Activity ideas & inspiration | Free Early Learning Resources for Teachers

‘Life in every limb’: Early Education Conference

Posted by: KATHERINE LEWIS On: May 14, 2012 our contributors

Children want space at all ages. But from the age of one to seven, space, that is ample space, is almost as much wanted as food and air. To move, to run, to find things out by new movement, to “feel one's life in every limb”, that is the life of early childhood.' Margaret McMillan The Nursery School 1919/1939

On Saturday, I returned from the Early Education www.early-education.org.uk conference at Laban in Greenwich. It was so inspiring that I have to capture it while it is still fresh. The title was ‘Life in Every Limb’ and the main thrust was to celebrate physicality- physical development as a fundamental part to children’s development and wellbeing. Although we had to do the complete antithesis of what the day was about by sitting still through 4 presentations, the day was absorbing and time went quickly. Read More...

Handa’s Hen & Handa’s Surprise Resources

Posted by: KATHERINE LEWIS On: May 10, 2012 our contributors

You may have noticed some new additions to the Stories and Songs section. We have added 2 original songs to support Handa’s Surprise and Handa’s Hen stories. The lyrics and artwork are original and are sure to add a new dimension to your children’s learning. Read More...

Cookery workshops for charities

Posted by: KATRINA PARSONS On: April 19, 2012 our contributors
WEBSITE: http://www.kitchenfairygodmother.co.uk/?p=about.me/

I had the pleasure to work with a local charity called the Benjamin Foundation which is based in Norfolk. The Benjamin Foundation helps families deal with everyday issues such as childcare and also the tougher and more sensitive issues like abuse and homelessness. Read More...

Outdoor Play Activities and Ideas (Part 2)

Posted by: PETER SAMUEL On: April 18, 2012 our contributors

This is the second and final part of my outdoor play article – bringing together tips and ideas to encourage outdoor play. Please feel free to leave comments below or to contact us with further ideas. Read More...

Outdoor Play Activities and Ideas (Part 1)

Posted by: PETER SAMUEL On: April 18, 2012 our contributors

Ok here are a few outdoor play ideas that I’ve picked up from various sources. Some were given to me by visitors to the site, some I picked up from around the internet (credit given) and some I thought up all by myself. Read More...

Gardening in Early Years Settings

Posted by: PETER SAMUEL On: April 13, 2012 our contributors

The benefits of gardening with young children (or any children for that matter) are enormous. This goes without saying really but it’s always nice to have a study to back up your theories...A 2010 study commissioned by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) found that children in schools that encouraged gardening became more resilient, confident, eager to learn and have healthier life styles. It also found that gardening had a positive impact on children’s literacy and numeracy development and that it led to a more active, inquisitive approach to learning and improved problem solving skills. Read More...

Mark making ideas, resources and activities

Posted by: PETER SAMUEL On: April 13, 2012 our contributors

The first thing to note with mark making is that it’s important that activities are linked to children’s interests and are not overly prescriptive. Where a child is disinterested in mark making exercises a certain amount of tact needs to be used. One simple idea is to create bespoke dry-wipe writing frames. These can be done by firstly observing the interests of particular children during their play. Then stick an A4 piece of paper on to a larger piece of backing card. Stick a picture that relates to the child’s interests on the A4 paper and laminate in an A3 pocket. Read More...

Outdoor Learning: Forest School Approach

Posted by: PETER SAMUEL On: April 3, 2012 our contributors

In the wake of the National Trust’s recent report highlighting the decline in outdoor play in the UK I thought I’d provide a quick overview of the forest school approach as I feel it could help to reconnect children with the natural world. What is the Forest School approach? The Forest school ethos developed in Sweden in the 1950s but it is becoming increasingly popular here in the UK. It’s an approach that takes a long term sustained approach to outdoor learning. Forest schools seek to encourage, motivate, engage and inspire children through positive outdoor experiences. Read More...

Cooking through the generations

Posted by: KATRINA PARSONS On: February 27, 2012 our contributors
WEBSITE: http://www.kitchenfairygodmother.co.uk/?p=about.me/

I have been lucky enough to have been involved in an inter-generational community project with my local school. The school, St Williams Primary School in Norwich, has forged links with The Marion Road Centre (Age UK Norwich) which offers local specialist care for frail elderly people. The school children have been working with older residents from the local community and members from the Marion Road Centre engaging through reminiscence, art and cookery projects. Read More...