bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Providing meals and snacks
Authors: Breese Ruth
Published: May 2014

Eating patterns in childhood often continue into adult life. Whether you offer meals or a simple snack you have the chance to affect the long-term health of children in your care. Eating is also a social and educational occasion and should be enjoyable. You can show this through the meals, snacks and drinks you provide, as well as through what you teach and by example.
Developing listening skills
Authors: Hislop Vicky
Published: May 2014

It is important to concentrate on the skills of language and listening. It has long been recognised that the awareness of others, imagination, and intellect grow and develop through speaking and listening.
Listening skills
Authors: Hislop Vicky
Published: May 2014

You don't need fancy equipment to help your child become a good listener!
Role play: railway stations
Authors: Compton Naomi
Published: May 2014

Transport is a popular project and is often part of a larger topic planned for younger children. The suggestions here are all based on a visit to a railway station. It is beneficial to take children on a visit as an introduction to a topic, because their play will then be based on real, meaningful experience.
Learning to say hello
Authors: Brooke-Taylor Sarah , Cashmore Lynne
Published: May 2014

You may not think it necessary to teach children something as basic as how to say hello, but personal and social development is about helping children to live by the rules that society uses. We all behave according to a socially acceptable code of behaviour, a set of rules that is mostly unwrittten. Nevertheless, if you don’t follow these rules you can be isolated by your behaviour.
Using the number frieze
Authors: Catterall Rona
Published: May 2014

Display the numbers in a place where the children can reach them so that they can trace the symbols with their fingers and touch-count the objects.
A-Z of child health
Authors: Shabde Neela
Published: May 2014

This is the infection and/or inflammation of the middle ear which occurs as a complication of upper respiratory tract infection, such as common cold, tonsillitis or pharyngitis.
Fun with glitter and glue!
Authors: Whiteford Rhona
Published: May 2014

Your child will be familiar with the basic steps in making this glittering stocking because they have done it with us. They'll enjoy showing you what to do, but will obviously need some help.
Celebrating May Day
Authors: Evans Jean
Published: May 2014

In the weeks leading up to May Day talk to the children about the signs of new life as spring begins. Examine buds as they open, look for signs of birds building their nests and lambs in the fields. Ask the children's families to tell you about May Day when they were young. They may have some photographs you can display.
Resources round-up
Authors: Sayer Alison
Published: May 2014

Abacus Early Years is a mathematics resource aimed at teachers of children in the three- to five-year-old range. It consists of an 80-page Teachers' Resource Book and two children's workbooks each of 15 pages.
Forming relationships
Authors: Jones Caroline
Published: May 2014

Forming relationships is about communication, about children feeling they belong and recognising their lives are connected with other people. A child who is able to establish effective relationships will grow up to be a secure, sensitive and caring adult.
A box of six brown eggs
Authors: Catterall Rona
Published: May 2014

It was Saturday, a special Saturday. James and his mother had been on a long car ride to visit his granny on her birthday. On their way home they had stopped at a farm to buy some eggs. The farmer's wife had taken James to the hen house to find the fresh eggs. He had found six warm brown eggs. The eggs were put in a special box to keep them safe and stop them from breaking. The special box just held the six brown eggs. ‘Those six brown eggs are for you, James. You can have an egg cooked a different way each day’, said his mother.
The value of water play
Authors: Hislop Vicky
Published: May 2014

Water play can provide the children with a range of sensory experiences and is a valuable support to almost any topic. With enough equipment and some imagination you can incorporate it into many activities.
Role play: Being builders
Authors: Compton Naomi
Published: May 2014

Your project could begin with a walk around the block to look at different types of buildings and the variety of materials used or it might be sparked off when work starts on a building site nearby. Ask families to get involved by pointing features out on the way home and talking about their own house with their children.
The teaching and learning of zero
Authors: Catterall Rona
Published: May 2014

All digit numbers have a symbol and a name, such as 3 - three, 7 - seven, 4 - four. This is a single name which is used regardless of the context, be it seven eggs, three stars, four days. Zero is different; indeed there are some mathematicians who do not consider 0 or zero to be a number. Zero is certainly a difficult concept to understand and can be the cause of much confusion.
Using maps in the early years
Authors: Clay Ann
Published: May 2014

When children first come to nursery, finding their way around indoors and outdoors is a daunting task. Where are the toilets? Which way is it to my coat peg? Where is my teacher now?
Developing drawing skills
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

Start off by leaving your youngest children free to explore with wax crayons and pencils. Don't worry about acres of ‘scribble’ at this early stage - far from wasting paper, the child is learning to become comfortable with a pencil and, at the same time, refining his fine motor skills.
The value of cookery
Authors: Taylor Rebecca
Published: May 2014

With the right planning and preparation children really benefit from cookery sessions. It gives them responsibility, helps them become more independent and they are learning a vital life skill. Hopefully they will enjoy their food more if they cook it and it is a great way of teaching them about the foods they eat and what they should eat to make them healthy. But do you and all your staff - including any parents who help on a regular basis - appreciate just how much children can get out of cooking?
Using schema in learning
Authors: Arnold Cath
Published: May 2014

Children are learning all the time, not just when their parents or educators are teaching them. Children (and adults) learn by doing. We can help children to learn most effectively by noticing what they are doing spontaneously. Then we need to help them to connect what they are doing with what they are interested in learning and with what we know they can learn.
Learning about Diwali
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: May 2014

We live in a world with increasingly easy access to the variety of cultures, races, faiths and nations through books, television, the media and the internet. To help your children appreciate this rich variety it is important to encourage them to find out about, and learn to respect, other cultures. If they can learn from your example that different ways of speaking, dressing, eating and living are interesting and valuable, they will be less likely to find them ‘silly’ or make fun of other children who are different from them.
Developing spatial awareness
Authors: Evans Jean
Published: May 2014

As they take part in planned physical activities in small and large groups children will become aware of those around them and how their own movements affect others. They will begin to challenge their own bodies and extend the range of movements they can make. If you give them appropriate opportunities, as their confidence develops they will use the space around them to express their feelings and imaginary ideas.
Matching activities outdoors
Authors: Clay Ann , Mercer Maureen
Published: May 2014

Planning for matching activities outdoors allows the children to revisit and refine skills that they are learning indoors with a totally different approach and covering all areas of learning. Through this, you are also making sure that children who thrive outdoors are getting the same learning opportunities as their peers who prefer to be inside.
Visiting museums and art galleries
Authors: Cox Miranda
Published: May 2014

Some museums have designed special activities, exhibits and resources for the under-fives, and have a proven track record; others are just beginning to address these areas, so a little research and planning on your part can really make a difference to the children's experience.
Repeating patterns and tessellation
Authors: Taylor Rebecca
Published: May 2014

Start off by having an activity table with lots of different play equipment on it such as Lego, big coloured beads and laces, bricks and plastic animals, for example. Show the children how to make a repeating pattern. Make a Lego tower using just yellow and blue bricks, alternating the colours. Talk to the children about your tower, asking them if they can see how the colour keeps repeating itself.
What is circle time?
Authors: Stocks Sara
Published: May 2014

The chances are that you have heard your child talk about circle time. It may be that you have been lucky enough to join in! If so, you will know that circle time is an opportunity for the children to sit together and join in activities that have been planned to give them the confidence to do exactly that - join in!
The Disability Discrimination Act: how it affects you
Authors: Scott Rachel
Published: May 2014

Disabled children need and want to play as much as and alongside their non-disabled peers. Yet as a result of social and environmental barriers, many disabled children are missing out on this essential part of growing up.
A parent's guide to baseline assessment
Authors: Bartlett David
Published: May 2014

During the first half-term that your child is in reception, teachers will carry out baseline assessment. They do it to find out what your child is currently able to do. They can then plan for their future learning on the basis of this information.
The value of music
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:
Organising a music session
Authors: Hunter Anne
Published: May 2014

Although there will be times during the day when singing fits nicely into your schedule - often at the end of a session or just before drinks time - it is important to set aside times for designated music sessions as well.
Training: Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Authors: Marsh Lin
Published: May 2014

This article takes you step by step through a session with prompts for questions to ask staff and ideas for practical tasks. Each training session can be organised over one half day or two or three much shorter sessions, whatever suits you and your colleagues best. Instructions for you, the trainer, are in italics.
Learning how our bodies work
Authors: Stocks Sara
Published: May 2014

You can help by reinforcing the learning we have introduced. Throughout the day your child will be telling you how he or she feels, in one way or another. Explaining these feelings and suggesting reasons for them and solutions to any discomfort will encourage your child to become more independent and self-sufficient. Obvious though most of the answers sound in these examples you will be pleased to know that your usual responses are useful and educational!
Encouraging problem-solving
Authors: Hartley Karen
Published: May 2014

Among the aims for the Foundation Stage is the expectation that the curriculum will provide ‘opportunities for all children to solve problems’, both during their spontaneous play and as a result of adults' planned provision. Problem-solving is an approach not an activity and it may involve a rethink of the way in which adults work with the children.
Circle dancing
Authors: Blanchard Chrys
Published: May 2014

During the last 15 to 20 years, a strong circle dance movement has evolved. Bernard Wosien started collecting circle dances from different cultures and began to teach them to others. There are now many groups and teachers all over Britain. I first came across circle dancing when my children were very little, and was delighted to find that at many of the events, children were not only welcome, but wereencouraged to join in.
Sewing and needlework
Authors: Foley Katrina
Published: May 2014

Sewing is a rewarding experience to offer the children in your setting. If you provide sewing, you will be giving children a rich experience with varied opportunities to develop their learning in all areas identified by the Early Learning Goals. Not only does sewing develop children's creative and mathematical thinking, it is also a key experience for encouraging their problemsolving skills (How do I get this needle through that button? How do I sew these two pieces of material together?) and their ideas of pattern and sequence.
Supporting a child who has a disfigurement
Authors: Frances Jane
Published: May 2014

One in 500 children has a blemish, mark or scar which significantly affects their ability to lead an ordinary life. One in 100 has a noticeable facial or other feature. Sheer inexperience can make it hard to know what to say or where to look when we first meet someone whose face is damaged or in some way different.
Helping your child cope with loss
Authors: Harries Judith , Andrews Ruth
Published: May 2014

It's important to be honest with children about the life-span of pets, especially hamsters and gerbils, as they often only live for two or three years. Losing a pet is often a child's first experience of death but it can be intense. They need lots of opportunities to talk about how they feel and share memories. It may help to have a simple service to say goodbye. Don't dismiss your child’s grief. Help them to express it.
Working with playdough
Authors: Fisher Sue
Published: May 2014

Playdough provides many opportunities for the development of manipulative and creative skills but equally helps develop a range of skills across all areas of the Early Learning Goals, in particular in the extension of language and communication.
Using environmental print
Authors: Graham Jo
Published: May 2014

Looking at print in our environment is one way to get away from books but still show the importance of writing in our lives. Here is the strongest possible motivation to join in our reading and writing society.
Phonics in the early years
Authors: Owens Bernadette
Published: May 2014

Any adult working in an early years setting should be well-informed about educational issues with a clear understanding of how children learn effectively. Practitioners who know about phonics and the role it plays in reading development are in a better position to support learning. They can recognise the phonics knowledge and skills that children show and identify how best to support and scaffold phonics learning because they are aware of the significance of what they see and where this learning is going.
Managing the Literacy Hour
Authors: Hunt Karen
Published: May 2014

At first glance, the various initiatives facing Reception class teachers appear to be at odds with each other. In fact, after close scrutiny of the documents, there is less of a mismatch than it might at first seem.
Washing day maths
Authors: Garrad Barbara
Published: May 2014

Sorting and counting pegs of differing colours and shapes helps children's knowledge of number.
Understanding anaphylaxis
Authors: Reading David
Published: May 2014

Peanut allergy receives a lot of media coverage but other foods and substances - such as sesame seeds, egg, milk and latex - are also the cause of alarming allergic reactions. What can be done to protect children who have developed an allergy?
Dance yourself a story
Authors: Blanchard Chrys
Published: May 2014

Indian dance is a classic art form created to express emotions such as love, sorrow, anger and hatred. The expressions have been systemised and coded rigorously over the centuries. Most of the dance forms have a close link with classical or light classical Indian music.
Promoting emotional intelligence
Authors: McAdam Caroline
Published: May 2014

It is important not to neglect or take for granted the emotional life of young children. Feelings, self-awareness, life skills, conflict management and self-esteem are critically important. Emotions direct our behaviour, shape our values and predispose us to choose one course of action over another. They shift our attention, drive us to action, push or pull us away from certain people, objects, actions and ideas. Emotions allow us to defend ourselves in dangerous situations, to love, grieve and protect the things we value.
Making a scrap book
Authors: Graham Jo
Published: May 2014

Children can cut and stick anything into a scrap book, but there's lots of learning to be had as you talk together about the pictures, help children use their scissors and glue and encourage them to write.
Looking for the pattern
Authors: Garrad Barbara
Published: May 2014

You will need some old boxes, several sheets of differently patterned wrapping paper, one pattern for each child playing the game, and a dice, either numbered or with coloured spots
Little and large boxes
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: May 2014

An empty matchbox; glue; sugar paper; various materials to decorate the box – felt, card, shiny paper, material, buttons, beads, Plasticene; string or safety pin; sticky tape.
Record keeping, planning and assessment
Authors: Fisher Sue
Published: May 2014

The revised Code of Practice states that monitoring individual children's progress throughout the Foundation Stage is essential. It is the responsibility of each setting to decide the exact procedures to adopt and paperwork to use. The crucial factor is that it should support everyone in offering the best quality provision to each child.
Creating literacy events within role play
Authors: Hall Nigel
Published: May 2014

The way we use literacy in everyday life is often highly meaningful and related to our lives, our interests and our concerns. We read magazines, write letters, send birthday cards, and read labels on food. We usually read or write for a reason. We write letters to keep in touch, we read instructions to find out how to work our videos, cookers and microwaves, we follow directions to get to the right places and we write in diaries to remind us about appointments. Most importantly, much of our reading and writing happens as part of wider events.
Learning about triangles
Authors: Catterall Rona
Published: May 2014

First, you and your child can colour in the picture.
An insight into: the Baha'i faith
Authors: Trick Simon
Published: May 2014

The Baha’i faith was founded nearly 160 years ago, in Persia (now Iran), by Baha’u’llah, a Persian nobleman. His father was a minister of the Shah and most people thought that his intelligent, wise and caring son would follow in his footsteps. Instead, he turned away from worldly power and followed the teachings of a messenger of God called the Bab (‘the gate’), who taught that the time had come for the appearance of ‘the promised one’, who would revitalise the world.
Dealing with racial incidents
Authors: Cook Eve , Lane Jane
Published: May 2014

How you would deal with an incident that has clear racist implications is likely to be different from one where the motive or intention is not clear. Some incidents involve children personally and others involve children playing together and using racist terminology not directed at anyone present.
Resources to support: Mathematical Development
Authors: Pearson Linzi
Published: May 2014

Count everything! How many children in the group? How many pieces of fruit at snack time? The list is endless, but the more you do it the more quickly the children will learn, so make it part of daily routines in your setting.
Follow the leader
Authors: Stevens Judith
Published: May 2014

First of all, talk together about different ways of moving, and practise every suggestion – together.
Instruments you can play outside
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: May 2014

Lack of money doesn't need to stifle or limit creativity and potential outdoor fun. All of these ideas can be made with recycled materials, lots of imagination and some enthusiastic DIY supporters! A simple way to start is to make some portable home-made instruments for the children to use outside.
The value of role play
Authors: Wood Elizabeth
Published: May 2014

Role play takes many different forms: children may play alone, with peers and with adults. It can develop from other forms of play. It involves pretence, imagination, empathy (understanding how someone else thinks and behaves), taking on and acting in a role, and communicating the pretence to others (peers and adults).
Five little speckled frogs
Authors: Bromley Helen
Published: May 2014

Playing with rhymes provides a wonderful opportunity to immerse children in tuneful language, and with a verse such as this one there is a lot of cross-curricular potential. Counting rhymes also teach number names, and their sequence. In this rhyme, counting down can be taught effectively through the use of props, actions and other visual images.
Teaching the skills for better behaviour
Authors: Moreton Gill
Published: May 2014

The clearer children are about the rules and routines in your setting, the easier they find it to ‘get it right’ rather than misbehaving by ‘getting it wrong’.
When children behave badly
Authors: Moreton Gill
Published: May 2014

Often when children behave badly it is a reaction to something that is causing them distress - but the cause is not always obvious.
Ideas for assemblies: Keep the world special
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: May 2014

Invite children to think about a special place that they have been to recently. Ask them to close their eyes tight and take them on a magic carpet ride to this place. Describe the journey as the carpet flies over roof tops and buildings, over fields and roads and then lands in the special destination.
Introducing software
Authors: Scott-Baker Geoffrey
Published: May 2014

The simple concept behind ICT in the early years is familiarisation, an acquaintance with the basic types of software packages and what they can be used for. This should start in the world that children live in as opposed to the virtual environment of the silicon chip.
Supporting children who move house
Authors: Riddall-Leech Sheila
Published: May 2014

Moving house, for whatever reason, can be a big upheaval for the entire family, but while adults tend to concentrate on the practical issues, a small child may focus on the losses that the move might cause, such as friends, favourite toys and activities.
The power of story in the early years
Authors: Leicester Mal
Published: May 2014

Children feel the power of story. I can vividly remember, from my own early childhood, my grandmother's stories about ‘the olden days', that almost unimaginable time when my parents were children and I wasn't yet born! And, most of us remember our favourite childhood books with lifelong affection.
Ladybird, ladybird
Authors: Candelent Joy
Published: May 2014

Ask your child to colour the six ladybirds on the grid carefully with a red crayon.
The value of emotional well-being
Authors: Fisher Sue
Published: May 2014

We all hope the children we care for will grow and develop into happy, healthy and self-assured individuals. To help this happen, we need to recognise that children's emotional well-being is of paramount importance during the early years and relies heavily on the positive involvement of the adults who are closest to them, at home and at nursery or school.
Supporting children when there is a new baby in the family
Authors: Riddall-Leech Sheila
Published: May 2014

Jodie brought three-year-old Jake into nursery and was quite distressed. She had discovered Jake leaning over his new baby sister, saying ‘I hate you, I hate you’ and pinching her arm, leaving clear red marks.
A winter walk to post a letter
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: May 2014

Start by finding out what children already know about the postal service. Were any letters delivered to their house today? How do they think they got there?
Water gardening and childcare
Authors: Youngman Angela
Published: May 2014

Learning how to avoid accidents when playing with water is the first concern practitioners have.
Is it worth taking the risk?
Authors: Garvey Debbie
Published: May 2014

If we want the positive outcomes as defined by Every Child Matters for our children, then as practitioners we need to look at identifi ed risk and challenge.
Let’s pretend: Knights, princesses and monsters
Authors: Gummer Amanda
Published: May 2014

Dr Amanda Gummer, psychologist and special guest at this year’s Practical Pre-School awards, discusses how role play provides childcare workers with numerous opportunities for enhancing children’s development
Christmas with Santasaurus
Authors: Cruickshank Sarah
Published: May 2014

Santasaurus, written by Niamh Starkey, tells the story of Milo and his family and their preparations for Christmas.
Learning how to be young playmakers
Authors: Youngman Angela
Published: May 2014

Drama takes on a whole new meaning when Peter Wyn-Wilson enters nurseries. He is an early years worker for the Birmingham Repertory Theatre and his job is to introduce theatre to young children. Angela Youngman explains
Organising a cookery session
Authors: Taylor Rebecca
Published: May 2014

Choosing the right equipment to suit the needs of your pre-school or nursery is not always easy. You will have to consider the room available for a cooking area and your budget. You may already have some utensils or even a cooker but if you are starting up a cooking area, especially on limited funds, choosing the right equipment is important.
From our readers
Authors: Pearce-Burton Amanda
Published: May 2014

Formation Training and Development has further strengthened its expertise in early years with the appointment of three Early Years Professionals (EYPs) to its team.
From the editor
Authors: Hindmarch Sonali
Published: May 2014

Education inspectors are planning to bring in tougher standards for educational establishments to be rated good or outstanding.
Inter-faith Week of Prayer for World Peace
Authors: Howard Christine
Published: May 2014

Christine Howard explains what peace means, and tells a story about co-operation
Families are all different
Authors: Griffin Sue
Published: May 2014

Thinking about the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) theme ‘A Unique Child’ reminds us that along with each unique child come their unique parents and family. Partnerships with parents have to take into account that, as the EYFS says, ‘families are all different’ (PiP 2.2).
Beyond the classroom: part 2
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

In the second of a series of four articles, Hilary White looks at some of the options available to teachers who want to supplement their daytime teaching with evening, weekend or holiday work
Beyond the classroom
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

In the last of a series of four articles, Hilary White considers some of the options available to teachers who are looking for jobs that require management and leadership experience
Observational drawing
Authors: Prince Jean
Published: May 2014

When planning expressive and aesthetic activities the emphasis must always be on the enjoyment for the child rather then the finished products.
The Montessori method
Authors: Fiddler Wendy
Published: May 2014

This article gives an insight into the philosophy of Montessori teaching and explains how it is put into practice
Sign language
Authors: Langley Trevor
Published: May 2014

What you are doing every day, possibly without realising it, is ‘communicating through total communication’. This means using all available clues, particularly visual ones, to add meaning to what you are saying. You count on your fingers and hold them up to represent numbers. You show praise, encouragement, approval and disapproval with gestures. You ask for quiet and calming down with your hands. You point to indicate places and people; you convey shapes, size, direction, ways of moving, distance and a whole host of meanings just through your hands. Add to this the emotion on your face and the tone of your voice and you are giving the children valuable language support. This is of particular benefit to children from poor language backgrounds or for whom English is not their first language.
Use Your Imagination
Authors: Smith Sharon Paul
Published: May 2014

In the first 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
An outstanding setting
Authors: Whiteford Rhona
Published: May 2014

Ofsted called Lansbury Bridge school outstanding. But what is it like from an outsider's point of view - not an inspector's, nor a parent's, just as an observer's with no previous knowledge on special needs education?
Within their grasp
Authors: Barber Jenny
Published: May 2014

It is important that we tailor our day according to children's development. Jenny Barber explains how we can do this
A visit to the school fête
Authors: Williams Brenda
Published: May 2014

Tiggy and Jojo were playing Safari Parks in the garden while waiting for Mummy and Grandpa to take them to their school fête.
What's for breakfast?
Authors: Croft Sue
Published: May 2014

These class activities and games will help children to learn the sounds s, t, p, b. You can easily adapt them to teach other letter sounds too
A field of dreams …
Authors: Whiteford Rhona
Published: May 2014

Rhona Whiteford goes to visit an inspirational daycare centre set in an Ofsted ‘top 20’ school, which excelling against the odds
The name of the game
Authors: Hampshire Viv
Published: May 2014

One of the first words a child learns to respond to is their name. It identifies them as an individual within the family or social group and helps to establish their own separate identity.
Turning over a new leaf
Authors: Hathaway Harriet
Published: May 2014

Harriet Hathaway discusses the importance of pre-school education and the various teaching methods through which children can acquire basic literacy and numeracy skills.
Talking to three-year-olds
Authors: Lindon Jennie
Published: May 2014

At three, children are becoming effective communicators and use ‘self-talk’ to share their thinking. Be a conversation partner rather than a questioner to help develop their lanaguage skills, says Jennie Lindon.
Bigger numbers please!
Authors: Hodgman Liz
Published: May 2014

Expensive maths resources are not essential, says Liz Hodgman. Involve children in making giant liquid-filled and cardboard numerals to improve number awareness and handling skills, for use indoors and out.
Making an impression
Authors: Kniveton Mark
Published: May 2014

Mark Kniveton continues this series on using famous artwork to help develop children's ability to think critically with Kandinsky's abstract use of colour, line and shape that he likened to creating a piece of music.
Robots, royals and gales
Authors: Hampshire Viv
Published: May 2014

Viv Hampshire looks to life in the 1980s to help children think differently about the world around them. Take inspiration from increasing technology and road safety, children's TV, a huge storm and another royal wedding.
Physically enhance learning
Authors: Swift Tania
Published: May 2014

Physical development underpins all areas of learning, says Tania Swift. These tips help build real activity into all your activities, promoting the basic skills needed for reading, writing and mathematics later on.
It's the brave brigade
Authors: Garner Lynne
Published: May 2014

Our series on people who help us by working in the emergency services turns to firefighters. Try planning a trip to your local fire station, and teach children some vital life-saving techniques, says Lynne Garner.
Black and white all over
Authors: Hart Karen
Published: May 2014

Karen Hart's series of activities based on opposites turns to monochrome colours. Explore silhouettes and shadows, pandas and paint effects, plus craft and cooking ideas that make the most of this intriguing pair.
Happy and you know it
Authors: Hart Karen
Published: May 2014

Happy face or sad face? Continuing this series based on opposites, Karen Hart suggests crafty ideas for exploring these two emotions that trigger talking in more detail about why people might be smiling or not.
Rings around the world
Authors: Davies Alison
Published: May 2014

Alison Davies starts a new series looking at shapes in stories and folklore from different countries and cultures. The versatility and symbolism of circles prompts lots of speaking and listening activities.
Winning and wonderful ways with words
Authors: Aitken Elizabeth
Published: May 2014

In her sixth article in the series on how to get the best from a ‘reluctant poet’, Elizabeth Aitken looks at similies, homophones, homonyms and alliteration.
Adding up the difference
Authors: Jackson Lorna
Published: May 2014

Two London teachers visited primaries in Finland and the Netherlands to see how they achieve success in maths and assess the broader impact of their school systems.
Taking a new direction?
Authors: Davis John
Published: May 2014

Our ongoing exploration and summary of the new curriulum turns to geography. The focus on concepts and skills pleases John Davis; but more guidance might be useful.
Giant molehill leads to a mountain of learning
Authors: Donohoe Tom
Published: May 2014

Occasional ‘wow’ lessons where pupils get to question a Roman centurion, protect the endangered giant mole or instruct an an alien can bring out their best work.
Celebrating Book Week
Authors: Hewson Claire
Published: May 2014

Running from 7th to 13th October, Children's Book Week is a great opportunity to turn children on to reading and discovering new books. Claire Hewson has plenty of ideas.
Bibliotherapy
Authors: Sear Lynn , Legon Anthony
Published: May 2014

Lynn Sear and Anthony Legon from www.theliteracytree.co.uk suggest books for classes or pupils with specific needs or preferences. This month: something wild.
Random targets
Authors: Fox John
Published: May 2014

Target grades for students in John Fox's school are decided for all subjects according to a student's ability in the core subjects. But that means they are not always realistic.
The world at your feet
Authors: Stephenson Peter
Published: May 2014

Peter Stephenson explains how a global collaboration between students in Tyne & Wear, New Zealand and Australia led to an online community that widened all the students' horizons
Playing hookey
Authors: Clarke Stephen
Published: May 2014

When teenagers truant from school, they are likely to get involved in drug taking or street crime, to say nothing of reducing their chances of passing their exams. Stephen Clarke reports
An excess of teachers
Authors: Elkin Susan
Published: May 2014

Falling rolls in Northern Ireland have led to a surplus of teachers, with many newly qualified teachers having to consider moving to England to get work. Susan Elkin reports
Run VC
Authors: West Jane
Published: May 2014

Jane West explores how video conferencing can open up the classroom to a new world of experiences and opportunities to learn
Amateur dramatics
Authors: Hardy Jo
Published: May 2014

Drama gets little encouragement from official channels as a subject in its own right. But plays can be tremendously powerful, says Jo Hardy, not just in schools but in society in general
Platform for success
Authors: Durrant Brian
Published: May 2014

The terms learning platform, VLE and MLE are frequently heard in the world of education, but what do they actually mean and how can they benefit secondary schools? Brian Durrant offers some advice
Dispelling the myth
Authors: Dunn Carrie
Published: May 2014

A new book on the education market is arguing that homework is not necessarily helpful to students. Carrie Dunn investigates
BSF: Leading the way
Authors: Kemp David
Published: May 2014

There was a time when Chessington Community College was on the brink of closure. Now, almost two decades on, it is celebrating opening as the first Building Schools for the Future One School Pathfinder. Principal David Kemp, the driving force behind this
Respect and tolerance
Authors: Sullivan Karen
Published: May 2014

Karen Sullivan continues her journey around the nation's varying types of schools. This time, she visits an independent school – Dulwich College in London
Teaching money matters
Authors: Matthews Alastair
Published: May 2014

Alastair Matthews, from personal finance charity pfeg, discusses the reforms to personal finance education, how they fit in with the curriculum, and the support that is on offer
Engaging the employers
Authors: Cohen Tony
Published: May 2014

Businessman Tony Cohen is one of the government's new Diploma Employer Champions. He offers his advice about the engagement of employers in the new Diplomas
Fundraising formula
Authors: Berry Neil
Published: May 2014

Fundraising in schools has always been necessary, but with the anticipated recession and credit crunch the emphasis on raising additional funds will become even more important for schools. Neil Berry offers his advice
A virtual world tour
Authors: Dunn Carrie
Published: May 2014

Virtual learning has become a major weapon in the teacher's arsenal when it comes to engaging students. Carrie Dunn looks at some of what's out there
Down on the farm
Authors: Orbach Max
Published: May 2014

With the increasing focus on learning outside of the classroom, Max Orbach looks at what farm visits can offer secondary students, and speaks to some schools that are getting back to nature
Keeping in touch
Authors: Crowne Stephen
Published: May 2014

In the second of a series of five articles, Becta's Stephen Crowne gives us his view as to how technology can improve the information flow between schools, parents and learners
Facing reality
Authors: Turner Kerry
Published: May 2014

Kerry Turner argues that making students aware of the pitfalls of social networking is crucial
Where is the 21st century learning?
Authors: Harrison Bob
Published: May 2014

Everybody presumes all children are digital natives in the 21st century, but is this really the case? And with funding cuts looming, what is happening to ICT? Education advisor Bob Harrison discusses
Inclusion for everyone
Authors: Johnson Andy
Published: May 2014

The Kielder Challenge sees teams of disabled and non-disabled children working together. Andy Johnson explains why an inclusive approach to education is vital to breaking down barriers
Shaking up KS3
Authors: Bolton Lionel
Published: May 2014

Teachers are busy getting to grips with the key stage 3 curriculum shake-up. We asked two experts to outline what it has meant for English and science
Making connections
Authors: Mann Anthony
Published: May 2014

Research shows that students who meet and engage with employers while at school have a much lower chance of becoming a ‘NEET’. Dr Anthony Mann of the Education and Employers Taskforce discusses the importance of employer engagement.
Choosing the best Apps
Authors: Bennett Kevin
Published: May 2014

So you decided to buy tablets for school, what next? How are you going to make the most of your purchase and what apps are there that might be of use? Kevin Bennett offers some advice.
The nine elements of digital citizenship that all students must understand
Authors: Kramer Earnie
Published: May 2014

What exactly is digital citizenship? Earnie Kramer discusses nine key elements that all schools and their students should be aware of.
Are you ready for computing?
Authors: Devolder Wendy
Published: May 2014

How can schools inspire both their students and staff to embrace the new computing curriculum next year? Wendy Devolder offers her advice.
Religious education – the fight-back begins
Authors: Christopher Kate
Published: May 2014

One of the main casualties of education policy, including the EBacc, has been RE. But now the subject's supporters have hit back, carrying out an 18-month review and producing a new curriculum framework to raise the status of RE. Teacher Kate Christopher explains.
Ten top apps for secondary teachers
Authors: Smith Justin
Published: May 2014

We asked Justin Smith from the Educational App Store to give us his top 10 apps for secondary teachers.
The case for school to school collaboration
Authors: Smith Chris
Published: May 2014

Is collaboration between schools the secret to educational success? And what makes for a successful partnership between schools? Chris Smith considers the importance of working together.
The evolving role of SBMs
Authors: Woolfrey Christopher
Published: May 2014

Data suggests that school business managers are taking on new and wider responsibilities. Christopher Woolfrey takes a closer look.
National Citizen Service
Authors: Gibbon Laura
Published: May 2014

The National Citizen Service is a government-backed youth citizenship programme that builds the skills and confidence of 16 and 17-year-olds. Laura Gibbon explains.
The world of 3D printing
Authors: Haigh Gerald
Published: May 2014

The government has extended its 3D printing school pilots with the aim of building a portfolio of best practice. Gerald Haigh reports on what many agree is the next big technological revolution.
The BYOD pioneers
Authors: Haigh Gerald
Published: May 2014

As more and more schools try out bring your own device, Gerald Haigh looks at the work of four early pioneers.
Diabetes pathophysiology and disease management
Authors: Hamlin Jennifer
Published: May 2014

Diabetes is a disease that presents in many different forms, but diabetes mellitus is the most common form seen in dogs and cats. Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus is more common in dogs than cats and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus is more common in cats than dogs. The incidence of diabetes varies depending on the species, age, physical attributes, genetic make up and gender of the animal. Clinical signs almost always include polyuria and polydipsia, but can also include polyphagia, weakness, weight loss, unkempt haircoat and changes in behaviour, among others. There are a number of successful treatment strategies that can enable the diabetic dog or cat to lead a long fulfilling life. Many of these treatment plans require careful monitoring of blood glucose, daily insulin injections and modifications in diet and lifestyle habits. A veterinary nurse who has a good foundation on diabetes disease pathophysiology, treatments and management strategies is not only essential in caring for hospitalized diabetic patients, but is also critical for helping to alleviate pressure on clients who must bear the responsibility of managing their diabetic pet at home.
Anaesthesia for caesarean section in the bitch
Authors: Chapman Angela
Published: May 2014

No anaesthetic should be considered ‘routine’ and each should be tailored to the individual patient. This is particularly important when considering an anaesthetic protocol for caesarean surgery, where the veterinary nurse will encounter many additional complicating factors that influence the selection of drugs and the dose rates used. This article looks at the challenges to anaesthesia that are presented by the altered physiology of the bitch during pregnancy, and the immature physiology of the neonates, and aims to provide the veterinary nurse with the knowledge required to select appropriate anaesthetic agents and techniques to maximize survival rates of both bitch and puppies.
Commonly used dietary supplements in canines
Authors: Harvey Natalie
Published: May 2014

Almost 30% of pet owners in the UK fed supplements to their pets in 2008, however, the feeding of supplements in Australia and the USA is lower, with approximately 10–13% of owners giving supplements to their pets. Fatty acids, probiotics and glucosamine with chondroitin have been reported as among the most common supplements fed to dogs.

Efficacy studies for these supplements show promise, however, further research is required to determine more accurate dosing schedules and safety data. It is advisable to contact the company producing a supplement for their quality control data as well as their safety and efficacy studies to evaluate the supplement prior to use. Where possible, improve the diet before considering use of a supplement, and always ask owners about supplement use for their pet when taking a diet history.
Is there a healthy future for pedigree dogs?
Authors: Young Alison
Published: May 2014

As veterinary nurses the ethical, health and welfare issues surrounding the breeding of pedigree dogs with exaggerated anatomical features are a part of our everyday working lives. By reviewing the evidence of various reports commissioned by organizations such as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals (RSPCA), The Kennel Club, Dogs Trust and the Associate Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare that have a vested interest in solving the ongoing issues of the health and welfare of certain breeds, this paper aims to highlight the role the veterinary profession can play in ensuring welfare compatible dog breeding in the future, as well as provide an ethical framework for use in veterinary practice.
Approach to analgesia in the feline geriatric patient
Authors: Thompson Kate
Published: May 2014

The appropriate provision of analgesia is essential in all species. Pain causes intensification of the stress response, activates the sympathetic nervous system, affects food intake and metabolism, modifies behaviour and can adversely affect the immune response. If excessive pain is improperly managed, the sequelae can contribute to morbidity and mortality, particularly in already debilitated patients. In order to effectively manage pain, it is important to be able to recognize pain, utilize a multimodal approach and select appropriate analgesic drugs. Detection of pain, particularly chronic pain, can be difficult in cats and there are relatively few analgesic products licensed for long-term use in this species. Provision of effective analgesia in the geriatric cat can be challenging. This review aims to summarize how to first recognize the presence of pain in older cats and consider the pharmacological effects of ageing, and second how to adopt a multifaceted approach using the different classes of analgesics available.
Preventative dental care: educating the client
Authors: Milella Lisa , Wilks Lauren
Published: May 2014

Many pets seen every day in general practice have dental diseases requiring treatment. Most owners are unaware that their pet has a problem so it is up to veterinary professionals to recognize and treat these diseases to ensure that pets have an infection free and pain free mouth.

The role of the veterinary nurse is vital in educating clients about dental problems and helping to prevent them occurring, or helping to prevent the disease progressing further. This article discuss common dental diseases and how the nurse can get the owner engaged in dental clinics
Feline lower urinary tract disease and PURINA VETERINARY DIETS (R) FELINE UR ST/OX™
Authors: Lalor Stephanie M
Published: May 2014

Feline lower urinary tract disease is a common condition. The most common causes are feline idiopathic cystitis and urinary stones (urolithiasis). Both of these conditions often require long-term treatment to prevent or reduce recurrences. Environmental modification and dietary management play key roles in the management. Feline UR ST/OX™ is designed to assist in the management of feline idiopathic cystitis and struvite and calcium oxalate urolithiasis.