. Children can search for different colours in their surroundings, collect natural treasures and use them to create their own designs, supporting curiosity, language development and a growing appreciation of nature. Nature’s colours learning aims Resources you… Continue reading Early years activity: Nature’s colours
Early years activity: Diwali celebrations
Stories are a wonderful way to explore and connect with the traditions and the cultural significance of festivals and celebrations. This week’s activity aims to develop children’s understanding of Diwali through the power of storytelling. The activities can be used as part of your wider programme of Diwali celebrations. Diwali celebrations learning aims Resources you… Continue reading Early years activity: Diwali celebrations
Top tips: Fire safety during celebrations
Celebrations and festivals are a wonderful opportunity for children and families to enjoy special traditions together, including sparklers, fireworks, candles and oil lamps (diyas). The tips below can be shared with parents to help everyone enjoy these occasions safely and ensure children are kept safe around fire and other sources of heat. Top tips for… Continue reading Top tips: Fire safety during celebrations
Early years activity: Yoga and Me
Yoga can be a fun and playful way for young children to explore movement and discover what their bodies can do. Simple poses and movements encourage children to stretch, reach, bend, balance and hold different positions, helping to develop core strength, stability, balance, co-ordination and body awareness. During our yoga and me activity, children can… Continue reading Early years activity: Yoga and Me
Top tips: Sharing your vision
A clear vision gives everyone in your nursery a shared sense of purpose and direction. It helps your team understand not only what you want to achieve for children and families, but why it matters. When practitioners understand and feel part of the vision, it is more likely to be reflected in everyday interactions, decision-making… Continue reading Top tips: Sharing your vision
Top tips: Having difficult conversations
Difficult conversations are an inevitable part of managing an early years setting. Whether discussing development, behaviour, attendance, well-being or a concern raised by a parent, the aim should always be to keep the child at the centre while maintaining a positive partnership with families. Top tips for having difficult conversations Remember: A difficult conversation doesn’t… Continue reading Top tips: Having difficult conversations
Early years activity: Sensory harvest tray
This sensory harvest tray activity is a wonderful way for babies and young children to explore the sights, smells, textures and sounds of autumn. Using a range of natural harvest-inspired materials, children can investigate at their own pace while developing their senses, curiosity, communication and physical skills through hands-on, playful exploration. Sensory harvest tray learning… Continue reading Early years activity: Sensory harvest tray
Early years activity: Mirror Faces
This simple activity which encourages children to explore their emotions and expressions through play. Using mirrors, children can observe their own faces, copy different expressions and begin to recognise how our faces can show how we are feeling. The activity also supports children’s confidence, communication and self-awareness in a playful and engaging way. Mirror faces… Continue reading Early years activity: Mirror Faces
Top tips: Encouraging reluctant teeth brushers
Toothbrushing can sometimes feel like a challenge, especially for young children who are still getting used to the routine. Nurseries can help make brushing a positive and enjoyable experience by keeping it playful, predictable and encouraging. Small changes and lots of positive reinforcement can help reluctant brushers develop healthy habits that support their oral health.… Continue reading Top tips: Encouraging reluctant teeth brushers
Early years activity: Repurposing and Recycling
Teaching children about recycling will support them to develop environmentally friendly habits as they grow. This activity will challenge children to think about reusing and repurposing everyday items, encouraging them to think creatively about how objects can be given a new purpose rather than being thrown away. Repurposing and recycling learning aims Resources you will… Continue reading Early years activity: Repurposing and Recycling
Top tips: Celebrating difference
Every child is unique, and our differences are something to celebrate. Help children recognise and celebrate differences in positive ways, from hair and skin colour to languages, families, abilities, interests, cultures and traditions. Create an environment where children feel proud of who they are, see themselves reflected in their surroundings and learn to appreciate the… Continue reading Top tips: Celebrating difference
Early years activity: My hair and me
World Afro Day is a Global Day of Celebration and liberation for Afro hair. The day aims to challenge negative attitudes and help people understand and appreciate the diversity of Afro hair and identity. This my hair and me activity provides a wonderful opportunity to explore the idea that everyone’s hair is different, and every… Continue reading Early years activity: My hair and me
Top tips: Black History Month
Black history month arrives every October. What does it mean for educators working with under-fives? It means making sure every child sees themselves reflected in their environment and that difference is the interesting norm. October is a useful to prompt to check it’s happening throughout the year and these tips are to help you run… Continue reading Top tips: Black History Month
Early years activity: Carnival comes to nursery
The following activities are perfect for your celebration of Black history. Early preparations will ensure it’s well-planned, meaningful and understood by everyone. Children will have the opportunity to make instruments, feel the rhythm of the music and the pure joy of Black British carnival tradition. Carnival comes to nursery learning aims Resources you will need… Continue reading Early years activity: Carnival comes to nursery
Top tips: Inclusive Physical Storytelling
Storytelling is a wonderful way to engage young children, and physical storytelling makes the experience even more meaningful. By combining movement, imagination and language, physical storytelling encourages children to become active participants as they bring a story to life. Use our top tips below to help ensure every child can take part, feel included and… Continue reading Top tips: Inclusive Physical Storytelling
Early years activity: Outdoor Storytime
Storytime outdoors offers children a wonderful opportunity to combine literacy, physical activity and imaginative play. Taking a familiar story into the natural environment encourages children to become active participants rather than just listeners, inspiring them to explore, move, create and collaborate. By inventing their own version of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, children develop… Continue reading Early years activity: Outdoor Storytime