bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marching in a band
Authors: Frankish Lorraine
Published: May 2014

Playing in a marching band involves many physical movements and both gross and fine motor skills. Children will stop, start and move in different directions. They will develop spatial and body awareness, co-ordination, balance and dexterity. Playing musical instruments develops fine manipulative skill and hand and eye co-ordination.
The value of painting
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

Bright colours, splodges and splashes of thick, gloopy paint, a lovely picture at the end to take home and stick on the wall; it's little wonder that painting is so popular with adults and children alike. But why does every early years setting, without exception, include painting amongst its daily activities? Painting is such an everyday part of the young child's educational experience, it's sometimes easy to lose sight of just why it is so valuable - quite apart from what we could all be doing to broaden the child's experience of this delightful activity.
Promoting inclusion for: children with physical and sensory difficulties
Authors: Fisher Sue
Published: May 2014

Physical difficulties are often detected early, sometimes before birth. Others become more obvious when a child fails to meet physical milestones. Sensory difficulties manifest themselves in various ways, many of which can be linked to other difficulties and so may only be diagnosed when these other possible causes are ruled out.
Giving and following instructions
Authors: Whiteford Rhona
Published: May 2014

It's important to plan for speaking and listening, especially giving and receiving instructions, as much as you would plan for any other area of the curriculum and the starting point in any plan is you and the way you talk to the children. Listening to your instructions really needs to be a good experience.
Festivals: Chinese New Year
Authors: Howard Christine
Published: May 2014

If you are going to explore religious festivals with your children, once you have chosen the festival, there are a few things that you need to check out before you begin:
Penguins on parade
Authors: Catterall Rona
Published: May 2014

First you need some fluffy, appealing penguins - there should be at least three but no more than five in the set and they should have an obvious size difference – large, medium and small. If you have parents or staff who are good at sewing or knitting and have the time to spare then these toys can be made. I am not ashamed to admit that I took the easy option - I bought mine from a car boot sale, a local church flea market, and a couple of charity shops. They cost the princely sum of £1.20 for five . A quick wash, dry and brush and my smart set of penguins were on parade!
Creative ways with buttons
Authors: Moran Jane
Published: May 2014

Make a collection of buttons, with as many different sizes, colours, shapes and textures as you can. Send a letter home to parents and ask them to send any spare buttons in as well.
Making music outside
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: May 2014

Music can happen anywhere and young children feel especially liberated when they are allowed to explore sounds and make music outside. Try simply moving an existing music activity outside or create completely new sounds using some of the following ideas.
How to carry out self-appraisal
Authors: Marsh Lin
Published: May 2014

Whether you are writing your very first action plan, working through one linked to inspection or accreditation, perhaps, or simply want to make sure that your practice and provision is the best you can make it, taking the decision to start self-appraisal is an important one.
Including all children in circle time
Authors: Fisher Sue
Published: May 2014

Circle time is a technique that is generally aimed at raising children's confidence and self-esteem, while developing skills such as problem solving. It is well established in primary schools as part of the citizenship curriculum, but the concept of circle time is still relatively new in the early years.
The Christian festival of Easter: The Last Supper
Authors: Howard Christine
Published: May 2014

As a general rule, Western society finds the subject of death difficult to handle. It has been called the last taboo.
Creating a ‘can do’ culture
Authors: Bayley Ros
Published: May 2014

It was Henry Ford who said, ‘Whether you think you can, or whether you think you can't – you're absolutely right!’ Pause for a moment and think of all the people you know who have achieved things against all the odds. Even when people told them they could never do it, they did. So, if this attitude is so important, how can you help children to develop a ‘can do’ attitude, and why is it so important?
Working with an abacus
Authors: Heald Chris
Published: May 2014

Working with an abacus can help to clarify children's understanding of the pattern of number and how numbers work. At its simplest, one row of the abacus can be used for counting to ten, moving one bead for each number and matching the counting to each bead. The movement of beads across the rod provides stimulation for those children who are kinetic learners and need to use movement while their brain is assimilating learning.
Twisting and turning
Authors: Warner Maureen
Published: May 2014

Twisting is a skill that some children love. Some, however, end up feeling uncoordinated and dizzy. Perhaps the children have played with spinning tops. Can they pretend to be a spinning top? Ask them to stand up straight and gradually spin round and round as fast and as carefully as possible, until you call stop. Be alert to any giddy, wobbly children afterwards. They may need support to begin with but will soon gain confidence.
How to inspire role play
Authors: Wood Elizabeth
Published: May 2014

Although there is research evidence to support the value of learning through role play, there are still several areas of concern about the quality of role play, the role of adults, continuity across phases, and how much freedom and autonomy children should have in what they play at, and what they play with.
Art and craft for Easter
Authors: Whiteford Rhona
Published: May 2014

Easter wouldn’t be the same without them! Think tiny with this activity to focus on fine motor skills. You will need either yellow cotton wool balls or two sizes of yellow ready-made pompons.
Signs of spring
Authors: Whiteford Rhona
Published: May 2014

Make a branch full of spring cherry blossom that can be displayed in a vase or by the side of a pot plant. You’ll need clean twigs about 30 cm long, with several branches off the main one. Make simple blossom with twists of pink or white tissue paper, touched in PVA glue before being popped on a branch. Stand the twig in a pot of sand or similar for easy handling and place the blossom in clusters to look real. Try to find an almond tree, jasmine or forsythia in bloom so that your child can see how they grow.
Recipe for learning: Cheese and tomato kites
Authors: Stobbs Nicola
Published: May 2014

Cooking with children can be messy and stressful, yet the learning opportunities are so great that it's worth making the effort. Nicola Stobbs begins a regular recipe page which comes complete with a recipe sheet to copy and laminate for children. She includes points to discuss along the way
Children's behaviour: the issues
Authors: Moreton Gill
Published: May 2014

Poor behaviour is usually blamed on children's home background or a medical or developmental difficulty. However, many behavioural difficulties in early years settings are because young children lack the skills needed to respond to situations in which they find themselves. Yet these skills can be taught and there are many activities you can introduce to practise them that young children will find fun.
Fruit kebabs
Authors: Stobbs Nicola
Published: May 2014

Turn on the grill. Choose some fruit that you would like to try in your kebab.
On my way to school
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: May 2014

Encourage your child to use all their senses as you walk to school or home each day. Talk about things that you see, hear, smell, and touch.
Games with dice
Authors: Karen  , Jarvis Matthew
Published: May 2014

Dice games give children opportunities to practise counting in a meaningful context. Through counting spots on a die and then performing a related operation - moving a counter or picking up tokens - they may come to an understanding of number values. The familiar layout of spots on dice may help children to recognise certain amounts without the need to count, a skill known as subitising.
The potential of puddles
Authors: Warden Claire
Published: May 2014

Puddles motivate children in a way that no plastic resource can. Playing in a puddle can support children in their knowledge and understanding of the world around them. When you listen to children they have clear ideas about science, but they explain them to you in different ways.
Record keeping for SENCOs
Authors: Fisher Sue
Published: May 2014

Record keeping can be seen as tedious and time consuming but by developing supportive, straightforward and easy-tomaintain systems your workload will be easier to manage.
Pond dipping
Authors: Goodman Sam
Published: May 2014

Help children to be aware of the wildlife on their doorstep by taking them on pond visits in early spring to look for frogspawn. If you're in a town, ask parents if they have ponds in their gardens they will let you visit - or many schools have ponds in wildlife areas
Learning to use stationery
Authors: Hodgson Donna , Cox Anna
Published: May 2014

At home, you use stationery tools and materials throughout the day for doing jobs such as writing a shopping list, wrapping a birthday present or putting your child's pictures up on the wall. You handle them correctly, carry them safely and show how they can be used.
Recipe for learning: Pancakes
Authors: Stobbs Nicola
Published: May 2014

Remember that young children will make a mess and mistakes. Accept this in advance and your cooking session will be much less stressful. It's the learning and not the pancakes that are important at the end of the day!
A guide for visitors
Authors: Brunton Pat , Thornton Linda
Published: May 2014

Your visit is part of our programme for supporting children's personal, social and emotional development. This involves encouraging children to be self-confident and feel good about themselves, and to recognise that they are members of a wider community.
Using gardening tools
Authors: Hodgson Donna , Cox Anna
Published: May 2014

A good way to get started is to look at the space that you have and how it can be used for gardening. See what is available and decide what is feasible - think about letting children join in this planning stage. Listen to what they already know about growing things and enjoy the benefit of their unfettered imagination.
Drawing what you can see
Authors: Gilbert Janet
Published: May 2014

We all love our child's first attempts at painting or drawing – the blob with green and orange hair labelled ‘mummy’, the trees with purple leaves or the rainbow coloured houses. These imaginative interpretations of the world form an important stage in children's development. However, children also need to learn to see things as they really are and to look at things in their environment carefully.
Immerse yourself in culture
Authors: Jones Meg
Published: May 2014

Culture and background will have given children different experiences. Planning for cultural diversity is not an optional extra; it is an everyday experience and not an event. A range of activities, as part of the regular routine, should reflect the community and wider society and not be reserved for festivals and special occasions.
Mini-Olympics
Authors: Linfield Rachel
Published: May 2014

The following article describes a range of activities that children will enjoy that would allow them to make progress within the following areas of physical development.
The storyboard series part 3: Building a home
Authors: Iannuzzelli Paul
Published: May 2014

The activities in this article form Part 3 of the storyboard series. In theis article, the child's puppet/friend helps them build confi dence and increase their consideration for others while enjoying mathematical learning experiences
Learning while getting the beat
Authors: O'Connor Maggie
Published: May 2014

Getting the beat is also linked with children's ability to pay attention. What's more, being able to play in time can have more effect on children's attention-span than their home environment.
Learning all about money
Authors: Cruickshank Sarah
Published: May 2014

Start by showing the children some money. Ask them what it is and what it is for. Talk about the shapes, colour, texture and the numbers printed on the notes and coins.
Helping them to bring singing to life
Authors: O'Connor Maggie
Published: May 2014

I bought a large piece of blue floaty fabric in a charity shop. It has become the sky for Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star with a silver card cut-out star sewn to it and held over the children's heads. The children love gathering under it and pointing to the star as we sing.
Learning about the world using ICT
Authors: Hart Glenys
Published: May 2014

Using ICT is explicitly talked about in the knowledge and understanding of the world section of the curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The early learning goals indicate that, by the end of the foundation stage, most children should be able to:
Helping them to develop self-control
Authors: Louis Sara
Published: May 2014

Sara Louis asks: Why do children differ so much in their ability to control their emotions? Can practitioners do anything to foster this skill?
Introducing three dimensions
Authors: Coltman Penny
Published: May 2014

Through making models from recycled materials children develop understanding and skills in several areas.
Tiles and mosaics
Authors: Hickman Gill
Published: May 2014

You could start your work on tiles with a project about shapes in the environment. Point out tiles as part of a tour of the nursery.
I am an artist!
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

The following activities are divided into three major artistic themes – ‘line’, ‘shape’ and ‘colour’. Although each activity takes an artist's work as its starting point, every child should be encouraged to make an individual response through creating their own artwork.
News
Authors: Lepkowska Deborah
Published: May 2014

As well as the increased cost, parents have complained there is not enough childcare to meet their needs during the long summer break, more than half of the English local authorities questioned said.
Make your own stir fry
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: May 2014

The children have been developing their physical skills and manual dexterity by making lots of different recipes and handling a variety of tools in the kitchen. They have also been thinking about healthy food. Help your child to improve their ability to peel, chop, and slice by creating a tasty Chinese style stir-fry for tea
Time to rhyme
Authors: Linfield Rachel Sparks , Mead Rosemary
Published: May 2014

Being able to detect and to make rhyming sounds and words are valuable skills that aid the development of reading.
Sew much fun!
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 identifi ed 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 problem-solving 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.
What's the story?
Authors: Whiteford Rhona
Published: May 2014

Play and story are a vital part of our adult lives. We've all got hobbies and pastimes, activities that give us so much pleasure that we need to tell people about what we did, where and with whom (well – most things!). Meeting people after an absence of even a day, we need to find out what they have been doing and to exchange stories.
Whatever happened to childhood?
Authors: Hepworth J
Published: May 2014

I recently read that Sir Jim Rose has recommended lowering the school starting age, allowing children to begin school in the September following their fourth birthday, should their parents want this.
Find yourself a shape
Authors: Croft Sue
Published: May 2014

For some of the following activities, sing the words below to the tune of This Old Man.
Learning about road safety
Authors: Ashford Lorraine , Rainbow Thomas , Jefferies Millie
Published: May 2014

Our nursery, Bright Kids Nursery in Studley, has recently signed up to the ‘Little Green Bear Road Safety Club’ to help raise awareness of road safety.
Clap your hands
Authors: Croft Sue
Published: May 2014

The activity below is a new action song with accompanying teacher-led activities. These cross-curricular activities allow for co-operative group and class games help to extend the children's self-awareness, and give practice in recognising and understanding numbers one and two
My special day
Authors: Stocks Sara
Published: May 2014

The certifiate has been left blank for you to copy and fill in. The wording might say something like: ‘This special day certificate has been awarded to Jane Smith on the 1st October 2009. Jane's friends and teachers like her so much because she is kind to other children. She can make them laugh with her funny stories and she can ask interesting questions.
Creative with creativity
Authors: Garvey Debbie
Published: May 2014

This article considers some low-cost or no-cost ideas to support children’s creative development. Creativity is not just about art, painting and markmaking.
Making dancing circles
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 fi nd that at many of the events, children were not only welcome, but were encouraged to join in.
Higher standards than ever
Authors: Lepkowska Dorothy
Published: May 2014

Five-year-olds are achieving higher standards than ever through the Early Years Foundation Stage, according to ministers.
Laughing and learning
Authors: Whiteford Rhona
Published: May 2014

Rhona Whiteford interviews an inspirational reception teacher, Rebecca Mellor, about why she enjoys working in the early years
Pronto printing
Authors: Whiteford Rhona
Published: May 2014

In the age of instant pleasures, printing ranks highly.
Play dough fun
Authors: Barber Jenny
Published: May 2014

Play dough can be enjoyed by a nine-month-old baby prodding and poking it for its sensory value and a four-year-old involved in an elaborate process of making enough ‘cakes’ to fit on a baking tray to go in the ‘oven’. It is for these reasons and many others, that we should not underestimate its worth, and not see it simply as an everyday malleable resource.
What is High/Scope?
Authors: Johnson Serena
Published: May 2014

High/Scope nurseries are not only doing well in their Ofsted inspections but also feature positively in prominent early years research. The Director of the High/Scope Institute explains their philosophy
From the editor
Authors: Hindmarch Sonali
Published: May 2014

Nursery workers are being tasked to help boys with pre-writing skills to stop them falling behind girls by the time they reach year 1 (see page 6).
Let's pretend …
Authors: Wood Elizabeth
Published: May 2014

The benefits of role play can last into adulthood. Children who are master players are often more socially skilled, more adaptable in new situations and more flexible in thinking and problem-solving skills
Making paper flowers
Authors: Brooke-Taylor Sarah
Published: May 2014

Mother's Day is just around the corner so why not use this simple but effective idea as a gift for the occasion? If you prefer not to make Mother's Day presents, it could easily be used at Easter time or to tie in with a topic on spring, gardens or new beginnings
News
Authors: Lepkowska Dorothy
Published: May 2014

Ministers have announced a clearer and more consistent system of childcare funding, which they said will benefit children and families across the country.
Numbers as shapes on the washing line
Authors: Clarke Jenni
Published: May 2014

Here are four adultled activities for young children aged three-to-five focused on shape and space and linked to the washing line. 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 child initiated learning. It is important to adapt the activities depending on the children you are working with
The pattern of my life
Authors: Goodchild Rachel
Published: May 2014

When planning activities and developing ideas for children under five that opens them up to the world around them, it's important to remember what their word actually looks like. While some children do develop a fascination with something outside their everyday life, this is normally after a significant adult has introduced them to their own interests. The vast majority of children benefit most with learning experience that reflect the life they are living right now. This is the most meaningful to them.
Striving for quality
Authors: Paul Smith Sharon
Published: May 2014

Sharon Paul Smith explains the importance and benefits of quality within an early years setting and gives practical advice on its most effective implementation
Snow white and the seven dwarfs
Authors: Williams Brenda
Published: May 2014

Snow White was a young girl who lived with her father, the King, and step mother, the Queen, in a palace near to woods.
Get, set, go!
Authors: Croft Sue
Published: May 2014

Stand in front of the children to do this activity, so that they can follow your lead with their actions. Perform the actions while you say the words.
Ping, pang, pong!
Authors: Marshal Paul
Published: May 2014

Last month, Paul Marshall told us how to make a coppophone; a long-lasting musical instrument to be used in the classroom. This month, he explains how to make music with it.
Sue Handley
Authors: Hart Karen
Published: May 2014

This article is the first in a new series in which Karen Hart interviews early years workers about their job, what it entails, and what they like about it.
A protection policy
Authors: Learner Sue
Published: May 2014

Findings from the Plymouth Serious Case Review have highlighted that pre-schools need to adopt adequate safeguarding procedures and policies, but going about this sensitive subject in an appropriate way can be difficult. Sue Learner investigates.
Understanding dyslexia
Authors: Mountstephen Mary
Published: May 2014

Dyslexia can be difficult to identify, and is often misunderstood. In the following article, Mary Mountstephen explains the essentials on dyslexia, how to spot the signs of it in young children, and ways in which to support them once you have.
Making sense of our senses: sight
Authors: Hampshire Viv
Published: May 2014

Sight is our most complex sense and the one most used in early learning, so how can we help children to protect their eyesight and make the most of their visual skills? In the second of a five-part series on the senses, Viv Hampshire investigates.
Spring gardening
Authors: Harries Judith , Price Emily
Published: May 2014

In the third article in this ‘four seasons’ series, Judith Harries and Emily Price explore the bountiful gardening opportunities available to you and your children during the spring months.
Freedom of expression
Authors: Sutherland Sue
Published: May 2014

Movement specialists Sue Sutherland and Olwyn Maurer take a look at how movement affects a child's creative development and suggest some related activities.
Sowing the seeds
Authors: Hart Karen
Published: May 2014

There is no better way of teaching children about the life cycle of plants than by providing some hands-on, growing-from-seed activities, which act as great starting points for discussion on not only plant biology, but wildlife and nature in general, writes Karen Hart.
Helen Horner Nursery teacher and manager
Authors: Hart Karen
Published: May 2014

Helen Horner talks to Karen Hart about why she loves her job, what her role involves, and what her advice would be for someone considering a similar career.
Merry music making
Authors: Paul Smith Sharon
Published: May 2014

In the following article, Sharon Paul Smith sets out the ways in which music can be applied to all of the Early Years Foundation Stage areas of development, focusing on creative development.
Helen Pearson Paediactric speech and language therapist
Authors: Hart Karen
Published: May 2014

In the last of the series, Helen Pearson tells Karen Hart why being a paediactric speech and language therapist is her ideal job.
Skill building with building blocks
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

Blocks can offer children a wide range of opportunities for learning, which cover all aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage. In the following article, Hilary White describes the benefits of block play.
Early Years Nursery School, Withington
Authors: Whiteford Rhona
Published: May 2014

Rhona Whiteford takes a look at another setting which has been rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted and investigates why.
An impressive display
Authors: Angela Angela
Published: May 2014

Far from being one-dimensional, classroom displays can be lively, interesting and stimulating for young children, inspiring interactive learning. Angela Youngman investigates the power of displays.
Speaking and listening: The easy game
Authors: Whiteford Rhona
Published: May 2014

Continuing her literacy series, in the following article Rhona Whiteford suggests effective ways to encourage speaking and listening in your early years setting.
Dr. Gummer says…
Authors: Gummer Amanda
Published: May 2014

Good communication and allocating responsibilty can work wonders when it comes to dealing with attention-seeking behaviour in your setting, writes Dr. Amanda Gummer.
Crafting the perfect Christmassy classroom
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: May 2014

This article is packed with creative ideas to make your classroom or setting look, sound, smell and even taste very Christmassy this festive season. Judith Harries gives you some practical tips.
Dancing dandelions!
Authors: Sharpe Deborah
Published: May 2014

The dandelion is a plentiful resource during the spring season, and one that can be utilised to your heart's delight, when it comes to practical activity ideas. Deborah Sharpe tells us more.
Creature comforts
Authors: Astill Mel
Published: May 2014

Animals of all kinds fascinate young children. Mel Astill encourages you to focus activities on the environments and habitats that they live in to develop their knowledge and understanding of the animal kingdom!
Let's pretend!
Authors: Baker Charlotte
Published: May 2014

Role-play enhances the imagination and encourages the development of social, communication and cooperation skills, writes Charlotte Baker.
The gender gap: jobs for the boys
Authors: Hart Karen
Published: May 2014

Given the level of paranoia surrounding the subject, Karen Hart asks whether it's surprising that there are so few men working in the early years.
The power of picture books
Authors: Hampshire Viv
Published: May 2014

Viv Hampshire considers how using children's books can not only stimulate literacy and language, but can help us talk to children about being ‘different’.
Musical monsoons
Authors: Baker Charlotte
Published: May 2014

Charlotte Baker discusses the importance of music for child development and provides you with some fun, not to mention noisy, activities!
Animals of the Arctic and Antarctic
Authors: Taylor Anna
Published: May 2014

In her final article of the series, Anna Taylor focuses on animals in the Arctic and Antarctic and how you can use this topic to develop communication, language and literacy skills through fun, practical activities.
At the zoo
Authors: Trundle Holly
Published: May 2014

Holly Trundle invites you to explore numeracy skills on a trip 'to the zoo', while thinking about the importance of conservation.
Musical mayhem!
Authors: Baker Charlotte
Published: May 2014

Charlotte Baker discusses some inventive ways in which to have fun with music-making in your setting, in order to encourage creative development as well as personal, social and emotional development.
Musical movements
Authors: Baker Charlotte
Published: May 2014

Children enjoy being creative and the use of dance is a different form of expression, which may not always be possible due to lack of space at home, writes Charlotte Baker.
How will the revised EYFS affect your inspection?
Authors: Bruin Eleanor de
Published: May 2014

Eleanor de Bruin reviews recent changes to the inspection process and explains what these will mean for nursery practitioners, managers and childminders.
The element of fire
Authors: Astill Mel
Published: May 2014

The third in this series on ‘elements’ focuses on fire. Use fire and its properties to inspire physical activities and development, writes Mel Astill.
Solving the childcare crisis
Authors: Hart Karen
Published: May 2014

Karen Hart explains why she believes Government needs to find a feasible solution to high childcare costs, to get more parents back to work.
Number rhymes
Authors: Stroud Anna
Published: May 2014

This month Anna Stroud explains how you can help children to develop numeracy and problem solving skills through singing songs.
Shaping up for maths
Authors: Stroud Anna
Published: May 2014

Anna Stroud suggests activities for finding shape and symmetry in the world around us, focusing on famous buildings and symbols and art from cultures around the world to help children look more closely.
The coat hanger halo
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: May 2014

From retellings of the nativity story to humorous contemporary tales, Jude Harries selects popular books to share during the festive season, linked to activities that help children build relationships and self-confidence.
Create games together
Authors: Kniveton Mark
Published: May 2014

In the first in a series of articles exploring how practitioners can encourage children to suggest their own ways of learning, Mark Kniveton looks at developing games that will help them with making relationships.
I wanna talk like you…
Authors: Hewson Claire
Published: May 2014

Claire Hewson goes on an adventure through The Jungle Book and finds inspiration for activities that engage children in stories and rhyme – building vocabulary and expressing ideas and understanding.
Don't put maths on ice
Authors: Hodgman Liz
Published: May 2014

Lis Hodgman seasonal series looks at ways you can you still do physical and outdoor number and shape activities in winter, plus ideas to explore maths through the festivals that take place in the colder months.
On the way to hospital
Authors: Garner Lynne
Published: May 2014

Our series on people who help us by working in the emergency services moves on to ambulances, introducing children to the idea of first aid and how to keep themselves and others safe and healthy. By Lynne Garner.
Crafting a community spirit
Authors: Hart Karen
Published: May 2014

Karen Hart was inspired by the Black History Month celebrations at one London family centre – with music, singing, dancing, crafts and food – and finds the ideas and activities can be used at any time of year.
Tiny, small, big and tall
Authors: Hart Karen
Published: May 2014

In this final activity in our series on opposites, Karen Hart offers games and craft ideas with minimal resources that look at big and small and get children thinking about how this contrasting pair are actually on a scale.
Shining bright above us
Authors: Davies Alison
Published: May 2014

Continuing this series of activities based around symbolic shapes, Alison Davies explores the mythology involving stars with role-play and storytelling. Can the children move round the room like shooting stars?!
The fun of finance
Authors: Britton Daniel
Published: May 2014

Daniel Britton, author of the Financial Fairy Tales series of children's books, offers some advice on teaching children skills in good money management.
Rising to the challenge
Authors: Foch Dirk
Published: May 2014

Research suggests children are motivated by books with more ‘diffcult’ content, but many miss out on great books and read below their level. This trend can be reversed.
Learning keeps growing
Authors: Francis-Pester Dawn
Published: May 2014

Providing a host of curriculum and community links, a garden is a crucial learning resource. Find out how the RHS supports schools that are growing their own.
Ping! All ready to learn
Authors: Hewson Claire
Published: May 2014

Brain warm-ups can get maths or literacy lessons off to a productive start and provide valuable learning opportunities. Claire Hewson's ideas are much more than ‘fillers’.
School trips bring out their best
Authors: Donohoe Tom
Published: May 2014

Be inspired to boost pupils’ self-confidence, teamwork, and independence as one head shares the programme of residential trips developed at his junior school.
Designing for the future
Authors: Davis John
Published: May 2014

The new curriculum takes on board criticisim of earlier versions to focus clearly on designing, making and evaluating high quality products in the context of daily life.
Author shares inspiration for picture book creation
Authors: Souhami Jessica
Published: May 2014

The boost to children's reading following author visits is well known. A workshop giving pupils insights into the writing and illustration process adds a new dimension.
Designs for life
Authors: Taylor Daniel
Published: May 2014

A new schools competition encourages students to think about the design industry. Daniel Taylor explains.
Creativity through technology
Authors: Goudge Alex
Published: May 2014

Alex Goudge looks at the educational benefits provided by interactive whiteboards across the curriculum.
Craig Brown's schooldays
Authors: Smurthwaite Nick
Published: May 2014

The newspaper columnist tells Nick Smurthwaite what it was like to study at Eton in the 1970s
Hanging on to our roots
Authors: Bartlett Michael
Published: May 2014

The Western Isles are the last stronghold of the Gaelic language, but even there the language is slipping away. Scots need to take more pride in what was once their country's native tongue, says Michael Bartlett, if it is to have a fighting chance
The language barrier
Authors: Roben Eva
Published: May 2014

Provision for speakers of English as an additional language differs in schools around the country. Eva Roben finds out how schools cater for students who arrive with very little English
Learning to learn
Authors: West Jane
Published: May 2014

Continued professional development for teachers can range from half-day courses to masters degrees and sabbaticals. Jane West looks at the routes for career progression.
Food for thought
Authors: Bishop Mary
Published: May 2014

Tough new guidelines on the nutritional value of school meals in England are due to come into effect in September 2006 and junk food is expected to be banned. Medical journalist Mary Bishop went undercover as a dinner lady at an English state school to fi
Share in the community
Authors: Major David
Published: May 2014

Schools across Redcar and Cleveland, Yorkshire, have been taking part in a trial from the National Education Network, which has led to the effective and efficient sharing of information.
Warning signs
Authors: Goldie Sharon
Published: May 2014

This week is Dyslexia Awareness Week. We asked Sharon Goldie to offer advice on spotting dyslexia in secondary school pupils and offering the right support
Stage school
Authors: Smurthwaite Nick
Published: May 2014

Actress, singer and dancer Amy Nuttall was the class clown at primary school, but soon found herself moving away from home to pursue her dream. She spoke to Nick Smurthwaite about her schooldays
A novel approach
Authors: Conway Ambrose
Published: May 2014

Former school leader Ambrose Conway offers some strategies for developing reading for meaning and enjoyment in boys, including using ICT to engage their interest
Planet Cameron
Authors: Trafford Bernard
Published: May 2014

Conservative leader David Cameron's latest education proposals have irked Dr Bernard Trafford
Extended ICT
Authors: Smith Steve
Published: May 2014

Steve Smith, an experienced ICT specialist and a former deputy head in a technology college, discusses the technological challenges and opportunities of the extended schools programme
Hear today, gone tomorrow
Authors: Doughty Nick
Published: May 2014

Research shows that teachers run a higher risk of getting tinnitus. Nick Doughty explains
Keeping the language alive
Authors: Clubley Richard
Published: May 2014

Richard Clubley looks at the history of Gaelic and what is being done across the whole of Scotland to keep the teaching of the language alive
The teaching tornado
Authors: Wharton Jane
Published: May 2014

The Teaching Awards continue to throw the spotlight on some of the nation's greatest teachers. Jane Wharton meets David Torn, a man who likes to body-pop with strangers
Crime scene investigators
Authors: Cosh Jackie
Published: May 2014

A murder involving a group of year 10 students. Most teachers shudder at the thought. But not Chris Williams. Jackie Cosh explains
A learning platform in 100 days
Authors: French Harry
Published: May 2014

Attleborough High School recently implemented and launched a sophisticated digital learning environment in less than 100 days. Harry French explains
Playing catch-up
Authors: Dunn Carrie
Published: May 2014

All schools strive to ensure that pupils and teachers do not take time off during term, but sometimes it is unavoidable. How can pupils keep up with their work and schools cope with staff absence? Carrie Dunn takes a look
Making life easier
Authors: Crowne Stephen
Published: May 2014

In the last of his series of articles for SecEd, Becta chief Stephen Crowne discusses how technology can save time and increase efficiency both inside and outside the classroom
The diary of Homer Simpson
Authors: Bianco Miriam
Published: May 2014

Miriam Bianco discusses comic strips and storyboards in ICT
Getting CPD right
Authors: Holley Graham
Published: May 2014

Graham Holley explores the impact and benefits of well-designed and well-delivered CPD
Tomorrow's leaders today
Authors: Blackmore Stella
Published: May 2014

As a significant proportion of England's headteachers approach retirement, Stella Blackmore, from the National College for School Leadership, and Birmingham head Sue Robinson discuss how they are joining forces to grow the city's next generation of school
Future sounds
Authors: Dunn Carrie
Published: May 2014

Musical Futures has unveiled 30 Champion Schools that are excelling in their music education. Carrie Dunn finds out more
Playing by the rules
Authors: Rideout Helen
Published: May 2014

Are you ready for the new immigration system for international students, which is set to launch in March 2009? SecEd legal expert Helen Rideout explains how it affects you
One-on-one learning
Authors: Lomberg Michelle , Roberts Jill
Published: May 2014

Michelle Lomberg and Jill Roberts discuss the balance between personal computing technology and interactive whiteboards in the personalised classroom
Growing up with history
Authors: Stevenson Ellie
Published: May 2014

Ellie Stevenson explains the benefits of oral history
The new scientists
Authors: Phipps Sam
Published: May 2014

Exploration and education are at the heart of the Scottish Association for Marine Science, which works to enthuse and nurture a new generation of scientists. Sam Phipps finds out more
Working with new teachers
Authors: Wilkin Annmarie
Published: May 2014

Professional tutor and CPD co-ordinator Annmarie Wilkin gives her insights into working with NQTs
Calling for back-up
Authors: Hoyland Mark
Published: May 2014

One of the most valuable assets within educational establishments is the data, an area that is often overlooked. Mark Hoyland looks at protecting your data
Time to consider
Authors: Trafford Bernard
Published: May 2014

What should schools do to fill the void left by SATs? Nothing, says head Dr Bernard Trafford. And he is deadly serious
Making time for CPD
Authors: Adams Margaret
Published: May 2014

Margaret Adams explains how to make more time for your CPD
An African adventure
Authors: Wood Alex
Published: May 2014

Earlier this year, with a colleague and two S4 students, Alex Wood, a headteacher from Edinburgh, visited Barkly West, his link school in South Africa's Northern Cape. Here's his diary
Smooth transitions
Authors: Gick Emma
Published: May 2014

Ensuring a smooth transition into secondary education is a challenge for every school. Emma Gick from the Royal Belfast Academical Institution explains how they do things
Reporting for real?
Authors: Barker Ray
Published: May 2014

In the latest of his monthly ICT columns, Ray Barker looks at the benefits and costs of real-time reporting for parents.
Virtual solution
Authors: Field Eileen
Published: May 2014

There are some students for whom a typical classroom is an ineffective learning environment. Eileen Field, a ‘virtual’ headteacher, looks one way of using ICT to accommodate the
Teaching extremes
Authors: Hutchens Sarah
Published: May 2014

When a self-confessed geography geek and a lichen-hunting science teacher met, you could say the atmosphere was a little icy. Sarah Hutchens explains
Digital solutions
Authors: Uttley Simon
Published: May 2014

An instrument to improve communication with parents, reduce workload, and even contribute considerably towards first-rate Ofsted reports is every school's vision. The answer? A sophisticated digital environment, says head Simon Uttley
More inspiring reads…
Authors: Elkin Susan
Published: May 2014

Susan Elkin discovers some good old fashioned page-turners that teachers can use to inspire their students to read
Culture shock
Authors: Trafford Bernard
Published: May 2014

Culture? Creativity? Cadet force? Hand me my gun! Don't get Dr Bernard Trafford started
The future of communication
Authors: Farrell Paul
Published: May 2014

Educational consultant Paul Farrell offers some ideas on how to use podcasting as an ICT activity to support learning in all kinds of lessons
Turning a school around
Authors: Neumark-Jones Victoria
Published: May 2014

Victoria Neumark-Jones visits South Holderness Technology College in Yorkshire to find out how coaching and CPD has transformed its fortunes
Visual thinking
Authors: West Edmund
Published: May 2014

Edmund West is autistic and was educated at a mainstream secondary school, where he experienced many ‘blank’ moments, but also many ‘eureka’ ones
Research in action
Authors: Goode Geoff
Published: May 2014

The Teacher Learning Academy supports teachers who take on classroom-based research. Geoff Goode reports from the recent national conference and explains why his school has embraced the TLA so enthusiastically
Simon says
Authors: Smurthwaite Nick
Published: May 2014

Children's author Francesca Simon was the only child in her class to stand up against the Vietnam war. She tells Nick Smurthwaite about her schooldays
A joint effort
Authors: Alexander Robert
Published: May 2014

Robert Alexander, technology college director, at The Whitby High School, explains how his students have taken the lead in promoting healthy eating by joining forces with a community health project
On your best behaviour
Authors: Blois Mark
Published: May 2014

Legal expert Mark Blois takes a look at the changing legislation surrounding behaviour management in schools, and what the law means for teachers
Holding council
Authors: Wall Rebecca
Published: May 2014

Sefton Council has completed an extensive programme to implement a learning platform across all of its schools. Rebecca Wall, the council's IT service delivery manager, offers schools an insight into how they managed the process and how they engaged with
Digital discipline
Authors: Quested Sian
Published: May 2014

Sian Quested from Chesterton Community College reports on pioneering software that the school has created with a nearby ICT firm to help improve behaviour in their school
Learning from inside
Authors: Marshall Tim
Published: May 2014

A video-conferencing pilot programme for schools from Parliament's Education Service took place recently through the new JANET Collaborate prototype website. Tim Marshall explains
It's tough at the top
Authors: Wood Alex
Published: May 2014

Edinburgh headteacher Alex Wood discusses with a number of his colleagues around the city the increasing problems when it comes to leadership recruitment
Change is in the air
Authors: Barker Ray
Published: May 2014

Year 7 students across England are being taught the new key stage 3 curriculum from this year. Ray Barker discusses the new changes and the priorities for the new-look curriculum
Is technology destroying society?
Authors: van der Schaft Erik
Published: May 2014

Not-for-profit website TrueTube has produced a series of short films entitled ‘Is technology destroying society?' Editor-in-chief Erik van der Schaft says they can help educate about the benefits and the consequences of modern technology
Pupil-led VLE
Authors: Parsons Sue
Published: May 2014

Pupils at The Crossley Heath School in Halifax have joined forces with the school's IT department to build a world of pupil-led online interactivity. Sue Parsons, English teacher at the school, explains
In the short term
Authors: Ainsworth Paul
Published: May 2014

Continuing our series looking at filling the gap left by key stage 3 SATs, deputy head Paul Ainsworth discusses short-term solutions for this academic year
Enquiring minds
Authors: Taylor Barbara
Published: May 2014

Barbara Taylor introduces the Enquire project, which helps schools to use galleries and artists to support learning and the development of skills for life.
Powers of intervention
Authors: Blois Mark
Published: May 2014

SecEd legal expert Mark Blois explains the extent of local authority powers to intervene in schools causing concern
Fishing for ideas
Authors: Bianco Miriam
Published: May 2014

From Joe's Fish and Chip Shop to Judy's Fish Bar and The Fish Plaice, Miriam Bianco discusses a creative and enterprising lesson idea for the ICT classroom
InSite into the past
Authors: Ryall Amy
Published: May 2014

The InSite CPD programme focuses on conflict in the 20th century and the legacy of the Second World War. Amy Ryall explains
Extended ICT
Authors: Barker Ray
Published: May 2014

Ray Barker considers the impact of extended services and how schools are embracing ICT to help deliver this initiative
Tackling tough topics
Authors: Keightley Andrea
Published: May 2014

Citizenship teacher Andrea Keightley explains some of the free TrueTube resources that she has been using as a catalyst for discussion on sensitive topics like crime, punishment, and teenage pregnancy
Where school is cool
Authors: Tarleton Ray
Published: May 2014

Inspirational stories of schools in Latin America are being showcased through a new set of films. UK head Ray Tarleton urges you to use them to inspire your school communities
Tough times
Authors: Barker Ray
Published: May 2014

New research shows that school ICT budgets are being tightened as educators tread carefully during the tough financial climate. Ray Barker explains
Unleash the students
Authors: Aylin Steve
Published: May 2014

Assistant head Steve Aylin discusses how to give students the power to take control of their school's online learning environment
Sharing best practice
Authors: Thomas Alison
Published: May 2014

A three-year international partnership project at Mounts Bay School has come to an end, but as Alison Thomas discovered, its impact will last for much longer
NQTs: Making time for yourself
Authors: Adams Margaret
Published: May 2014

You may be getting to grips with the classroom, but it is vital that your work/life balance is healthy. Margaret Adams looks at how to make time for the rest of your life
Models of leadership
Authors: Harvey Deryn
Published: May 2014

Leadership expert Deryn Harvey discusses two developing models of school leadership: federations and shared headships