bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning to be independent
Authors: Heald Chris
Published: May 2014

Set the table together – if your child gets it wrong, explain how to do it, but let him make any changes himself. Give him some power to make decisions.
Re-using and recycling
Authors: Jones Meg
Published: May 2014

Did you know that of household rubbish thrown out each day only 12 per cent is recycled? That leaves a massive 88 per cent, most of which is dumped in landfill sites, and the rest burned. We are rapidly running out of landfill so the more we can recycle the better. The exciting thing is that, however small a part we can play, recycling is not only good for us but also fun. Early years practitioners have always been good at re-using – empty boxes, scrap paper, kitchen roll tubes. The question is, can you take it ones step further?
Twist and shout!
Authors: Warner Maureen
Published: May 2014

All children seem to find turning round in circles popular and the following games will give them the chance to move in a range of ways. Changing direction and running through archways will help them learn to use available space and to judge body space when playing with others.
The Jewish festival of Passover
Authors: Howard Christine
Published: May 2014

Signs and symbols are an integral part of religious language. People use metaphor, analogy and symbolism to talk about God. These sound like theological concepts that are far too complex to tackle in the Foundation Stage, but even the youngest children are used to dealing with signs and symbols.
Make a frog puppet
Authors: Bromley Helen
Published: May 2014

Children who have a good grounding in rhymes, songs and poems are at an advantage when it comes to learning to read, as they begin to understand the structure of rhyme, and the way in which language works. They will also be developing a positive attitude towards language learning, seeing it as fun and enjoyable.
Maths on the move
Authors: Coltman Penny
Published: May 2014

Maths trails encourage children to really develop their observation skills, learning to look closely as they describe, match and compare. Some trails can be with children working on their own, racing to find hidden pictures or objects. Others can be for pairs or small groups, with children using mathematical language as they solve problems while looking for the maths around them.
Moving like minibeasts
Authors: Dowdy Meg
Published: May 2014

The following games are intended to help children use their imagination while moving and creating shapes with their bodies. Make sure that children are warmed up properly before doing the later games. Give them a few short movement games to allow their bodies to warm and their minds to focus on the tasks.
The Muslim festival of Muhammad's birthday
Authors: Howard Christine
Published: May 2014

Islam, like most of the world faiths apart from Western Christianity, does not follow the Western, solar based, calendar. Its years are dated from the Hijrah, the flight from Makkah (or Mecca) which took place in 622 CE.
Easing the transition to school for all children
Authors: Fisher Sue
Published: May 2014

Starting school can be unsettling, causing uncertainty and, for some children, confusion and distress. This can affect their self-esteem and so it is essential that changes are as positive and stress free as possible for both children and their parents.
Every Child Matters: a summary
Authors: McKenna Kate
Published: May 2014

Every Child Matters, the Children Act and the ‘Change for Children’ programme all have at their heart a set of five outcomes for children. These have been drawn from what children and young people themselves have said they want for their future.
Recipe for learning: Fruit kebabs
Authors: Stobbs Nicola
Published: May 2014

This recipe combines healthy eating and lots of learning opportunities. The process is simple so children can be actively involved most of the time. Take advantage of the abundance of fruits available at this time of year - and get cooking!
Every Child Matters: Being healthy
Authors: McKenna Kate
Published: May 2014

Being healthy means that children and young people are physically healthy, mentally and emotionally healthy, sexually healthy, living healthy lifestyles and choosing not to take illegal drugs. The ‘Be healthy’ outcome crosses both childcare and education and links to the National Standards and Early Learning Goals (ELGs).
Planning for PE in Reception classes
Authors: Heald Chris
Published: May 2014

It's a new school year and you have a new class. Of course you will be having PE sessions on a regular basis, since physical development is an important part of the Foundation Stage curriculum. But how can you make sure that these sessions, which should be such fun for the children, are not a nightmare for you and the adults you work with?
Every Child Matters: Enjoying and achieving
Authors: McKenna Kate
Published: May 2014

The environment that you create is fundamental to children's enjoyment and achievement. Your setting should be a stimulating, comfortable and fun place to be.
Inviting visitors into your setting
Authors: Bruton Pat , Thornton Linda
Published: May 2014

Relationships are at the heart of young children's social, emotional and intellectual development. Inviting a range of visitors into your setting will broaden children's experience of people and add another dimension to the topic or theme you are following.
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer
Authors: Williams Brenda
Published: May 2014

Create a warm and happy environment, as Christmas approaches, by playing a tape or CD of ‘Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer’ to welcome children each day, and encourage them to sing along with the music.
Science with a splash!
Authors: Warden Claire
Published: May 2014

If there are no puddles nearby to play in, try putting some water in a shallow tray or even in the bath.
The value of outdoor play
Authors: White Jan
Published: May 2014

When you were growing up, was play outside different to that indoors? How did it help to develop the person you are now? For many people, a love of being outdoors now stems from experiences they had as a child, but it also probably contributed to your ability to enjoy new situations, be creative and imaginative and resilient in the face of difficulty.
Giving praise and encouragement
Authors: Lindon Jennie
Published: May 2014

Children are not so different from us. We feel warmed by colleagues, friends and family who show their appreciation for our help, ideas or fellow-feeling in times of trouble. We feel put down, or annoyed, if our efforts are dismissed as something we should be doing anyway, or if what we manage is never quite good enough.
Supporting children who need regular hospital treatment
Authors: Riddall-Leech Sheila
Published: May 2014

Children who need regular hospital treatment inevitably miss out on nursery or school. Although they may have some education while in hospital, they will not be feeling at their best. A child who has had chemotherapy, for example, may be experiencing sickness and diarrhoea which can affect their energy and concentration levels.
Visitors: celebrating cultural diversity
Authors: Brunton Pat , Thornton Linda
Published: May 2014

You should think about opportunities for including visitors to your setting at the time you are doing your long-term planning. At the more detailed planning stage you can then make sure that you have planned to spend time creating the context for the visit and building up children's interest and anticipation.
Creating a stimulating learning environment
Authors: Stobbs Nicola
Published: May 2014

Educational experts have always recognised the importance of the physical environment in contributing to the image that children have of themselves. If they can be involved in creating their own environment through first-hand experiences, all the better.
Visitors: involving older generations
Authors: Thornton Linda , Brunton Pat
Published: May 2014

Gone are the days when three, or even more, generations of a family lived near to each other and saw one another on an almost daily basis. Many children will not have the experience of sharing a special relationship with grandparents or other older family members and friends. Similarly, many older nmembers of society are not able to share their experiences, history and wisdom with their families and will be only too pleased to be a visitor to your setting.
Building respectful relationships: A guide for visitors
Authors: Brunton Pat , Thornton Linda
Published: May 2014

Your visit is part of our programme for supporting children's personal, social and emotional development. This involves encouraging children to be self-confident and feel good about themselves, and to recognise that they are members of a wider community.
Learning with ladybird
Authors: Candelent Joy
Published: May 2014

Your main role in mathematics is to support children to develop and use the correct vocabulary so that they have the appropriate language to think and communicate mathematically.
How many can you see?
Authors: Candelent Joy
Published: May 2014

The ‘flap-jack’ or ‘flip-flop’, as it is sometimes called, has been a feature of many early years classrooms for a number of years but particularly since the introduction of the Numeracy Strategy. Usually based on a four by four grid with ten pictures, it can be used to help children remember number pairs to ten.
Pair them up!
Authors: Candelent Joy
Published: May 2014

Copy the ladybirds provided (preferably larger so that they are the size of playing cards). Ask children to colour them in. Paste the pictures onto thin card before cutting out the cards along the straight lines.
Exploring music: the guiro
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: May 2014

Like the maracas, the guiro is believed to originate from the Taino Indians of Latin America. It is traditionally made from a dried hollowed-out gourd with notches carved into the surface. The player holds the guiro in the left hand, usually with the thumb inside the sound hole at the back, and holds the scraper or ‘pua’ in the right hand. It creates a rhythmic rasping sound and, like many percussion instruments, its distinctive sound cuts through the music.
From principles to practice
Authors: Edgington Margaret
Published: May 2014

Do you ever hear yourself justifying what you do by saying things like ‘the parents want us to…’ or ‘our manager told us to…’? Do you ever find yourself doing things which you do not believe are right for the children in your group? If so, you have not yet developed a principled approach to your work.
Promoting well-being through practical activities
Authors: Fisher Sue
Published: May 2014

For children to develop an understanding of others, build friendships and develop social skills, they need well developed listening skills.
Managing a student on placement
Authors: Jones Caroline
Published: May 2014

Every student can offer something to a nursery or pre-school group but you have to provide something in return and manage the student's experience with a professional approach. It is important to approach the role of placement provider with commitment.
Creating a multicultural setting
Authors: Denham Debbie , Elkin Judith
Published: May 2014

You must understand that multicultural education is not just singing West Indian nursery rhymes, although this can be enjoyable. It is more to do with creating an ethos and an understanding.
Numerical value
Authors: Burton Ann
Published: May 2014

For many people the word number or mathematics immediately evokes memories of failure or feelings of unease and comments such as: I never liked maths at school, I just didn't understand.’ Or: ‘You must be clever to teach maths.’
How can we offer access to outdoors?
Authors: Richardson Gail Ryder
Published: May 2014

Last month, we identified the benefits of offering children free flow access to outdoors and looked at some of the features that are common in settings that are successful in providing children with opportunities to move freely between the indoor and outdoor environment. However, the introduction of free-flow access to outdoors is often a challenging issue, even where a setting has a door that leads directly outside. The most common problems that practitioners face can be grouped under the following headings:
Using storybooks: Rosie's Walk
Authors: Cruickshank Sarah
Published: May 2014

As a link to the farming articles featured in the magazine over the last few issues, this month we look at a storybook that includes references to many of the topics we have considered in the previous articles: Animals, crops, wool, milk churns, machinery and mills.
The storyboard series part four: Other worlds
Authors: Iannuzzelli Paul
Published: May 2014

The activities in this article form part four of the storyboard series. These activity ideas are designed to increase the child's understanding and knowledge of the world and creative development
Same or different? Sorting it out
Authors: Craven Joan
Published: May 2014

Children's ability to sort and classify is an important aspect of maths and science. A lot of early number work is based on sets of objects – counting them, matching the correct number to the set of objects, making a set of objects to match a given number. In science, children will be comparing, noting similarities and differences, describing observations and explaining their findings.
news
Authors: Lepkowska Dorothy
Published: May 2014

Children’s organisations have welcomed the £4 billion for Sure Start, Early Years and Childcare announced by the government last month.
Learning about themselves
Authors: Jones Meg
Published: May 2014

Many resources can be made from photographs of the children in the setting. Discuss with parents the purposes they will be used for, reassuring them they will only be used in the setting, or individual photographs of their own child sent home. Obtain their written permission to take the photographs. Once having taken the photographs copy out several sheets of prints for different activities. These do not have to be on photographic paper, a good quality white printer paper will serve just as well.
Jewish Festival of Simchat Torah
Authors: Howard Christine
Published: May 2014

Since one of the readings on Simchat Torah is the Creation story from Genesis 1-2:3 I have chosen the theme of creation for this article.
Feeling safe and secure in a new setting
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

Whether you have to deal with anger, anxiety or a withdrawn reaction, the support you offer is essential in helping new children to overcome their anxieties and settle in.
Making maths fun
Authors: Jones Caroline
Published: May 2014

To understand the concepts of length, width and capacity children need to hear you use words such as ‘longer than,’ ‘shorter than’, ‘empty’ and ‘full’ in meaningful situations.
Helping to build a better, greener future!
Authors: Tweed James
Published: May 2014

A UK survey has revealed that British youngsters care less about the environment than young people in developing countries but popular children’s character Bob the BuilderTM plans to change the views of the next generation with the help of his can-do attitude and his latest mission: Project: Renovate.
Thinking about other people
Authors: Button Lesley
Published: May 2014

It is important that the nursery setting is a warm and caring environment and that every child feels they have a part to play in maintaining this ‘feel good’ factor. New children need to be made to feel welcome and secure. We use circle rhymes using names not only to introduce new children but to help them learn other children’s names. It also encourages the group to be aware of the need to welcome and involve: ‘Hello Sarah (x3) how are you today?’ This can be followed by a personal question – How is the new baby? Is mummy feeling better? This not only helps to personalise the relationship but encourages the child to share information and others to listen until it is their turn.
news
Authors: Lepowska Dorothy
Published: May 2014

Nursery schools should be staffed by qualified teachers if they are going to provide the best care possible, a children’s charity claimed.
Having fun with language!
Authors: Elkin Susan
Published: May 2014

Try activities and games which enhance the child’s ability to use language in every way and to work towards full literacy later. Value everything. Remember that gurgling and cooing are the beginning of speech. The earliest crayon marks on paper are the first step towards writing and hearing lots of talking voices is essential to the development of language.
Making friends with other children
Authors: Barber Jenny
Published: May 2014

Social development is about a child’s ability to form and sustain relationships with others. Among other things, it means they can alter their behaviour for different situations. Jenny Barber explains
Taking learning on holiday
Authors: Prince Jean
Published: May 2014

Going out on a visit away from home as a family is an ideal opportunity to develop ideas about the wider world – people, places and environments.
Some Easter fun!
Authors: Cruickshank Sarah
Published: May 2014

Easter is one of the biggest festivals in the Christian calendar. It commemorates Jesus giving his life for the world and his subsequent rising for the dead. It always takes place on the fi rst full moon on or after March 21, which means it falls on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25.
Language play
Authors: Elkin Susan
Published: May 2014

So how can you get charges smiling, laughing and learning literacy in the Government’s new Early Year’s Foundation Stage (EYFS)? Susan Elkin explains
The elephant song!
Authors: Coltman Penny
Published: May 2014

If you don’t know this song, you can sing it to the tune of ‘Baa Baa Black Sheep’, ‘The Can Can’ or ‘What Shall We do with a Drunken Sailor’.
Too much, too young
Authors: Adams R A
Published: May 2014

I have subscribed to your magazine for three years now and really enjoy reading it. I often use the activity ideas with the children in our nursery.
Celebrating May Day!
Authors: Youngman Angela
Published: May 2014

May Day is the modern celebration of one of the four Celtic fire festivals. This spring festival was known as Beltane and the others take place at midsummer, Halloween and midwinter.
Parent meetings
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

Evening sessions also give working parents the chance to explore the setting and meet all the members of staff. Try the following suggestions to help you make the most of the sessions:
Being good
Authors: Jones Caroline
Published: May 2014

Caroline Jones puts forward some strategies for getting rid of bad behaviour before it becomes normal
Minibeasts!
Authors: Cruickshank Sarah
Published: May 2014

Make sure that the children understand that they must wash their hands after touching insects, plants and mud. If you don't have easy access to sinks, arrange some bowls of soapy water or bottles of handwash for children to use, keep this accessible at child-level.
Supporting parents
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

Attending nursery is the start of a whole new life stage for a child and their parents – and some parents can find the experience difficult at times.
No strings attached
Authors: Youngman Angela
Published: May 2014

Puppets are guaranteed to raise a smile. Their antics can give a child confidence to speak publicly, boost their imagination and add interest to any setting, says Angela Youngman
Hand apparatus
Authors: Wright Kate
Published: May 2014

A successful PE programme needs variety. This can be achieved by presenting a number of skills in many different ways. Hand apparatus is an excellent way of providing variety.
Toddler wobblers
Authors: Linden Jenny
Published: May 2014

Young children have strong feelings: excitement, happiness, intense curiosity, affection, distress, frustration and anger. Yet it is only the expression of some of these emotions that gets called a temper tantrum. A tantrum is when young children have lost control; their feelings have overwhelmed them. Emotions are expressed, not in words or calmer actions, but in crying, screaming, thrashing about on the floor, going rigid, or by hurling things around the place.
From the editor
Authors: Hindmarch Sonali
Published: May 2014

Well, September is finally here. This brings two things: the Early Years Foundation Stage and lots of sneezing children.
Play outside and learn about the world!
Authors: Coulter Jacqueline
Published: May 2014

Young children are greatly influenced by their parents, significant adults and other children. If we are to have a positive and successful influence while promoting environmental awareness among young children we have to provide good role models for the children to mimic.
Ready? Everybody say cheese!
Authors: Yougman Angela
Published: May 2014

Nursery photographs can be lovely mementoes for parents and they are also a good fundraising opportunity, says Angela Yougman
Write then, let's try reading!
Authors: Kenworthy Christine
Published: May 2014

Reading begins with the development of speaking and listening skills. Children begin to read by ‘playing’ at reading, re-telling a familiar story using picture clues.
It's a fine art
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

The following activities explore three major artistic categories – ‘landscape’, ‘portrait’ and ‘still life’. Although each activity takes an artist's work as its starting point, every child should be encouraged to make an individual response through creating their own artwork.
From the editor
Authors: Hindmarch Sonali
Published: May 2014

You should find your free Practical Pre-School Awards Brochure tucked somewhere inside this month's issue.
Shakespeare for under-fives?
Authors: Youngman Angela
Published: May 2014

The idea seems highly unlikely – but in London, The Globe Theatre is successfully running a scheme that does just that. Angela Youngman explains
Bonfire night!
Authors: Cruickshank Sarah
Published: May 2014

Every year on November 5, communities in the United Kingdom come together to light bonfi res and enjoy spectacular fi reworks displays, but where does this tradition come from?
Parents + maths = success!
Authors: Sullivan Stef
Published: May 2014

A parents' workshop is a great way of getting parents together to look at the maths education their child is receiving and how that education can be supported at home.
From the editor
Authors: Hindmarch Sonali
Published: May 2014

At this time of year, it is impossible to ignore the fact that Christmas is coming. But only one in five schools and nurseries are planning to perform a traditional nativity play this year and many are banning decorations and carols altogether. Nurseries, instead, will putting on non-religious plays such as The Gruffalo, if anything at all.
Who was Jean Piaget?
Authors: Lennox Nikki
Published: May 2014

As the article on pages 19-20, we continue look at two influential figures in education, and how their philosophies affect the way children learn today
Know right from wrong
Authors: Cooper Selena Ledgerton
Published: May 2014

When it comes to punishment, the majority will still believe that the higher the damage, the more serious the crime and greater the punishment. For example, if a child breaks three toys accidentally they believe they'll be unished more than if they broke one on purpose.
Pots and pots of fun!
Authors: Barber Jenny
Published: May 2014

Instead of keeping your yoghurt pots and boxes exclusively for junk modelling, here a few other ideas for using these invaluable resources. These activity ideas will differentiate easily and meet children's individual needs and together support different aspects of the six areas of learning and development.
The value of stories
Authors: Peasgood Sue , Elkin Judith , Denham Debbie
Published: May 2014

Story-time has a key role to play in children's development. You may want to share the ideas here with your staff, perhaps review your approach, and make sure you are devoting it enough attention
Exploring Vygotsky
Authors: Dolya Galina , Palmer Sue
Published: May 2014

This article gives insight into Vygotsky's philosophy, and how he transformed the study of educational psychology
Creating books using all of their senses
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

Although we tend to think of a book as containing just words and pictures, novelty picture books are extremely versatile and can offer all sorts of surprises. These vary from textured and scented pages to musical microchips. The subject matter of a book can also relate to different senses, with recipe books appealing to taste and smell, and song books appealing to our love of music and singing.
Outdoor activities
Authors: Harries Judith , Astill Mel
Published: May 2014

Knowledge and understanding of the world offers opportunities to encounter creatures, people, plants and objects in their natural environment and lots of ideas for practical investigations. What better way to develop this area than to experience it first hand using your senses?
Product round-up
Authors: Lee Tracy
Published: May 2014

Treeblocks is a set of 36 pieces of buildings blocks that come in a strong canvas storage bag.
Get creative outside!
Authors: Harries Judith , Astill Mel
Published: May 2014

Your child has been doing some creative activities outdoors. Here are some ideas to carry them on at home
Alphabet skills
Authors: Taylor Geraldine
Published: May 2014

The whole concept of learning to read can seem mysterious and full of controversy. Educationists talk about ‘reading behaviours’ and ‘pre-reading skills’ when they discuss children's response to picture books. On the other hand, parents usually regard reading as the process by which children get meaning from words rather than pictures.
Visiting a museum
Authors: Cox Miranda
Published: May 2014

Are you worried about taking young children to museums or galleries? Are you unsure they will benefit? Lots of museums support pre-schools so it’s worth the visit, says Miranda Cox
Lots of clothes poems
Authors: Croft Sue
Published: May 2014

Below are some new rhymes about clothes for you to share with your children. They can be used in any order
Partnership with parents matters
Authors: Griffin Sue
Published: May 2014

Working with children of any age inevitably involves communicating with their parents, but working with young children requires a close relationship with parents (or any other adult fulfilling the role of parent). It is in the best interests of the children you care for that you have a relationship of professional partnership with their parents.
Beyond the classroom
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

In the first of a series of four articles, Hilary White explores the many skills involved in teaching, and looks at the possibility of transferring those skills into other education-related roles
Learning all about posting letters
Authors: Steiniche Lotte
Published: May 2014

The children at Happy Child Nursery, Ealing Common recently visited their local post office and learnt all about posting letters!
Putting stories to music
Authors: Hunter Anne
Published: May 2014

Much has been said about the importance of rhythm and rhyme in the learning processes of early language and literacy. The first literature took the form of poetry, chanted or sung, which was passed down orally through the ages.
Latest reviews
Authors: Lee Tracy
Published: May 2014

The children couldn't wait to get their hands on this! It is a chunky wooden xylophone, with bright colours, and is in the shape of a very cute bear with a lovely face.
Music all around us
Authors: Hunter Anne
Published: May 2014

Zoltan Kodaly, a Hungarian composer who revolutionised the teaching of music to young children, believed that music fosters self-discipline and a sense of community. Katalin Forrai, in her study of Kodaly's methods entitled Music in Pre-school, tells how Kodaly thought that: ‘Music has such a strong infl uence on personal development that it affects the entire personality. Music of value makes the individual sensitive to beauty and forms (the child's) tastes and attitudes.’
How stories work
Authors: Graham Jo
Published: May 2014

Stories provide an exciting way into worlds children could not otherwise visit. Because they are such an appropriate way of giving children information, we often use them to spark off interest in a subject. It is less usual for pre-school children to be encouraged to think about how stories work. However, researchers argue that children who think about the way they use language become more confident language users. This seems to make sense. As children grow older we ask them to write stories, yet they may have little experience of thinking about what makes a story and the types of story there are.
Making Smoothies
Authors: Horvath Martine
Published: May 2014

Smoothies are a great way to encourage children to try new fruits. The more involved children are in the preparation (buying or picking the fruit, washing it, cutting/peeling it and putting it or counting it into the smoothie maker),the more they will learn and want to learn because they have joint ownership with you of the experience.
Communicating with parents
Authors: Griffin Sue
Published: May 2014

Settings and practitioners need to communicate effectively with parents about all aspects of their children's welfare and development so together you can ensure the best for each child.
Parents choose when children start school
Authors: Lepkowska Dorothy
Published: May 2014

Parents are to be given more options on when their children start primary school.
Reciprocal childcare is OK
Authors: Lepkowska Dorothy
Published: May 2014

Ed Balls, the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, has asked for an end to the regulation of reciprocal childcare arrangements between friends.
All about 3-d shapes
Authors: Taylor Rebecca
Published: May 2014

Many children will have only experienced 2-d shapes by looking at outlines in books. However, 3-d shape is a concept that young children will experience before they begin pre-school or nursery and so this is a great topic for the early years.
Playing listening games
Authors: Croft Sue
Published: May 2014

These games, by Sue Croft, encourage careful listening and increase familiarity with rhyme, rhyming strings, and initial sounds. The cross-curricular areas visited during these games are personal social and emotional development, communication, language and literacy and creative development
Being a happy child
Authors: Griffin Sue
Published: May 2014

Sue Griffin considers your practice in supporting the development of children's self-image, how they value themselves and their confidence
Ideas for parents
Authors: Dolya Galina
Published: May 2014

The following activities are written by Galina Dolya. They offer some useful activities to do with your child at home.
The great outdoors!
Authors: Harries Judith , Astill Mel
Published: May 2014

This first article explores the early learning goal for personal, social and emotional development and shows how it can be uniquely approached through outdoor activities.
From the editor
Authors: Hindmarch Sonali
Published: May 2014

After a government-backed review recommended last year that children should start school at age four instead of five, new research has hit back saying this could trigger stress and anxiety among children.
A spring nature walk
Authors: Santer Joan
Published: May 2014

Make the most of springtime by taking the children outside. You don't have to live in the country to go on a nature walk. Joan Santer gives a useful guide
An introduction to Reggio Emilia
Authors: Horvath Martine
Published: May 2014

Martine Horvath looks at the similarities and differences between the Reggio approach and the Early Years Foundation Stage
Growing plants
Authors: Mountain Julie
Published: May 2014

There are so many good reasons why you should encourage the children in your setting to learn in the garden
Good self-esteem
Authors: Griffin Sue
Published: May 2014

Think about the world from the point of view of newborn babies. They are not aware that anything other than themselves exists. Even their mother is defined in terms of the baby – her sole purpose is to be a source of food and comfort for them, as and when wanted.
Take numeracy outside
Authors: Harries Judith , Astill Mel
Published: May 2014

Looking for numbers and shapes in the outside world and using found items to solve mathematical problems is a great way of using the outdoor area.
Too much ‘pinkification’
Authors: Lepkowska Dorothy
Published: May 2014

A mother has launched a campaign against the Early Learning Centre for its ‘pinkification’ of toys for girls.
Snowmen in the Park
Authors: Williams Brenda
Published: May 2014

Tiggy and Jojo took one last look at the snowman standing in the garden below them, before climbing into bed.
Elephants small, elephants grey
Authors: Croft Sue
Published: May 2014

For the large space activity you will use this rhyme:
Using works of art
Authors: Irving Dianne
Published: May 2014

Art plays a part in everyone's life – creative images are all around us in books, on television, on advertising hoardings and in magazines. We are sometimes attracted to the images we see and sometimes they provoke moods or feelings in us that at first we don't really understand. It is important, therefore, that we equip children with the tools and thought processes that they need in order to analyse these images for themselves.
Make an indoor obstacle course
Authors: Stocks Sara
Published: May 2014

With careful and systematic planning, you can design an indoor obstacle course that will cover most of the Physical Development early learning goals.
More school choice
Authors: Lepkowska Dorothy
Published: May 2014

Parents are to get more choice on when their children start primary school, following the publication of the revised School Admissions Code.
The value of singing
Authors: Blanchard Chrys
Published: May 2014

The human voice is a powerful tool and singing has an important role to play in our lives. Chrys Blanchard explores the emotional, psychological and physical benefits
How children learn to think
Authors: Wallace Belle
Published: May 2014

Every child has the potential to be a good thinker and problem solver. The formative years lay the foundations of thinking and feeling and establish life patterns of behaving and responding. Belle Wallace explains
The ballerina, the pirate and the dinosaurs
Authors: Williams Brenda
Published: May 2014

It was cold in the woods where Tiggy and and Jojo were walking with their Grandpa, but the trees sparkled with the sun shining on their thin, frosty branches. Jojo was clutching her ballerina doll called ‘No-name’. The ballerina wore a shiny white dress and pale green tights. Jojo loved her ballerina, but until she could think of a pretty name to suit her, she was just called ‘No-name’.
Exploring shape
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

Use techniques such as stencilling, printing and wax rubbings to create geometric shape montages.
Building a wormery
Authors: Coulter Jacqueline
Published: May 2014

You will be amazed at the learning that can come from building your own wormery. You will find yourself marvelling at the children's powers of questioning, at the artwork inspired by their observations and their appetite for learning. For example, one little boy from my playgroup asked me, ‘Why is it some worms have circles on their bellies and some don't?’ Together we were able to find out that there are three main groupings for worms: annelids or segmented worms (which include the earthworm), nematodes or roundworms (which are without segments or ‘circles’) and playhelminths or flatworms.
An unhealthy bunch
Authors: Lepkowska Dorothy
Published: May 2014

Young children are in a worse state of health now than a decade ago, despite more than £10 billion of government investment in health services, a new report has found.
We're so proud of our Ofsted ‘outstanding’!
Authors: Perry Lynda
Published: May 2014

We're all celebrating at Radlett Lodge School in Radlett, Hertfordshire! Our school was judged to be ‘outstanding’ in every category by Ofsted and was highly praised for its quality of education, level of care and pupil welfare.
The stages of toilet training
Authors: Wilcock Liz
Published: May 2014

Liz Wilcock provides some background information to help you understand the stages in a child's development prior to them joining your pre-school group – and, remember, allowances will need to be made because children develop at different rates
From the editor
Authors: Hindmarch Sonali
Published: May 2014

Ten per cent of early years children are unable to build friendships with their peers, according to a think-tank. It has called these children a ‘disengaged generation waiting in the wings’.
Up, down, in, out
Authors: Croft Sue
Published: May 2014

In, out, inside, outside, up, down, bigger, smaller, the same size. Here are two action games, and a group activity. They give the children practical experience of those words, while involving most Early Years Foundation Stage areas
Rain, rain, go away come again another day
Authors: Youngman Angela
Published: May 2014

Rain – we take it for granted in this country but it offers wonderful teaching opportunities crossing all of the Early Years Foundation Stage areas of learning. It is essential for life it self. There are lots of different words to describe rain such as drizzle, storms, gales, and monsoons. How do they differ? Which do the children prefer? Why do you only find monsoons in the Far East? Why can hurricanes appear anywhere?
Learning all about buses
Authors: Hampshire Vivien
Published: May 2014

In this simple craft activity, children can cut out and colour their own bus, add wheels, decide its destination, and choose the driver and passengers. The bus theme also provides lots of opportunities for additional learning, language and role-play activities
Taking risks and keeping safe
Authors: Smith Sharon Paul
Published: May 2014

In all early years settings our greatest concern is keeping the children in our care safe and fortunately by and large we have achieved that goal.
Developing language through music
Authors: Brayley Helen
Published: May 2014

In the second in a series, Helen Brayley continues to look at the value of music and song. This month she talks about how it can help children's language skills
How creative are you?
Authors: Smith Sharon Paul
Published: May 2014

In the second of a two-part series on creativity, Sharon Paul Smith discusses what creativity is, why it is important for children and how to provide creative opportunities
Put on a hat
Authors: Croft Sue
Published: May 2014

This poem relates to the activities on pages 5-6. Sing the tune to ‘Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush’
Texture through art
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

Making textured collage is a great way to experiment with different textures and learn some of their names.
Tapping the beat
Authors: Brayley Helen
Published: May 2014

Viewing music as a play-based activity can give practitioners the confidence to try something new. Helen Brayley discusses
The recycling centre
Authors: Moran Jane
Published: May 2014

Why not get the children in your setting to create a recycling area? You can use it to teach them about our planet. Jane Moran explains how
Early intervention and active teaching
Authors: Hurd Angela
Published: May 2014

Angela Hurd analyses the importance of early intervention in enhancing cognitive development, using the case study of Ruby, a child with Down syndrome
Hula hula!
Authors: Hampshire Viv
Published: May 2014

The best way to explain the shape of a hoop is by letting the children experiment, handle and play with a range of objects that are hoop-shaped. Try asking them to think of all the objects they can that are shaped like a ring or hoop, or to find some at home and bring them into the setting to show and share. Why not try using the rings and bangles we wear as jewellery, for example? Polo mint sweets, ring doughnuts, rubber bands, reels of sticky tape, hair ‘scrunchies’, car or bicycle tyres, the washers from a toolbox, and certain brands of crisp-like snacks and breakfast cereals, could also be used.
A sense of time
Authors: Barber Jenny
Published: May 2014

In relation to young children, time is about how children ‘find out about past and present events relevant to their own lives or those of their families and other people they know.’ (KUW Development Matters.)
On good terms
Authors: Barber Jenny
Published: May 2014

Without necessarily realising it, we use a lot of jargon and terminology that we do not perhaps fully understand. Perhaps we need to be more open and honest about finding out about what something actually means. In this article I am going to explain some of the more commonly used terms that can cause confusion.
Ten tricks with string
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

String is cheap, easy to find and comes in lots of different colours and textures. It also makes a versatile and fun art and craft resource. Try these activities with your children and encourage them to experiment with string in their own artwork, writes Hilary White.
A bus ride with gran
Authors: Croft Sue
Published: May 2014

Use the story A bus ride with gran to engage children in role-play activities, which encourage communication, language and literacy, writes Sue Croft.
Inside-Out Nature: A Denmark experience
Authors: Gill Ruth
Published: May 2014

After recently attending a residential course for practitioners wanting to learn more about children's learning in the outdoors, Ruth Gill describes her experience and shares her views on outdoor learning in Denmark.
The power of puppets
Authors: Doyle Phoebe
Published: May 2014

Puppets are a children's toy that have been relished for generations. In recent years practitioners have been tapping into their potential as a formidable tool. Phoebe Doyle gets some tips.
Northend Children's Centre
Authors: Hart Karen
Published: May 2014

Last year, Northend Children's Centre gained an ‘outstanding’ rating from Ofsted. Karen Hart finds out what makes this setting special.
The write environment
Authors: Whiteford Rhona
Published: May 2014

In the final article of the series, Rhona Whiteford explains how to seamlessly integrate writing opportunities into your setting's environment.
Technology take-over?
Authors: Hart Karen
Published: May 2014

Computer technology is an intrinsic part of everyday life, writes Karen Hart, but there are concerns that it may have a negative impact on children's wellbeing.
Festivals and folklore
Authors: Davies Alison
Published: May 2014

Alison Davies discusses the lesser-known festivals that highlight the nature of the weather, which, as we know too well in England, is very changeable!
Mirror, mirror…
Authors: Hampshire Viv
Published: May 2014

Using mirrors gives children the opportunity to explore reflection and symmetry, and to look at shapes and objects in new and exciting ways, writes Viv Hampshire.
Going on an adventure
Authors: Jones Eileen
Published: May 2014

Encourage children to explore the concepts of near and far, writes Eileen Jones, as she continues her second half of the series on ‘coming and going’.
Understanding illness
Authors: Thornton Stephanie
Published: May 2014

What do preschoolers understand about illness? What do they need to understand and we can we help them to do this? Stephanie Thornton investigates.
Setting sail on the creative seas
Authors: Baker Charlotte
Published: May 2014

Use the topic of the sea to support children's learning around expressive arts and design, writes Charlotte Baker. Read on for some ocean-inspired activities.
Classic picture books
Authors: Harries Jude
Published: May 2014

This is the first article in an exciting new series that will use classic children's books as a source of inspiration for lots of activities across the new EYFS learning and development areas.
The element of earth
Authors: Astill Mel
Published: May 2014

Mel Astill suggests how to provide meaningful and practical activities to develop children's physical abilities using earth.
Time to change and rest?
Authors: Thornton Stephanie
Published: May 2014

Does your setting have a ‘summer holiday’ or is year round provision offered? Stephanie Thornton explores the impact of breaks on development and how you can help children build on the changes and progress.
Tricky situation to manage
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

Leading colleagues means sometimes having to resolve difficulties with team members. Hilary White offers advice for approaching any issue and strategies for dealing with common staff problems seen in settings.
How to carry out a self-audit
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

Examining your own thoughts about your job, your relationships with the children and your colleagues and presence in the setting can be as valuable as an appraisal. Hilary White explores the areas to think about.
The way out of frustration
Authors: Thornton Stephanie
Published: May 2014

Feeling frustrated is an inevitable human experience when we try to do something we cannot yet manage. The rage it provokes can be scary for young children. Stephanie Thornton suggests ways to help them to cope.
An inspiring environment
Authors: Hook Elaine
Published: May 2014

As well as planning activities, it is worth taking a step back to think about more ways that the setting itself can help boost learning and development. Elaine Hook explores resources and ideas across each area of the EYFS.
Look out for more learning
Authors: Sharpe Deborah
Published: May 2014

By helping to develop children's observation skills, you empower them to find and own more of their own learning experiences, think critically about what their senses tell them and gain understanding of the world we live in.
Something to sing about
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: May 2014

Singing can benefit all areas of development in the EYFS; these activity suggestions show you how. Yet there's even more to singing than this, says Jude Harries, who explains its deep-rooted role in wellbeing.
Use silence to boost talking
Authors: Freeman Kate
Published: May 2014

Even a few seconds of silence can feel unusual in a busy early years setting. Kate Freeman calls for a rethink on a powerful communication tool that allows children time and space to listen, process, understand and respond.
Magic static electricity!
Authors: Sharpe Deborah
Published: May 2014

Static electricity experiments are a way of introducing exciting scientific concepts to young children in a playful way which engages their attention and enables them to gain hands-on experience, says Dee Sharpe.
Is something missing?
Authors: Hampshire Viv
Published: May 2014

Help children to explore and enjoy stories in new ways by taking something away and asking them to ‘fill in the gaps’ for themselves. Viv Hampshire suggests ideas to help you add more to reading and story times.
Small group, big talk
Authors: Stroud Anna
Published: May 2014

Anna Stroud says structured speaking and listening activities in small, carefully selected groups can really boost communication skills, especially for shy children and those with SEND or English as an additional language.
Stronger as a team…
Authors: Hampshire Viv
Published: May 2014

Encourage children to pool their skills in team games where successes are celebrated and shared; and if a team doesn't win, the individuals support each other. Viv Hampshire offers activities and ways to organise groups.
A new leaf for maths
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

A new series on using leaves all year round and across all learning areas starts with exploring different shapes, sizes and colours and building children's understanding of those we can eat and those we can't!
Magnetic manoeuvres
Authors: Sharpe Deborah
Published: May 2014

The power of magnets will intrigue young children and are the perfect resource for developing fine motor control and coordination as they experiment and try to move different objects. Feel the pull, says Dee Sharpe.
Ayes to the right…
Authors: Hampshire Viv
Published: May 2014

Is your setting also a polling station?! With local elections taking place in May, take the opportunity to show children how voting is a fair way of making decisions and gives everybody the chance to have their say.
The fight for our pensions
Authors: White Daniel
Published: May 2014

Thousands of teachers have descended on Parliament to protest at changes to their pensions, with strike action planned. Daniel White looks at what lies ahead.