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
Blog Tag: MyNDNA
Top tips: Nursery Pets – Health and Safety
Considering the needs of others is one of the building blocks of empathy and pets in a nursery setting can enable children to learn about caring for others while helping them to talk about their feelings and emotions. Pets in a setting are a big responsibility and providers should carefully consider all the extra responsibilities… Continue reading Top tips: Nursery Pets – Health and Safety
Top tips: Building belonging through resources
Creating a truly inclusive environment means making sure every child feels seen, valued and celebrated. The resources we select play a big role in shaping children’s understanding of themselves and others. By offering diverse, authentic and accessible materials, you can help children build respect, empathy and a sense of belonging from the beginning of their… Continue reading Top tips: Building belonging through resources
Early years activity: Animal appreciation
World Animal Day is focused on raising awareness and appreciation of the importance of animals for the planet. Take part in this year’s World Animal Day by using this activity to get children to share their appreciation of their favourite animals. Animal appreciation activity learning aims Resources you will need for this activity Animal appreciation… Continue reading Early years activity: Animal appreciation
Early years activity: Rainbow Fruits of Africa
Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate and value the rich cultures, traditions and contributions of Black heritage. Food is a wonderful way to explore diversity – it brings people together and helps children learn about different places and traditions. South Africa, for example, is home to a wide variety of delicious fruits that… Continue reading Early years activity: Rainbow Fruits of Africa
Top tips: Incorporating Black History month into the setting
Black History Month is a great opportunity for nurseries to celebrate diversity, culture and achievement. It’s important to keep things fun, engaging and age-appropriate by focusing on stories, music, food and creativity that children can relate to. The aim is not just to mark one month, but to create a setting where all children feel… Continue reading Top tips: Incorporating Black History month into the setting
Top tips: Hosting a community event
Hosting a community event fosters strong relationships between families, staff and the wider community. It creates a sense of belonging, encourages parental involvement and supports children’s social development. Events also provide opportunities for learning through play, cultural celebrations and community partnerships. Additionally, they can raise awareness, support local causes and enhance the nursery’s reputation, making… Continue reading Top tips: Hosting a community event
Early years activity: Harvest treasure hunt
A harvest treasure hunt activity can help children develop physical skills through movement and improves problem-solving as they search and sort items. It supports early maths through counting and categorising, while enhancing language skills as they learn new words. It’s a fun, engaging way to support multiple areas of early learning. Harvest treasure hunt learning… Continue reading Early years activity: Harvest treasure hunt
Top tips: Outdoor Play Made Easy
Spending time outside, particularly in nature, is good for everyone, regardless of age. Outdoor play boosts children’s physical health and general well-being, while giving parents a chance to relax, connect and enjoy some quality time together. Here are some tips to support you in getting everyone outside! Top Outdoor Play Made Easy tips NDNA products… Continue reading Top tips: Outdoor Play Made Easy
Early years activity: Flying High
Explore flight and cause and effect with our hands-on kite making activity. Children design and assemble their own kites, then take them outdoors to run, fly and watch them soar and dance in the wind. Recycling junk play learning aims Resources you will need for this activity Recycling junk play activity outline How to extend… Continue reading Early years activity: Flying High
Top tips: Recycling tips
Teaching children about recycling can help them to develop lifelong skills for sustainability and caring for the environment. Review our top tips to encourage children and families to take part in recycling projects in your setting and the local community. Top recycling tips NDNA products to support you with this tip Environmental Sustainability Policy –… Continue reading Top tips: Recycling tips
Early years activity: Recycling – junk play
Modelling with recycled ‘junk’ can encourage children’s creativity, collaboration, problem solving and sense of achievement. This activity can also be used to support children’s awareness of recycling materials and repurposing items that are no longer in use. Recycling junk play learning aims Resources you will need for this activity Recycling junk play activity outline How… Continue reading Early years activity: Recycling – junk play
Supporting new vocab through festivals/special days
Supporting new vocab through festivals/special days offers rich, exciting opportunities to build children’s vocabulary in meaningful ways. Celebrating festivals offers children the opportunity to explore new words, understand different traditions and feel proud of who they are. It also sparks curiosity about others and supports their confidence as communicators. Top tips for supporting new vocab… Continue reading Supporting new vocab through festivals/special days
Early years activity: One of a Kind – That’s Me!
Let’s celebrate what makes every child one of a kind! Guide children on a journey of self-discovery – exploring their likes, differences and what makes them unique. Through stories, thoughtful discussions and creative activities, we’ll build self-esteem and celebrate what makes each of us truly unique. One of a Kind – That’s Me! learning aims… Continue reading Early years activity: One of a Kind – That’s Me!
Sharing stories at home
National Read a Book Day is in September – use the day to encourage children and families to get involved, share a story and spend some quality time together. Sharing stories boosts vocabulary, social skills and communication and language skills. Here are some tips to help parents instil a love of books at home. Top… Continue reading Sharing stories at home
Early years activity: Sharing and telling stories
Sharing and telling stories helps children develop language, imagination and social skills. It builds vocabulary, strengthens memory and teaches important life lessons. Stories also foster empathy, creativity and a love for reading, laying the foundation for lifelong learning. Sharing and telling stories learning aims Resources you will need for this activity Sharing and telling stories… Continue reading Early years activity: Sharing and telling stories
Early years activity: Sound spotters
Make a sensory adventure by exploring the outdoors with eyes closed and ears wide open! This playful walk helps builds attention, extends vocabulary and motivates children to communicate. Sound spotters learning aims Resources you will need for this activity Sound spotters activity outline How to extend this activity Create ‘listening stations’ in your outdoor environment.… Continue reading Early years activity: Sound spotters
Smooth moves: Managing transitions in the setting
Smooth transitions between activities help young children to feel secure, stay engaged and develop self-regulation. With clear cues and supportive routines, practitioners can turn potentially challenging moments into opportunities for learning and independence. Top tips for managing transitions in the setting NDNA products to support you with this tip Championing SEND – online trainingAutism Awareness… Continue reading Smooth moves: Managing transitions in the setting
Environmental Print Activity – Scavenger Hunt
A walk in your local community can be a fun and engaging way of identifying a range of environmental print that children see and use in their daily lives. Learning aims Resources Activity guide Extension ideas Create a project book or display, using the photos you took for your scavenger hunt and the additional images… Continue reading Environmental Print Activity – Scavenger Hunt
Healthy Teeth – Tips for Parents
Tooth decay is one of the most common childhood health issues but it’s largely preventable with the right care at home. By encouraging parents to take a proactive approach to their child’s dental routine, you can help set the foundation for strong, healthy teeth and a confident smile. Top tips Offer lots of praise as… Continue reading Healthy Teeth – Tips for Parents