bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expressing feelings and emotions
Authors: Compton Naomi
Published: May 2014

With the recent emphasis on ‘curriculum’ it is all too easy to be so concerned with teaching or educating that we lose sight of the child as a whole person and what they might have to teach us about what is important to them. We ignore children's emotions at our peril. Children will not fulfil their potential if they are not valued as whole people, if their self-esteem, their feelings of self-worth, are not encouraged.
Going on a nature walk
Authors: Santer Joan
Published: May 2014

Where your nursery or pre-school is based will dictate the focus of a nature walk and the type and variety of natural life which children may come across. There will be less variety of life in towns than countryside, but on town walks you can still look out for wall mosses, ants and beetles, weeds growing through cracks in the pavements and walls, birds such as house sparrows, pigeons and starlings, nests in sheds and garages, or even spiders' webs across doors and windows.
Inspection and maintenance of play equipment
Authors: Hedley David
Published: May 2014

The inspections recommended below are intended to apply to new playground equipment made in accordance with Parts 1 and 2 of BS5696. Other equipment may require different maintenance, and some situations require a more frequent and higher level of inspection and maintenance. The frequency will depend on the type of equipment, its condition and history of maintenance, the environmental conditions, degree of use and the likelihood of vandalism. It's important that these factors are assessed and used to prepare a maintenance schedule for all play equipment which should be reviewed regularly in the light of experience. You should keep records of all the inspections. Photocopy the forms given with this article and keep them in a ring binder. As you acquire new equipment ensure that a relevant form is completed for each piece. Inspections must be carried out as follows:
Pre-reading skills and the alphabet
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.
Ball games
Authors: Taylor Pam
Published: May 2014

Most homes have a selection of different size balls around the house. Collect them up and let the children have some fun and improve their physical development at the same time. (Make sure you choose the right size ball for the experience of the child.)
Establishing better behaviour
Authors: Jones Caroline
Published: May 2014

Children with ‘challenging behaviour’ can create heartache in the pre-school as they cause themselves to be isolated from their playmates at an early age. Caroline Jones puts forward some strategies for getting rid of bad behaviour before it becomes normal
Mrs Lily and the bullies
Authors: Andrews Jackie
Published: May 2014

‘My goodness, it's hot today,’ said Mrs Lily as she put away her school crossing lollipop. ‘I think I'll put the sun lounger on the lawn and do some sunbathing.’
Teddies in bed
Authors: Coller Elizabeth
Published: May 2014

Draw around a stencil onto card; cut out the shape. Attach a stick to the back of the shape with masking tape or Velcro. Draw around the bed template onto tissue paper with felt pens. Cut a hole along one side of the cardboard box, glue tissue paper across the hole, pulling it tight without tearing it. Leave to dry. (You will need to help some children with the drawing and cutting, depending on their ability, but do try not to do all the work for them.)
Using lids and tops
Authors: Pearce Sue
Published: May 2014

If you want to give children the opportunity of handling different materials, discovering old and new items - all of which serve the same or similar purpose - and testing their problem-solving skills, all you need is a large collection of lids and tops. They can be off anything and everything, all shapes and sizes.
Simon says
Authors: Hislop Vicky
Published: May 2014

An old favourite that encourages the development of co-ordination is 'Simon Says'. Once the children are familiar with the rules of the game you can make the movements more and more complicated. Even walking down the street you make big strides, small steps, etc, and at home, the movements can involve bending and stretching, one arm up, one arm down, and so on. The game rules are very easy,
Collection time: keeping calm
Authors: Murley Sara
Published: May 2014

The end of the session has come, a session during which you have played with, stimulated and encouraged the children in your care. They are sitting beautifully waiting for their mummies and daddies who will come in, thank you for all your hard work and leave, on time, with all their belongings. Then a warm after-glow of satisfaction will weave its way around the hall as you and your staff leave, on time and ready for another day ……
Maths through story-telling
Authors: Faust Hilary
Published: May 2014

Here's an enjoyable way to make sure that you are introducing children to mathematical concepts and language in ways that really make sense to them. Stories with props hold and focus attention as well as engaging young children's thinking and problem solving abilities. They allow us to teach in a direct way that is appropriate for under-fives.
A-Z of child health
Authors: Shabde Neela
Published: May 2014

Urticaria (commonly known as nettle rash or hives) is a form of skin rash as a result of an allergic response or reaction - possibly to a drug (penicillin or aspirin) or certain foods (strawberries, milk, shellfish). It may also result from an insect sting or from direct contact with some plants. It is an extremely itchy rash presenting as smooth raised white lumps on a red base - known as weals. In addition, there may be swelling on the face.
Learning from Reggio Emilia
Authors: Shannon Heather
Published: May 2014

In 1945, after the devastation of the Second World War, a group of parents in Reggio Emilia, a city in Northern Italy, decided they wanted to build their own school.
Information handling
Authors: Still Margaret
Published: May 2014

Information handling is a major area in the ICT (Information and Communications Technology) National Curriculum. It is all about capturing, storing, manipulating and interrogating information.
Number 5 and number 6
Authors: Catterall Rona
Published: May 2014

Many young children say that they have ‘a lot’ if they have amounts greater than four - for them five and six are ‘big numbers’. Rona Catterall suggests practical activities which help children to learn and practise these numbers
Using 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.
Take ten bottles
Authors: Catterall Rona
Published: May 2014

Take ten plastic bottles, preferably all the same size (either half litre or one litre). To colour the plastic bottles put a small amount of paint into the bottle, swirl it round. pour out the excess, then leave it to drain and dry out thoroughly. The bottles can all be the same colour or a combination of colours. To give the bottle stability put in some sand then screw the top on tightly. Make a set of labels 1 to 10 and stick one on each bottle.
Cooking at home
Authors: Taylor Rebecca
Published: May 2014

Encourage your child to cut sandwiches into halves and quarters with a blunt or plastic knife. Sharing food equally amongst the family is a great way of introducing the mathematical concept of division.
Building a shelter
Authors: Kennett Sue
Published: May 2014

Building a wigwam is great fun and has several valuable learning objectives which relate to Knowledge and Understanding of the World. The activity will give each child the opportunity to achieve and feel successful, thus raising their self-esteem and confidence. It could be linked to a topic on houses, homes or buildings, but is valid as an activity in its own right to promote learning out of doors.
Role play: cafés and restaurants
Authors: Compton Naomi
Published: May 2014

Many cafés, hotels or restaurants are only too happy to show children around and talk about the work they do, so try to arrange a visit before you set up your role-play corner. Speak to the manager in advance and go along yourself first to have a look round. Give children the chance to talk about their experience of eating out as well.
Old and new
Authors: Graham Jo
Published: May 2014

What is old, what is new? One of the confusions that often arises when young children look at historical objects is caused by different meanings of the words old and new. Whilst we may use old to mean historical (referring to how long ago it was made and used), children may already know that the same word means broken, tatty or worn.
Training: Physical Development
Authors: Marsh Lin
Published: May 2014

Before you start, make sure you have done all the preparation listed in the previous sessions and have the relevant documentation and guidance to hand.
Exploring reflections
Authors: Hartley Karen , Macr Chris
Published: May 2014

First-hand experiences encourage exploration and observation involving opportunities for predicting, problemsolving, critical thinking and decisionmaking. These activities will develop children's early understanding of the key ideas involved in light and reflection. Children's learning depends upon their previous experience, so use your knowledge of their existing understanding to determine which of the activities are most appropriate.
Finding out about reflections
Authors: Hartley Karen , Macro Chris
Published: May 2014

You can help children to become more observant by playing alongside them, making comments and asking questions. Help them to see how shiny objects reflect light and that sometimes our images are distorted if the shiny objects or mirrors are curved.
Warm-up time
Authors: Stocks Sara
Published: May 2014

Here are some ideas for warming up before any kind of physical activity. This is strictly for fun - the children are too young for formal muscle stretches so make it a light-hearted game (grown-ups will benefit from this session, too!) Parents might also find the ideas useful for rainy days at home
Training: Creative Development
Authors: Marsh Lin
Published: May 2014

Before you start make sure you have done all the preparation listed in the previous sessions (don't forget the stick-its for the end of this session and the notes relating to the handouts in previous sessions) and have the relevant documentation and guidance to hand.
Reasons for writing
Authors: Graham Jo
Published: May 2014

The Early Learning Goals suggest as a stepping stone to early writing that practitioners ‘Make books with children of activities they have been doing, using photographs of the children as illustrations’. Photos are such a sure fire way to engage children that it seems a shame purely to use them as illustrations. Instead why not make the photos central to the activity and the writing a natural by-product of children wanting to communicate something?
Understanding Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Lyon Jenny
Published: May 2014

Research suggests that Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or AD/HD is genetic and bio-neurological in origin, but there are still those who claim it is an excuse for parents and teachers who cannot cope with normal, albeit challenging, children. The use of medication to treat AD/HD is also controversial: is it a mindaltering drug used to control children for our own convenience or an effective treatment for a neurological impairment?
Developing your management skills
Authors: Cheema Kam
Published: May 2014

Some people in early years settings find themselves in a managerial position with little or no prior management training or development opportunities. Managers can be recruited simply on the number of years experience they have of working in the field of early years, without any proper assessment of their management skills, qualifications or even personal aspirations to become a manager.
Talking with children
Authors: Beswick Clare
Published: May 2014

Children who are confident speakers and good listeners develop an enthusiasm for learning that is the foundation of much they will learn in school and later life. Confident speakers make confident learners.
Early Years Action and Action Plus
Authors: Fisher Sue
Published: May 2014

The revised Code of Practice states that settings should adopt a graduated approach to providing specific help for individual children.
Introducing capital letters
Authors: Miles Ann Somerset
Published: May 2014

Capital letters are critical in making sense of written sentences, and it seems sensible that they form part of everyday written communication from the start, rather than something that has to be learned later. Young children will see both versions in the everyday print around them and at first as they begin to write they will mix and match the two. They will make their own marks and seemingly unintelligible symbols, but you must still surround them with conventional script and use capital letters correctly.
As easy as a, b, c
Authors: Miles Ann Somerset
Published: May 2014

There are 26 letters in the English alphabet for your child to learn and even more if you count the various different capitals as well. At first, when they learn to write, they will be concentrating on forming the lower case letters but there will be times - such as when they learn to write their name - that they will need to use a capital.
Being creative with bottles
Authors: Tumelty Barbara
Published: May 2014

When you go to the supermarket together, look out for different kinds of plastic bottles. They can be drinks, washing-up liquid or bubble bath bottles. Once you start looking, you'll be surprised how many different colours there are.
Talking maths
Authors: Williams Helen
Published: May 2014

Don't worry whether your child is using the right words, this will come as they get older. It is more important to talk about what you are doing and to encourage them to talk about what they notice and what they think. Talking helps us make sense of what we see and hear. Enjoy chatting about what you are doing as much as they do!
Promoting inclusion for: children with communication difficulties
Authors: Fisher Sue
Published: May 2014

Speech and language problems can result from sensory, physical or learning difficulties, autistic spectrum disorders or may be caused through delayed development due to social and emotional causes. Some children may have difficulties with speech or language without any of the above and with no apparent cause.
What it means to be colour blind
Authors: Austin Keeva
Published: May 2014

Describing someone as colour blind does not usually mean that they cannot see colour. It means that they have difficulty distinguishing between some colours or shades of colour. A better description would be to say that the person has a colour vision deficiency or anomaly.
Recruiting new staff
Authors: Wildeboer Bev
Published: May 2014

If you need to recruit another member of staff, it's important to be clear about why you're doing it. Spending some time considering the reason may help in the process.
The family of triangles
Authors: Catterall Rona
Published: May 2014

Some children have a rather narrow knowledge of triangles. Their experience is limited to an equilateral triangle sitting on its base with the point at the top. The activities below will introduce your group to a wider view of different triangles.
Using your community as a resource: Clues to the past
Authors: Milner Angela
Published: May 2014

Visible remains of the past are important clues to investigate with young children. You will need to do your homework to answer their queries and questions, so a visit to your local library or local historian ight be a good place to start.
Playing with sand
Authors: Frankish Lorraine
Published: May 2014

Toy shops sell plastic sand trays or sand pits in a variety of sizes and shapes and they usually come with a lid. However, you can improvise with a large sheet of heavy polythene and a lidded crate or bin to store the sand. (It is important to keep sand outside covered when not in use to keep out cats.) Always buy silver sand as builders' sand can stain and is sometimes sharp. Place the sand in a shady area on a flat surface.
The value of action songs and rhymes
Authors: Heald Chris
Published: May 2014

Recent research has some vital things to say about the important role that movement has in the child's natural ability to learn. Learning is much more effective if it uses the whole brain, including those parts which control our movements.
Children, photos and copyright: the law
Authors: Balkwill Richard
Published: May 2014

Copyright is, literally, the right to copy. In almost all countries of the world (including the UK) it gives to creators the exclusive right of ownership and control of their works. That work can be a poem, a sculpture, a song – or a photograph.
A history of early years: Women as mothers and carers
Authors: Penn Helen
Published: May 2014

The public perception of women - as mothers and childcarers - has shaped the availability and scope of provision for young children. The emancipation and economic independence of women, and the gradual dismantling of gender stereotypes is one of the greatest changes of the late twentieth century.
When strong emotions lead to tantrums
Authors: Lindon Jennie
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.
Celebrating birthdays
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: May 2014

For more confident children, being the centre of attention on their birthday should be an easy and natural experience, an opportunity for them to share their news and talk about themselves. However, some children find it alarming to be singled out in any way. You need to be sensitive to this and pick the appropriate celebration for each child.
When tears come easily
Authors: Lindon Jennie
Published: May 2014

The simplest response is to say that a crying child deserves comfort. Often you will give reassurance by touch as well as friendly words. All early years practitioners need to feel confident about touch because children need the offer of a cuddle, a comforting pat or the chance to hold tight to your hand.
Making space for children: room layout in the early years
Authors: Rimes Martin
Published: May 2014

Making space for children is really about getting the most out of the space you have. Whether you're thinking of reorganising existing provision or setting up a new class or nursery, bear in mind the words of Winston Churchill: ‘We shape our buildings, and afterwards our buildings shape us’!
Ideas for assemblies: New Year plans
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: May 2014

By now Reception children should not be feeling quite as ‘new’ and anxious as they did in September, but they can probably still remember what it felt like last term. Encourage them to share their feelings about starting a new school or trying something new.
How to use an abacus to help your child to count
Authors: Heald Chris
Published: May 2014

A good abacus is a pleasure to touch. It should have wooden rods with rows of smooth wooden beads of different colours. Depending on size, there could be five or ten rows, with a ten-row abacus often using the colours of the five-row twice.
An inclusive approach to disability
Authors: Dickins Mary
Published: May 2014

The one thing that disabled adults, parents of disabled children and the organisations that work to support them all agree on is that attitude is the biggest problem in our society.
Ideas for assemblies: Helping each other
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: May 2014

This topic works well with themes such as 'All about me', 'The senses' and 'People who help us'. It can be presented at any time of year and adapted to cover any events which stimulate discussion about helping others or fundraising. It could be used to coincide with Comic Relief or Children in Need, for example.
Children who don't seem to care
Authors: Lindon Jennie
Published: May 2014

Early years practitioners want children to behave in ways summed up by phrases like ‘being considerate’, ‘showing kindness’ and ‘thinking sometimes about the feelings of other children’. A supportive society needs adults who do not always take the selfish option.
Taking maths outside
Authors: Cox Anna , Moore Jane
Published: May 2014

These activities will enable children to explore the concepts of counting, problem solving and calculating in a meaningful situation that they can revisit again and again. All you need are some pots or planters in a range of sizes, some compost and a selection of bedding plants.
Recipe for learning: Gingerbread biscuits
Authors: Stobbs Nicola
Published: May 2014

When the weather is cold and wet, make the most of your time indoors by baking these simple gingerbread biscuits. Not only are they easy to make but they store well and will fill your setting with a wonderful smell as they cook!
Help your child to be happy
Authors: Fisher Sue
Published: May 2014

Emotional well-being and self-esteem develop when children feel safe, secure, loved and valued for who they are and not for how they look or what they are good at.
Celebrating new life and nature
Authors: Jones Meg
Published: May 2014

Use the seasons to develop cultural awareness. Spring is an exciting time with brightly coloured fl owers bursting forth, brilliant green leaves uncurling, and small creatures beginning to emerge from the undergrowth.
The storyboard series: Let's build a movie set!
Authors: Iannuzzelli Paul
Published: May 2014

The activities in this article form part fi ve of the storyboard series. The child helps to build a movie set and explore physical abilities and dimensions through movement
Using junk modelling
Authors: Cruickshank Sarah
Published: May 2014

A large cardboard box can transport a young child into a whole new world. It can become a car, a house, a castle, a space ship. The only restriction being the imagination of the child itself.
Visits to our setting
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

As part of our preparation for the visits, we will be carrying out a number of activities to help your child understand why the new children are visiting the setting, and how this might affect their usual routine.
Making a blackboard story
Authors: Hedley Sue
Published: May 2014

Children come to nursery from a wide and varied background with many different experiences and knowledge of story telling. I have found that although most children do have access to books and stories, television and videos are the main source of entertainment for children in story/cartoon form. These may have a place and some value, but they do notinvolve children in an active learning process, encouraging them to use and develop their own thoughts and ideas in an interactive way. In our nursery we have developed the blackboard story, where children create their own story and are quickly becoming authors at three!
Whiteboards work wonders!
Authors: Hart Glenys
Published: May 2014

Just by touching the interactive whiteboard (IWB) you can move objects around, revealing hidden objects, making sounds and music. Children love holding the pen and experimenting with software and interactive web pages.
Focus on letters and alphabetical order
Authors: Prince Jean
Published: May 2014

All early years settings encourage children to make marks and provide activities that focus on letters of the alphabet and individual names. We want children to recognise and write their own names, and those of their friends, and to begin to learn about letter names and sounds and alphabetical order.
Open your EYEs
Authors: Tweed James
Published: May 2014

James Tweed describes how a group of campaigners are protesting against the new Early Years Foundation Stage
Festival of Whitsun, or Pentecost
Authors: Howard Christine
Published: May 2014

Whitsun, also known as Pentecost, is often called the birthday of the church, so this is an ideal time to talk to young children about ‘birth’ days and how and why we celebrate them.
Meeting the needs of the visually impaired child
Authors: Austin Keeva
Published: May 2014

Visual impairment (VI) refers to those children who have difficulties in seeing which call for the use of special educational methods and adaptations to materials and who need to use specialist aids and equipment for learning. (For example, the use of low vision aids – magnifying glasses, CCTV, large print and Braille.)
Dharma Day
Authors: Howard Christine
Published: May 2014

One of the important things that young children have to learn is that we all need to respect our environment and the living creatures within it.
Where does food come from?
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: May 2014

There should be lots of opportunities for children to ask questions about why things happen and how things work as they are busy making these recipes.
All about cultures
Authors: Denham Debbie , Elkin Judith
Published: May 2014

Multicultural education doesn't just mean providing books that show ethnic faces – it means broadening children's perspectives. You need to examine your whole approach to teaching children about the world in which they live so that they grow up with an understanding of and a respect for different countries, cultures, races and religions, especially if you are in an area with few or no representatives of other cultures.
Reggio Emilia education
Authors: Fiddler Wendy
Published: May 2014

Wendy Fiddler continues our series on great educators by explaining: What is the Reggio Emilia approach?
Organising circle time
Authors: Stocks Sara
Published: May 2014

Many pre-school setttings have their own variations on circle time. What works best? Sara Stocks shares some approaches that she has found useful and some techniques for managing different situations
Including children with Down's syndrome
Authors: Rutter Sarah
Published: May 2014

Down's syndrome is a condition we have all heard of and perhaps think we know something about. Sarah Rutter explains that we should not make generalisations but look at each person as an individual
Looking for inspiration?
Authors: Whiteford Rhona
Published: May 2014

In the first of a series of articles, Rhona Whiteford interviews one outstanding nursery teacher
Outdoor play round-up
Authors: Lee Tracy
Published: May 2014

This is a very attractive animal croquet set, containing four different coloured balls, two clubs and four hoops.
Repeating patterns
Authors: Taylor Rebecca
Published: May 2014

Making repeating patterns teaches children the skill of sequencing and introduces them to the concept of regularity. Exploring tessellation is a fun way for children to learn about the properties of two-dimensional shapes and observe and discuss how they fit together.
Different materials
Authors: Wilson Gay
Published: May 2014

Young children explore and work with materials all the time, in nearly everything they do. They find out that some things bend and some stretch, that different materials are hard, shiny, rough or smooth. Your job is to help children focus on the properties of the materials they are working or playing with and to develop their thinking and language by helping them to verbalise their ideas.
Lack of nursery volunteers
Authors: Lepkowska Dorothy
Published: May 2014

The number of adults volunteering to help out in nurseries and school reception classes has dropped by a third in just five years, according to new figures.
Valuing different cultures
Authors: Jones Meg
Published: May 2014

Saying that we treat all children alike is undesirable and untrue, says early years consultant Meg Jones. We need to respect others and treat them as individuals. We are all different
There was a little turtle
Authors: Horvath Marine
Published: May 2014

The importance of learning action songs and rhymes should never be underestimated especially in a young child's formative years.
From the editor
Authors: Hindmarch Sonali
Published: May 2014

Do you think boosting children's self-esteem is making them narcissistic?
How do you start drawing?
Authors: Whiteford Rhona
Published: May 2014

Are you one of those people who say I can't draw. I'm not creative ? Think again. You are part of the most creative profession in the modern world
news
Authors: Lepkowska Dorothy
Published: May 2014

Poor families in rural areas may be missing out on childcare, healthcare and other key services, according to a new study.
More school places planned
Authors: Lepkowska Dorothy
Published: May 2014

Ministers have pledged a further £100 million to help fight a shortage of places in reception classes around the country.
What is attachment?
Authors: Elfer Peter
Published: May 2014

Peter Elfer explains the origins and features of attachment theory, and examines the implications for early years professionals
Is there change afoot?
Authors: Tweed James
Published: May 2014

How will childcare change if the Conservative government come into power?
Exploring reflections
Authors: Hartley Karen , Macro Chris
Published: May 2014

First-hand experiences encourage exploration and observation involving opportunities for predicting, problemsolving, critical thinking and decisionmaking. These activities will develop children's early understanding of the key ideas involved in light and reflection. Children's learning depends upon their previous experience, so use your knowledge of their existing understanding to determine which of the activities are most appropriate.
Move to the music
Authors: Veasey Sally-Ann
Published: May 2014

For some practitioners, organising a music session is daunting enough so introducing movement activities at the same time may not even be tackled in some settings. Sally-Ann Veasey's step-by-step instructions make it manageable
Early ‘messy’ goals
Authors: Harries Judith , Astill Mel
Published: May 2014

This is the fifth in our series of articles investigating a huge variety of messy materials and how they can be used in lots of challenging ways to improve physical development skills in young children. Messy play provides a wealth of opportunities for children to improve fine motor control and coordination as they handle tools and a variety of materials. Larger scale activities using play equipment and sand and water will develop children's poise and balance
Yoga: Practical and fun!
Authors: Khan Farah-Naz
Published: May 2014

Yoga is a really useful way to provide a positive experience of physical activity and build a strong foundation for a healthy lifestyle
Can you spot the spotty socks?
Authors: Croft Sue
Published: May 2014

For the first two activities below, sing the following words to the first part of the tune, Polly Put the Kettle On:
Harvest festival: Sowing the seeds
Authors: Youngman Angela
Published: May 2014

Harvest time is very important. If the harvest is bad, then food may be scarce, or more expensive during the coming year. If it is good, then there is no risk of going hungry. Recognising that it is important, people have always celebrated harvest with a festival and a religious ceremony, thanking God for a successful harvest.
Let’s investigate…
Authors: Clarke Jenni
Published: May 2014

The following activities are focussed on encouraging investigation. Each activity is based on what may have been observed and is followed up with an idea of how to encourage the children to extend the activity in their childinitiated learning.
Making sense of our senses: smell
Authors: Hampshire Viv
Published: May 2014

In the first of a new series on the senses, Viv Hampshire suggests activities to stimulate children's sense of smell and expand their knowledge and understanding of the world.
Understanding feelings
Authors: Jones Eileen
Published: May 2014

In the first of a two-part series, Eileen Jones uses real life, fantasy journeys and role-play to introduce children to both their own feelings and other people's.
Refreshing ways to learn
Authors: Sharpe Deborah
Published: May 2014

Rethinking and reworking the areas and resources in your setting need not be expensive and can enhance learning and child-led sessions. Deborah Sharpe offers practical tips that involve children in the process.
Recruiting for real results
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

Hilary White advises on how to ensure a smooth-running application and interview process to employ new staff that will be just right for your setting. These practical tips will help those applying for jobs as well.
The development that really matters
Authors: Barber Jenny
Published: May 2014

It is true understanding of child development that allows us to help individual children flourish – not a list of next steps and boxes to tick, says Jenny Barber.
Bee at home in a hive
Authors: Hart Karen
Published: May 2014

Karen Hart starts a new series on different habitats with a buzz – providing activities based around beehives. Get crafty modelling man-made and natural beehives and make some tasty honey treats.
No limits to outdoor space
Authors: Barber Jenny
Published: May 2014

Do the physical constraints of your setting make it hard to provide for learning outside? Jenny Barber suggests ways to make the most of what you have and use resources flexibly to support this important area.
Feathering our nests
Authors: Hart Karen
Published: May 2014

Birds are pretty clever – creating their homes from twigs and other material they find. Karen Hart offers activities inspired by the nests of exotic species and those closer to home, with ideas for helping local birds.
It's the perfect balance
Authors: Garner Lynne
Published: May 2014

Lynne Garner's series turns to the sometimes overlooked sense of balance. These activities improve children's moving and handling skills and mental focus at the same time. And they can try a bit of yoga.
Paint matchstick men
Authors: Kniveton Mark
Published: May 2014

The final piece in this series on famous artists turns to the industrial landscapes and elongated figures of everyday people that appear in LS Lowry's work. Help children to think critically and recreate his techniques.
The other side of bullying
Authors: Thornton Stephanie
Published: May 2014

What can you do if one of the children in your care is the bully? Stephanie Thornton advises maintaining your compassion and working out what may be going on for them, while trying to foster empathy and social skills.
Who wears the crown?
Authors: Hampshire Viv
Published: May 2014

A chance find in the library has given Viv Hampshire lots of activity ideas. The turn-taking structure of this fun book makes for a memorable tale to join in and retell. Follow up with artwork and writing simple sentences.
Reflecting on your practice
Authors: Barber Jenny
Published: May 2014

How does self-reflection benefit your own development, and the children's learning and experience of the setting? Jenny Barber explains what it involves and suggests ways to get started and make it part of your everyday pratice.
Dress up for winter weather
Authors: Williams Brenda
Published: May 2014

This month, Brenda Williams’ poem explores the outdoor gear for everything February weather can throw at us! Make getting ready to go outside fun and use scarves, hats and boots for maths and reading activities.
Marvellous measuring
Authors: Hewson Claire
Published: May 2014

Claire Hewson uses ideas from picture books to inspire maths activities exploring size, weight and capacity. From dens to dinosaurs, shadows to shopping baskets – let stories fire the children's imagination and yours.
Great ideas get shared
Authors: Kniveton Mark
Published: May 2014

Mark Kniveton's series on supporting children to come up with their own ways of learning turns to focus on prompting games that develop self-confidence and self-awareness, in independent and group activities.
Monkeying around
Authors: Hampshire Viv
Published: May 2014

Viv Hampshire finds two books that will have you and the children ‘going bananas’ in the most useful of ways! These apparently simple stories actually help develop finely tuned listening and understanding skills.
Cut, stick and sparkle
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

The second article in Hilary White's series on taking art inspiration from picture books looks at the glitter in Julia Donaldson's books with Lydia Monk, Claire Beaton's felt and stitches and Lauren Child's mixed-media collage.
Make the rules together
Authors: Kniveton Mark
Published: May 2014

‘Managing feelings and behaviour’ – a key part of development as set out in the EYFS, and one that has a major impact on life in the setting. Help children to create their own games that reinforce this learning area.
Solving the special educational needs puzzle
Authors: Thornton Stephanie
Published: May 2014

Dr Stephanie Thornton asks: what progress are we really making in giving the right kind of support to children with special educational needs (SEN) in our schools?
Problem solving outside
Authors: White Verity
Published: May 2014

Verity White explains how you can develop both mathematical and communication skills through collaborative activites in an outdoor environment.
Weird things in the sky
Authors: Andrews Crispin
Published: May 2014

Crispin Andrews provides some ideas to inspire projects on all kinds of strange air-bourne phenonoma – from comets to UFOs.
Starting in September
Authors: Adams Margaret
Published: May 2014

With yourfirst term as a teacher about to begin,there is more to think about than your teaching. Margaret Adams explains.
Becoming a highly effective teacher
Authors: de Val Mike
Published: May 2014

Mike de Val talked to experts at the annual Neuro Linguistic Programming conference to get some tips on how teachers can use this thinking in the classroom.
Create maths lessons with the wow factor!
Authors: Watson Fiona
Published: May 2014

Fiona Watson provides ideas for making mathematics engaging and fun.
A Sow-er tail to tell
Authors: Bryce-Clegg Alistair
Published: May 2014

Former headteacher Alistair Bryce-Clegg explains how, in his school, saving bacon became more than a catchphrase. You can read his blog at abcdoes.com
Playground games
Authors: Doyle Phoebe
Published: May 2014

While some children long for playtime, for others the free-for-all atmosphere can be a little off-putting. Phoebe Doyle suggests some traditional games to try during this time.
How to prise poetry from the key stage 2 pupil…
Authors: Williams Kate
Published: May 2014

Poet Kate Williams offers advice on setting up poetry-writing sessions with years 3-4, explaining how it can be a fun, creative and rewarding experience for all.
Professional development
Authors: Cartwright Eva
Published: May 2014

Eva Cartwright considers the importance of ongoing training for the whole teaching team, and refects on the different opportunities available.
Get creative in maths
Authors: Askew Mike
Published: May 2014

Mike Askew explains why maths and drama can go hand-in-hand and suggests a few improvisation games to get you started.
Fantastic football!
Authors: Andrews Crispin
Published: May 2014

As Euro 2012 approaches, Crispin Andrews provides a fun multi-subject approach to learning about and celebrating one of football's most exciting events.
The art of the acrostic
Authors: Aitken Elizabeth
Published: May 2014

Elizabeth Aitken explores the acrostic as a scaffold to support poetry writing and gives some handy hints on words that work well, and words that don't.
Supporting the changing face of education
Authors: Womack Rachel
Published: May 2014

Rachel Womack previews this year's Education Show, revealing some of the seminars, resources and information available to teachers at the event.
Get your pupils talking through technology
Authors: McKeown Sal
Published: May 2014

Sal McKeown discovers how the use of I Can Animate and I Can Present software can get even the most uninterested of pupils motivated to learn.
A whirlwind of talent blows across the school
Authors: Whiteford Rona
Published: May 2014

Making creative writing a high status subject can bring great benefits for older pupils working at Level 6, and right across the school. Rhona Whiteford explains.
Make-do, mend and play
Authors: Youngman Angela
Published: May 2014

Angela Youngman explores the ingenuity of families in wartime and shows how to make similar toys out of basic materials, extending learning across the curriculum.
The super-sized schools
Authors: David Anthony
Published: May 2014

Demographic changes mean class sizes of over 30, and five or six form entry will be increasingly common. Anthony David suggests ways to manage more children.
Teacher's bigger helpers
Authors: Doyle Phoebe
Published: May 2014

Using parent and other helpers in the classroom is often considered good practice. But how can we ensure the help really benefits all? Phoebe Doyle has some advice.
The game is on for ICT across the curriculum
Authors: McKeown Sal
Published: May 2014

Sal McKeown visits a school using flexible resources from Switched on ICT to really embed ICT skills in exciting ways, using software they already had and understood.
Use inspirational figures to raise their aspirations
Authors: Cole Louise
Published: May 2014

Louise Cole shares her experiences teaching in a deprived school – encouraging pupils' self-confidence and pride in their work by giving them reasons to aim high.
Choosing your words
Authors: Aitken Elizabeth
Published: May 2014

Our grammar series turns to word structure. Teaching children how and why different words are used makes the terminology a tool for using language well.
Dramatic boost for MFL
Authors: Dion-Jones Danielle
Published: May 2014

Danielle Dion-Jones kicks off a series on inspiring ways to teach languages with a look at using cultural contexts to engage, motivate and raise pupils' attainment.
Residential trips from year 3 onwards
Authors: Donohoe Tom
Published: May 2014

Adventurous outdoor learning activities have a major positive impact on pupil attainment but teachers and parents are understandably anxious about nights away from home. Tom Donohoe offers tips for planning a safe, smooth-running trip.
Listening for different levels and languages
Authors: McKeown Sal
Published: May 2014

Sal McKeown visits a school using StoryPhones headsets across the curriculum, recording their own stories and instructions to make the most of the resource.
Familiar and different
Authors: McVittie Emma
Published: May 2014

Emma McVittie explains RE pedagogies that promote diversity and inclusivity to pupils in schools in mono-ethnic areas. This month: ideas for use with key stage 2.
Twenty top tips for NQTs
Authors: Cowley Sue
Published: May 2014

Advice overload? Sue Cowley picks out surefire, straightforward ideas to give you the confidence to manage your classroom from day one and throughout the year.
Ways to improve literacy
Authors: Cole Louise
Published: May 2014

Louise Cole shares techniques for engaging the most reluctant readers and writers, tackling disinterest and fear to inspire confidence with books and creativity.
Promote good behaviour
Authors: David Anthony
Published: May 2014

A positive classroom atmosphere takes more than managing bad behaviour and disruption. Get confident, get organised, plan and take risks, says Anthony David.
Punctuation rules. Stop.
Authors: Aitken Elizabeth
Published: May 2014

Correct use of punctuation means a lot to remember. Elizabeth Aitken suggests a balanced approach – ‘rules’ can be broken but children need to know them first!
Right on cue, key stage 2
Authors: Chalmers Debbie
Published: May 2014

Use play scripts to get children reading dialogue and speeches, speaking in character, taking cues, following stage directions and writing creatively, says Debbie Chalmers.
Building towers, painting caves, devising dances
Authors: Clarke
Published: May 2014

In the final article in this series on using child-initiated learning across the curriculum for reception and year 1, Jenni Clarke offers ideas for art and design.
Happier, healthier and ready to learn together
Authors: Bryant Giles
Published: May 2014

Wellbeing techniques that focus on the whole child can improve learning for all, and especially help pupils with SEN. Try some out to enhance inclusion, says Giles Bryant.
Getting the right balance
Authors: Adams Margaret
Published: May 2014

Do you sometimes worry that school is taking over your life? Margaret Adams offers advice on a better work-life balance that allows you to achieve more.
Feeling under pressure?
Authors: Bowman Abby
Published: May 2014

Is the summer holiday a huge relief or do some of your worries stay with you? Abby Bowman summarises the wide ranging stresses found in a survey carried out in May.
Bees are keeping us busy
Authors: Francis-Pester Dawn
Published: May 2014

Whether you are brave enough to set up your own hive or not, bringing bees into the curriculum can enhance learning across science and less expected areas.
ABA shadows explained
Authors: Stallard Samantha-Louise
Published: May 2014

Samantha Stallard discusses how ABA shadows are used in mainstream classrooms to help children with autism spectrum disorders and how you can work with them.
The foundations are laid
Authors: Hewson Claire
Published: May 2014

The transition from reception to year 1 and starting the key stage 1 curriculum can be challenging for children. Claire Hewson suggests strategies to help pupils adjust.
Ready to be a specialist?
Authors: Adams Margaret
Published: May 2014

A specialist or coordinator role can come early in your career. Think about what you are good at, talk to colleagues and start taking on responsibilities to prepare.
A new reading exercise
Authors: McClelland Elizabeth
Published: May 2014

A 12 week intervention involving a short daily movement session is having a major impact on pupils' concentration, reading age and speed, especially in deprived areas.
The positive classroom
Authors: Cartwright Eva
Published: May 2014

Teaching assistants play a crucial role in developing a ‘can do’ atmosphere where children feel confident to take risks and make decisions about their own learning.
Shakespeare for any age
Authors: Youngman Angela
Published: May 2014

With a new Shakespeare Week aimed at primaries, there are ideas for introducing all year groups to ‘the Bard’. Angela Youngman investigates the options and benefits.
Improved from the inside
Authors: Barker C Louise
Published: May 2014

The story of a deputy head who led her struggling junior school to Oftsed success. Staff help improve others’ lessons and thoughtful pupils take ownership of their learning.
How will my pay change?
Authors: Donohoe Tom
Published: May 2014

Headteachers will now be able to link teachers' pay to their performance, in theory allowing higher wages for 'the best'. How might this work in practice at your school?
R-ea-d-ing versus reading
Authors: Murray John
Published: May 2014

All pupils, and struggling older readers and those with dyslexia especially, progress faster if taught whole word recognition alongside phonics, rather than as a next step.
Three stars and a wish
Authors: Mullane Jayne
Published: May 2014

Jayne Mullane shares the simple ‘ yet high impact’ peer observation techniques that helped her school go from ‘ satisfactory’ to ‘ outstanding’, and from strength to strength.
Ready to play an active part in a digital world
Authors: Donohoe Tom
Published: May 2014

A change in name reflects a major shift in focus and subject content for ICT – now Computing. It is rightly ambitious and relevant but will it be daunting to implement?
Best practice: good ideas are right in front of you
Authors: Donohoe Tom
Published: May 2014

Watching colleagues’ lessons and letting them observe you is one of the most powerful professional development activities you can do, explains Tom Donohoe.
Living on an island
Authors: Clubley Richard
Published: May 2014

Richard Clubley visits two schools in the Shetland Islands and discovers the challenges facing remote schools. One is the smallest school in the UK, the other is the most northerly.
From the heart
Authors: Elkin's Susan
Published: May 2014

Susan Elkin visits a once-failing school that came out of special measures in record time.