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
Blog Tag: MyNDNA
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
Embedding mark making across your provision
Mark making is the foundation of early writing, creativity and communication – and it should be happening everywhere, every day. As leaders, it’s our job to inspire our teams to create rich environments and champion mark making across the whole provision – indoors and out. Here are our top tips put mark making at the… Continue reading Embedding mark making across your provision
Early years activity: Big marks, little hands
Mark making starts long before children pick up a pencil – and sand is the perfect sensory surface to explore it. This simple and engaging activity invites curious children to make their mark, build those early writing muscles and express themselves creatively and playfully. Big marks, little hands learning aims Resources you will need for… Continue reading Early years activity: Big marks, little hands
Early years activity: Shape hunt
A shape hunt helps children develop mathematical concepts, language and motor skills through playful exploration. As they find and name shapes, they build confidence, problem-solving abilities and curiosity in a fun, hands-on way. Shape hunt learning aims Resources you will need for this activity Shape hunt activity guide How to extend this activity Disclaimer: Activities… Continue reading Early years activity: Shape hunt
Top tips: Managing local outings
Local outings enrich learning by helping children explore their community, develop social skills, and build confidence. They encourage physical activity, language growth and real-world understanding while making learning fun and memorable. Here are some tips for managing local outings. NDNA products to support you with this tip Disclaimer: Activities with children must always be risk… Continue reading Top tips: Managing local outings
Family voices, stronger nurseries: Tips for parent surveys
Parent feedback is a vital tool in improving practice, strengthening partnerships and ensuring our children’s needs are fully met. Whether you are reviewing your curriculum, planning an event, or simply want to get to know your families better, an effective survey helps give a voice to those that matter. These top tips for parent surveys… Continue reading Family voices, stronger nurseries: Tips for parent surveys
Summer sensory exploration: What’s in the box?
Using available resources and guided questioning, this interactive summer sensory exploration activity encourages curiosity, descriptive language and a focus on sensory awareness. Have fun with the sights, sounds, textures and aromas of summer. What’s in the box learning aims Resources you will need for this activity What’s in the box activity outline How to extend… Continue reading Summer sensory exploration: What’s in the box?
Top tips: Hot weather safety in nursery
While hot weather can impact everyone, young children are especially at risk as they are less able to regulate their body temperature than adults. In warm conditions, it’s crucial for nursery settings to take extra precautions to keep children safe, cool and comfortable. Use these tips to help keep children happy, healthy and protected during… Continue reading Top tips: Hot weather safety in nursery
Early years activity: Ice rescue mission
In this fun and engaging activity, children work together to rescue small toys frozen in blocks of ice. It’s a fantastic way to experiment, explore cause and effect and stay cool in warm weather. The activity encourages teamwork, communication and problem-solving, supporting personal, social and emotional development. Children are naturally fascinated by ice and will… Continue reading Early years activity: Ice rescue mission
Healthy Ice-cream
As the third Sunday in July is National Ice Cream Day, why not make your own healthy ice-cream for children to enjoy as a summer treat. You can choose your own ingredients to make a range of flavours to suit children’s taste buds. Learning aims Resources you will need Ingredients for ice cream mixture Healthy… Continue reading Healthy Ice-cream
10 tips for supporting early years children with allergies
Allergies affect millions of people in the UK, with some allergies causing severe reactions. Ensuring all of your staff are aware of your allergy policy and procedures is essential to keep children safe. Use our top tips for reviewing your practice. NDNA products to support
Transition to school
Moving from nursery to school is a significant milestone for young children. Every child experiences this transition differently, so it’s important to observe and respond to their emotions, acknowledging their individual needs. Offering personalised support can help make the process smoother and more positive. Here are some helpful tips to guide the transition. NDNA products… Continue reading Transition to school