bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Planning a parents' workshop
Authors: Sullivan Stef
Published: May 2014

We need to give parents a clear idea of how their children learn maths, the approaches we are taking to teach the basic maths concepts and how they can best support their child at home. A parents' workshop is a great way of getting parents together to look at the maths education their child is receiving and how that education can be supported at home.
The value of health education
Authors: Evans Jean
Published: May 2014

Health education is about much more than keeping clean and eating well. Young children need to be aware of how their bodies work. They need to know about changes that take place when they are active or when they are ill, and to understand the reasons why they should keep themselves clean, eat well and have regular exercise. If they feel confident with these things and comfortable with their bodies, then they will grow in self-esteem and feel good about themselves as individuals. Children who are developing this inner confidence of mind and body at a young age will be more capable of coping with the changes associated with growing up and, later, dealing with some of the adverse influences of society, such as smoking, alcohol and drugs.
How to set up a graphics area
Authors: Grant Alison
Published: May 2014

The Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage states that practitioners should ‘provide opportunities for children to see adults writing and for children to experiment with writing for themselves for example through making marks, personal symbols (emergent writing) and conventional script’.
Dealing with prejudice and discrimination in practice
Authors: Lane Jane
Published: May 2014

It would be easy if dealing with prejudice and discrimination just required us to think about resources, the curriculum and the Early Learning Goals. But it involves more than this. Not only are there additional issues to do with who is employed and who has places in the setting, but there is the fundamental issue of the attitudes that we, as adults, bring to the setting. We need to consider these very carefully before there is any point in examining the details of the curriculum. We need to make sure that we understand what a setting that is positive about equality looks like in reality first.
Understanding dyslexia
Authors: England Juliet
Published: May 2014

The word ‘dyslexia’ was originally coined from the Greek and, taken literally, means ‘difficulty with words’. The old way of describing it was ‘word blindness’ – an inability to read letters and numbers in the right order. However, that's far from the whole picture.
Saying sorry with a hug
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: May 2014

When there has been conflict at home between brothers and sisters or parent and child, for whatever reason, everyone ends up feeling bad and saying sorry is a good way to start resolving a situation. If that can be accompanied by a hug or cuddle most children will feel the reassurance they need that they are forgiven.
Dancing with dragons and leaping with lions
Authors: Blanchard Chrys
Published: May 2014

Those of you who live in cities and are part of multicultural communities will have opportunities to see, and perhaps take part in, many diverse celebrations, concerts and events from a wide range of cultures. Dance is often an important element in these events. If you look at the costumes, music, and basic type of movements from such events, and add in artwork and stories from myths and legends, and customs, you can bring exciting ideas into your sessions with young children. Those of you living in smaller or rural communities may have to search a little harder for material but there is often coverage on children's television programmes, such as Blue Peter, and libraries or arts organisations may be able to suggest relevant videos and books.
Practical ways to teach about money
Authors: Catterall Rona
Published: May 2014

Being able to recognise and name coins is a skill you can teach using the senses of sight and touch. For this reason, it is essential that real coins or facsimiles are used as opposed to pictures. This first set of activities concentrates on recognising and describing the attributes of the coins. Neither the value nor the naming of the coins is intended to be addressed though this could be included and encouraged with more mathematically able or older children. It is important that the word coin is used not money.
The value of keeping animals
Authors: Creary Carole
Published: May 2014

Keeping an animal as a long term-project is not always feasible, especially if you use a village hall or any accommodation where you have to clear everything away after each session. And if you are not fully committed to keeping an animal full time - don’t. An animal that is ignored, neglected or only fed and cleaned out when someone remembers (or the smell gets too much) gives out all the wrong messages about caring for and respecting other living things. Better to borrow one for a short time and then return it safely to its proper home.
How to help your child handle their emotions
Authors: McAdam Caroline
Published: May 2014

Before children can learn to control their emotions they need to know how to name and recognise their emotions. Sharing a family album or magazine pictures and discussing the faces and expressions can be a valuable experience. Children are fascinated by pictures and photographs of people and they can spend long periods of time poring over them and making sense of them.
Promoting fine motor skills
Authors: Stevens Judith
Published: May 2014

It is important that the whole learning environment promotes the development of fine motor skills. If you provide a stimulating, well-organised learning environment not only will it encourage autonomous, independent learners, but children will also be using their motor skills in meaningful ways.
The role of the SENCO: an introduction
Authors: Fisher Sue
Published: May 2014

The updated DfES Special Educational Needs Code of Practice sets a requirement for all early years settings, including approved childminding networks, to either employ a member of staff or train an existing one as special educational needs coordinator (SENCO). Whilst the organisation of this role may differ among settings, it is a mandatory and very important role with major implications for all areas of early years provision.
Building trust and relationships
Authors: McAdam Caroline
Published: May 2014

The new term may be well underway but emotions will still be running high - there's excitement, dread, anticipation, fear, joy, anxiety, celebration, sadness and loss to name just a few. Not every child will experience the same emotions or the same degree of emotion, but you can be sure that there are a whole range of emotions unique to each individual and situation.
Likes and dislikes
Authors: Graham Jo
Published: May 2014

As they get older, it's great if children can have an open mind and be interested in trying new things. It's also good if they understand that their opinions aren't the only ones and that other people's likes and dislikes are as important as their own.
Making a group frieze
Authors: Sparks Linfield Rachel
Published: May 2014

When planning group friezes it is useful to think about your topics for the coming year. Some seasonal friezes lend themselves to similar backgrounds that can quickly be adapted rather than completely changed. For example, the same blue sky and brown earth could be used for a playground scene, an autumn wood, a Christmas stable and a summer garden!
Exploring emotions:feeling unhappy
Authors: Bayley Ros
Published: May 2014

Scientists now understand enough about how the brain works to know that human behaviour is determined much more by the way we feel than by the way we think. The ‘feeling brain’ engages before the ‘thinking brain,’ and when feelings are running high it is not easy to think rationally.
Feeding pre-school children: the challenges
Authors: Spicer Beverley
Published: May 2014

During infancy (from birth to 12 months) the growth rate is relatively fast; during the pre-school period (one to five years) it slows down. However, the nutritional quality of the diet remains tremendously important and has both short- and long-term implications for children's development.
Gender equality: the issues
Authors: Holland Penny
Published: May 2014

Gender equality and anti-sexist practice has been a distinct feature of the equal opportunities agenda in the early childhood community for about 30 years. Campaigns waged by women's liberation groups from the late 1960s to the mid-1980s forced politicians, policy makers and individuals to consider a range of differences in the life experiences and opportunities available to men and women. This included differences in pay, educational achievement and career choices, division of work in the home, rights to maternity leave, legal status, domestic violence and rape.
Gender equality: strategies and action
Authors: Holland Penny
Published: May 2014

There has been a tendency in recent years for guidelines on equal opportunities to include long checklists for auditing and developing good practice. This approach can often oversimplify the depth of review needed to improve practice and at the same time lull us into a false sense of security - if we have enough ticks against the boxes we can assume that we are doing OK without actually stepping back to properly observe and analyse our practice.
Looking after twins and triplets
Authors: Bryan Elizabeth
Published: May 2014

About one in 36 children is born a twin or triplet and in the UK in 2000 there were 9,578 pairs of twins, 285 sets of triplets and five sets of quads. In Europe the prevalence of twin deliveries is now about 14 per 1,000 maternities and has been rising steadily since 1980. There has been a much more rapid rise among higher order births largely due to the spread of treatment for infertility.
Avoiding allegations of abuse
Authors: Hart Julia
Published: May 2014

Staff working in early years settings need to make physical contact with young children in a context of care and professionalism. It is important that they are able to maintain their integrity and protect themselves from allegations of abuse without compromising the quality of care they provide.
Autumn frieze: playing in the playground
Authors: Sparks Linfield Rachel
Published: May 2014

By collaborating to make a playground scene on which to display self-portraits, your group will be able to explore what they and their friends like to do outside. By making and adding ‘think clouds’, bubbles, an autumn tree and hibernating hedgehogs children will become aware of the way pictures can develop over time.
Using a video camera
Authors: Beswick Clare
Published: May 2014

The moving image - now so much a part of the everyday life of pre-school children and parents - can be used to enhance the way children learn and in particular the way in which early years settings communicate with parents. Video offers a unique opportunity to stand back and reflect on what is really happening in a setting, to analyse sequences of play and observe the complex web of relationships and communication. This opportunity to reflect is perhaps one of the greatest benefits as it is through reviewing and evaluating that we all learn.
Using the ‘First words’ frieze
Authors: Taylor Geraldine
Published: May 2014

‘I know what that says!’ What an exciting landmark those words are! We all want children to be able to read - and suddenly they're pointing to a word in a shop, in the street, in a book and they're saying it. But is this really reading? Aren't they just looking at the packet, the picture, remembering you say the name of it? Yes, it really is reading, it's the beginning of supported single word recognition - and it shows that children have grasped the vital idea that those shapes make a word we say. Our new series of posters is designed to help with this stage, and to encourage children's interest in words.
Learning with Elmer
Authors: Beswick Clare
Published: May 2014

Talk about colours you see around you everyday both at home and out and about. Talk about colours that match - find the same. Look out for different shades of the same colour. How many different shades of blue can you find at home? How many red objects can you spot in a drawer?
Understanding children's rights
Authors: Mansfield Melian
Published: May 2014

In 1991 the UK Government signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child; this means that the Government is legally bound to implement what the Convention says. Only two countries have not signed - the United States and Somalia.
Looking after your voice
Authors: Hunt Pam
Published: May 2014

Communicating through speech is so fundamental that it can be taken completely for granted until something goes wrong. A sore throat, hoarseness or the sudden inability to speak at all are especially frustrating and distressing if you use your voice in your work.
Allergies: a guide
Authors: Jenkins Maureen
Published: May 2014

Allergic conditions affect 30 - 40 per cent of the UK population and are increasing at the rate of about 5 per cent a year. The incidence in young children is even greater, with 15 per cent having asthma and 20 per cent of under-fives having eczema. Many will grow out of eczema by the time they are five years old but they are likely to have a further allergic condition later in life.
Brush strokes
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

Painting is a wonderful way of enabling your child to use their imagination. It also helps to develop co-ordinated hand movements as they grip the brush and use it to spread the paint across the paper. It is something that even a young child can do on their own and you can hang their pictures on the wall or turn them into greetings cards. Most important of all, painting is great fun.
Working in a global environment
Authors: Howard Christine
Published: May 2014

The family living next door to me is Irish Catholic. The neighbour on the other side has a Hindu father. Next door but one is a Jewish family, then a Buddhist family from Thailand and a West Indian family. At the back of my house are Jewish and Muslim families whilst opposite me lives a young Sikh couple. I am married to a Welsh man with a Jewish father. My grandmother was Canadian but can trace her ancestry to German settlers and I have Scottish blood on my mother's side!
The family of quadrilaterals
Authors: Catterall Rona
Published: May 2014

Your first reaction may be that the word ‘quadrilateral’ is too difficult for young children. But don't be afraid of using big words - most children love them and quickly learn how to use them. If you feel it is inappropriate with your children, you could call it the family of four (emphasising the four straight edges and four corners).
Working with a partner
Authors: Heald Chris
Published: May 2014

For children to be able to work with a partner when they reach the age of five, these skills need to be developed at a much earlier stage, when they are four, or even three. The important thing to remember is that the activities you use to develop these skills must be appropriate for the younger child and start at a simple level. This will allow the child to identify the most basic elements of working with a partner, such as taking turns, observing and remembering what your partner is doing and sharing equipment with your partner.
Make your own adventure game
Authors: Graham Jo
Published: May 2014

You'll need a coin for each player. Roll a dice or write the numbers one - six on six pieces of paper and take turns picking them out of a bowl. Who can get their coin to the end of the track first?
An insight into: Humanism
Authors: Mason Marilyn
Published: May 2014

Humanism in various forms has a long and multicultural history stretching back to the ancient Greeks and beyond, but it was only in the last two centuries that humanist thinking became mainstream in Europe and the West, that humanist organisations were formed, and the word ‘humanist’ acquired its modern meaning.
The value of snack and mealtimes
Authors: Heald Chris
Published: May 2014

Imagine that you are in a restaurant, but instead of tablecloths, the tables are bare. When you try to choose your seat, the waiter tells you to sit next to a stranger. There is no choice, you get what you are given and you must eat it.
Talking about time
Authors: Willliams Brenda
Published: May 2014

Helping your child to talk about things you did together yesterday, or other times in the past, and involving them in planning future events such as holidays, birthdays or family gatherings will help them to understand and feel confident when discussing past or future events.
Using a computer: first steps
Authors: Scott-Baker Geoffrey
Published: May 2014

Moving the mouse

Before they use software packages children need to practise the hand/eye co-ordination needed to move the mouse and cursor accurately. To help them with this, display pictures on your computer of familiar objects and ask your child to use the mouse to indicate items at random.
Talking to your child
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

Parents are the best people to have long and interesting conversations with their children. You know your child better than anyone else, which means that you are the most likely to understand what they are saying.
Learning to write letters
Authors: Stevens Judith
Published: May 2014

If we want children to use different forms of writing competently, this will include letter writing, and so we need to plan relevant, meaningful activities to stimulate them. Interesting ways into letter writing can be found through favourite stories and imaginative and role play. Children need an audience for their writing, and this can be a real person or an imaginary character.
Saying thank-you in a letter
Authors: Stevens Judith
Published: May 2014

Can you remember the thrill of receiving a letter as a child? Or the struggle it sometimes was to write a thank-you letter? Personal letters used to be an everyday occurrence, but they seem almost to have disappeared
Making your own paper
Authors: Goodman Sam
Published: May 2014

Papermaking can help children work towards many of the Early Learning Goals in Knowledge and Understanding of the World.
The value of large equipment
Authors: Heald Chris
Published: May 2014

Large equipment means resources that stimulate large movements, such as jumping, rolling, running, pedalling, swinging, climbing and sliding. It can also be used for sitting on or hiding inside.
Listen and learn with Rudolph
Authors: Williams Brenda
Published: May 2014

We have been singing ‘Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer’, so your child will know some of the words. Ask them to sing it with you.
Christmas cards and decorations
Authors: Whiteford Rhona
Published: May 2014

Clear the table and put on some festive music! Help your child to use scissors, handle glue and make something special. Dont forget - talking helps children learn
20 great ideas for play outside
Authors: White Jan
Published: May 2014

There is so much that the outdoors can offer your child for their health, learning and development. The best way to support them is to enjoy being with them, so do the things that they like and you like, and do them together!
Tell tales - and talk together
Authors: Craddock Judy , Parr Marion
Published: May 2014

Speaking and listening well matters. It helps children to organise words, phrases and sentences into meaningful units. Through talking children learn to interact with each other and adults in a spontaneous and productive way and this builds a firm foundation for the development of other literacy skills.
Using stationery tools
Authors: Hodgson Donna , Cox Anna
Published: May 2014

The Stepping Stones in the Early Learning Goals for physical development include an aspect called ‘Using tools and materials'. This requires children to join in activities that involve hand-eye coordination, using simple tools and equipment, and learn to transport and store equipment safely – using a wide range of stationery equipment can fulfil these requirements perfectly!
Give and take
Authors: Stevens Judith
Published: May 2014

Before you can play, you need to make a collection of about 40 small things and store them in a nice gift bag or shiny box.
Assessment principles into practice
Authors: Dubiel Jan
Published: May 2014

Early Years practitioners are always eager to do what is right for the children in their setting and also recognise the importance of demonstrating their effectiveness as committed professionals. Sometimes this can lead to them feeling pressurised by external forces to undertake additional work to prove this.
Nursery books
Authors: Denham Debbie
Published: May 2014

It is worth spending time on carefully selecting books for children. There are more than 8,000 children’s books published every year in the UK and, understandably, it is often difficult to choose from amongst this vast number. It is tempting to select books from cheap bookshops or buy old favourites rather than be adventurous, but children should be exposed to a wide range of materials and any collection of books for the under-fives should include board books, picture books, poetry and non-fiction.
Spring green fingers
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: May 2014

Plant the seeds in seed trays and keep indoors until all dangers of frost are past. Keep them watered and in direct sunlight on a windowsill. Plant the seedlings outside in May when the weather should be warmer. Try marigolds, sweet peas, nasturtiums, alyssum, petunias and asters. These all produce colourful fl owers that you can admire in the garden or cut and bring in the house.
Easter cooking
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: May 2014

We are using cooking activities to help he children to develop different skills across the curriculum. Here are some fun questions and yummy Easter cooking ideas for you to try with your child.
The storyboard series: Find a friend
Authors: Iannuzzelli Paul
Published: May 2014

What you will need: Large white cardboard, coloured pencils, markers, crayons, paints, scissors travel magazines/brochures/catalogues.
Making families welcome
Authors: Murley Sarah
Published: May 2014

Imagine arriving at a party that you didn't really want to go to, being dropped off by someone you would rather stay with, entering a loud and busy room and being left to fi nd your way around or pluck up courage to join in established conversations. If your host is ignoring you into the bargain you would be forgiven for turning tail and leaving straightaway!
There's water, water everywhere!
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: May 2014

Sand trays and water play are staples of pre-school play, providing a resource for developing all the Early Learning Goals.
Any time is rhyme time!
Authors: Heald Chris
Published: May 2014

Singing soothes the soul and is a way for feelings of sadness or melancholy to be expressed, emotions which children can feel very strongly at times. It can also on other occasions be a source of great fun and laughter, encouraging children to share a little bit of silliness with adults.
Let them be little tour guides
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

Whenever parents visit your setting, is it usually you and your staff who take charge and show them around?
The storyboard series part six: Let's create!
Authors: Iannuzzelli Paul
Published: May 2014

This article is part six, the final of the storyboard series. The child is encouraged to be creative with the help of prepared environments and inspirations
news
Authors: Tweed James
Published: May 2014

Sure Start children’s centres need more resources than they have been given by the Government. If they are to reach disadvantaged families and help parents on low incomes to overcome barriers to employment they need more money, a major report by Capacity has said.
How to use ICT to get them to exercise
Authors: Hart Glenys
Published: May 2014

Children need to learn new skills all the time. It is essential for them to develop confi dence in themselves and have the ability to control their movements and handle tools and equipment.
Unlocking creativity part 3: Getting in the flow
Authors: Iannuzzelli Paul
Published: May 2014

Ever fallen into quicksand? Ever felt those minutes drag into days? Children have shorter attention spans than most adults – and are easily distracted. Sometimes we wish their endless energy could be directed into overcoming learning stumbling blocks instead of running us dizzy.
What is Vygotsky's Key to Learning?
Authors: Dolya Galina
Published: May 2014

Key to Learning is based on the work of Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934). The ideas he developed in the course of his brief career have not lost their relevance over time, despite his work remaining largely unknown until the 1960s. When it was rediscovered, his insight into the social and communicative roots of cognition and development transformed the way we think about teaching and learning.
Using ICT to support creative development
Authors: Hart Glenys
Published: May 2014

Creativity happens spontaneously. It is a great thing for encouraging children to discover for themselves. This helps them make links across all areas of learning.
Holi: A colourful celebration
Authors: Howard Christine
Published: May 2014

Holi is an ancient spring festival that is widely celebrated in India. The first day falls on the new moon. It is thought that its origin was a festival in which married women performed a special rite to ensure the well-being and happiness of their families, at which they worshipped the moon. It was a festival to guarantee fertility of the land and a successful harvest but over the centuries it has changed in meaning.
Using their sense of smell
Authors: Brooke-Taylor Sarah , Cashmore Lynne
Published: May 2014

When I tell parents that we have been doing exercises to develop their children’s sense of smell they look rather surprised. Saying: ‘But they can already smell, you don’t need to teach it!’
Asking the right questions
Authors: Iannuzzelli Paul
Published: May 2014

A well-known axiom states that: ‘The best answers are found by asking the right questions’. Seeking ways of unlocking creativity in young children may be a process of asking the right questions. As well as seeking better questions we can ask of children, there may be more challenging questions we need to ask ourselves.
Puppets and emotions
Authors: Coller Elizabeth
Published: May 2014

Puppets are fun and easy to make. Once you have given your puppet a definite look, character and most importantly a name, they come to life. They are a great aid when telling stories and make good visual props. A child is captivated when puppets are performing and can be encouraged to communicate with the puppet and even instruct it what to do. Their imagination will be stimulated and you will be encouraging their language development.
Eating well in the setting
Authors: Elkin Susan
Published: May 2014

Susan Elkin asks practitioners for their top tips on getting children to be as healthy as they can be
How to teach zero
Authors: Catterall Rona
Published: May 2014

All digit numbers have a symbol and a name, such as 3 – three, 7 – seven, 4 – four.
Rhythm and rhyme
Authors: Hughes Sian
Published: May 2014

Good reading is creative. A good reader thinks ahead, predicts, guesses, wonders, looks back, makes bits up. Good readers are also accurate. Try reading a child a favourite story in the wrong order, or missing out a page. Not all children, however, naturally fall into these habits of interaction and accuracy. Their ‘reading’ needs to be challenged, woken up and teased into life: this can be done through poetry before they can read or write a single word.
Mini-poems
Authors: Hughes Sian
Published: May 2014

Make the book up with your child, so they can see how it is done, and get an idea of how you follow instructions. They can choose the paper, help to smooth down the folds, that sort of thing. If you get it wrong a few times, this will only help them see how things are learned from books and from practising.
Visiting the farm
Authors: Youngman Angela
Published: May 2014

No child can resist a trip to the farm, says Angela Youngman, and it presents lots of opportunities for practical learning
Thirsty for knowledge
Authors: Louis Sara
Published: May 2014

Sara Louis asks: Do we pay enough attention to how much fluid children drink through the day?
Our responsibility?
Authors: Garvey Debbie
Published: May 2014

This is the first of three articles examining the UN Convention (1989), the history of laws relating to children in England and how this relates to the Every Child Matters, the Early Years Foundation Stage and how practitioners can support childrens rights in every day practice
A white Christmas down under?
Authors: Horvath Martine
Published: May 2014

The earliest theory about language development assumed that children acquire language through imitation.
The symbols 9 and 10
Authors: Catterall Rona
Published: May 2014

Before you move along the number frieze to nine and ten make sure that individual children are confident with the numbers to eight, that they know the names, recognise the symbols, remember the order, and can give the correct amount consistently.
Making a weather box
Authors: Stevens Judith
Published: May 2014

The weather may be unpredictable but you know that at some time during the year it is likely to be wet, windy, sunny, icy or even snowy. How about developing weather box?
Looking at birds
Authors: Elcome David
Published: May 2014

The best way of attracting birds close to a window is to set up a feeding corner nearby. A bird table provides an obvious focal point. It need not be expensive and elaborate, indeed, the simpler it is the easierit will be for the children to see the birds. Try to make sure it is placed near to safe cover – a bolt hole for birds to hide in if predators such as cats or sparrowhawks threaten.
Outdoor creative play
Authors: Harries Judith , Astill Mel
Published: May 2014

Being creative can happen anywhere, but outside children do not need to be restricted by the walls of the classroom. Singing and musical expression can be louder, movement and dancing freer and artwork on a larger, grander scale.
Using their bodies
Authors: Cowan Georgie
Published: May 2014

Keeping healthy and staying active is top of the agenda for many practitioners. There has been much in the media about childhood obesity and childhood type 2 diabetes. As practitioners, we are in the unique position of being children's role models. It is so important that we pass our knowledge of how to keep our bodies fit and healthy onto children in a fun and interactive way.
From the editor
Authors: Hindmarch Sonali
Published: May 2014

We are, in the UK, a growing population. After a decade of decline, the number of young children being born is rising sharply.
Learning to be a parent
Authors: Griffin Sue
Published: May 2014

Most people agree that being a parent is not easy. It is a complex role that brings great responsibilities and entails a lot of practical hard work. Along with this come powerful emotions, and pressures from outside the family. This combination creates a difficult and challenging role, a 24/7 job for which considerable knowledge and many skills are needed. The biggest change in an adult's life that arises from becoming a parent is that the child's needs and interests have to given at least as much, and sometimes much greater, priority as the parent's needs and wishes.
Beyond the classroom
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

In the third of a series of four articles, Hilary White considers some of the options available to teachers who are looking for part-time jobs
More men in childcare
Authors: Saini Satpal
Published: May 2014

Ever since I was a teenager I wanted to work with children, help them in their development and have a hand in them becoming responsible adults.
From the editor
Authors: Hindmarch Sonali
Published: May 2014

I hope you all had a happy new year and are looking forward to the new challenges of this year. We enter 2009 with news that we have always known, confirmed: that high-quality pre-schooling really makes a difference to children as they grow older. (See news, page 6.)
A dragon's tale
Authors: Youngman Angela
Published: May 2014

With Chinese New Year around the corner, Angela Youngman explains why this is a good time to excite children with stories and activities on dragons
Make a mini mess!
Authors: Heald Chris
Published: May 2014

In the first in a series of messy play articles, Chris Heald delves into small world play
Chocolate box chatter
Authors: Horvath Martine
Published: May 2014

Maybe it's because I'm a chocoholic, maybe it's because I hate to throw anything that can be recycled away, maybe it's because I have a ‘containment schema’ and just love a variety of different containers you can put things in, but ever since qualifying as a teacher I have found many different uses for empty chocolate boxes and tins in the classroom and beyond.
News
Authors: Lepkowska Dorothy
Published: May 2014

All two-year-olds are to be screened for speech problems after an offi cial inquiry warned that rising numbers of youngsters start school unable to say a sentence.
Making books
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

The following activities encourage children to learn about the design and construction of a book through making their own. Becoming familiar and comfortable with books as objects is an important part of literacy development – and these activities enable children to explore and get to know books in all their many aspects.
Learning through play
Authors: Heald Chris
Published: May 2014

If you want to develop independence and creativity in the children you work with, it is a good idea to develop a programme of messy play, both indoors and outdoors
Exploring creative ideas
Authors: Prince Jean
Published: May 2014

One of the fundamental features of good nursery education is the provision of an environment which promotes the personal and social skills development of the young children in our care. Children need opportunities to practise and develop skills such as sharing, turn-taking, talking and listening. Planning group creative activities will give our young children some of the experiences necessary for the development of these skills
The Jewish Festival of Purim
Authors: Howard Christine
Published: May 2014

The Jewish calendar is based on a 19-year lunar cycle rather than the solar cycle used by western calendars. This means that the Jewish year is 11 days shorter and as a result of this every two to three years an extra month has to be added to bring the year into line with the solar calendar and to make sure that the festivals take place at the same time each year.
‘Nuclear family’ break down
Authors: Lepkowska Dorothy
Published: May 2014

The concept of the ‘typical family’ is disappearing in Britain and will no longer exist within 20 years, according to the head of a Government-funding parenting group.
An idea to treasure
Authors: Gascoyne Sue
Published: May 2014

Treasure Baskets are not just for babies. Drawing upon the results of a recent national Sensory Play Research project, Sue Gascoyne shares how this richly sensory resource benefits older children too
Tell me about God
Authors: Harries Judith , Andrews Ruth
Published: May 2014

The nursery we work in is a Christian nursery and the parents who choose to send their children to us know that all the staff are Christians. However, for many of the children who come to us, it is the first time they have heard God talked about in a positive way.
Are we fair to boys?
Authors: Lindon Jennie
Published: May 2014

Do you still hear ‘boys will be boys’? Do you assume boys prefer running around to looking at books? After years of ensuring girls are treated equally, Jennie Lindon suggests it's time to question our expectations of boys' behaviour
The kite and the wind
Authors: Williams Brenda
Published: May 2014

Tiggy and Jojo were gently twisting short pieces of bright tissue paper into bows for Grandpa to tie to the tail of the kite he had made them.
Baking with children
Authors: Horvath Judit
Published: May 2014

I love baking with children. I asked a two-and-a-half-year-old girl, who could hardly reach the table, what she liked most about baking. She replied: ‘That we can make a mess together … and eating.’
Encouraging language development
Authors: Joseph Elsa
Published: May 2014

Communication is one of life's most important skills. Speech doesn't just help a child be understood, it improves good social relations and encourages confidence and healthy mental progression. There are numerous preschool strategies that can help children to interact and communicate, not just with you, but with classmates and family as well.
Adventures every day
Authors: Whiteford Rhona
Published: May 2014

Rhona Whiteford visits another outstanding setting and reports back on what she found there. This month she visits Lancaster University's pre-school centre
Make a butterfly/bee friendly garden
Authors: Moran Jane
Published: May 2014

This is an activity that you can do at home with your children. It can be done with any amount of space and it will attract lots of butterflies and bees.
Running a nursery is not child's play!
Authors: Higgins Claire
Published: May 2014

Managing a successful nursery brings with it many potential pitfalls. But with the right advice, early years providers can ensure these obstacles are avoided and can watch their business run smoothly and legally
Imaginary friendships
Authors: Mill Patsy
Published: May 2014

It is well established that having an imaginary friend is beneficial to a child. Are we making the most of this useful phenomenon?
Maths is shapetastic!
Authors: Goodchild Rachel
Published: May 2014

When I was at teacher-training college, I sat next to a girl who would turn pale at any mention of mathematics. No matter what the topic – geometry, problem-solving, fractions or algebra – she would blank out and begin to panic.
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, taking on and acting in a role, and communicating the pretence to others.
‘An equality of opportunities’
Authors: Paul Smith Sharon
Published: May 2014

Feeling excluded can be all-too-common in group situations and can have a major effect on a child’s confidence, but there are ways to deal with the problem. Sharon Paul Smith explains how.
Size is relative
Authors: Trundle Holly
Published: May 2014

A child's size can have a profound effect on their role in the hierarhy of their social environment and how their peers perceive them. Holly Trundle shares her observations.
A journey of discovery
Authors: Ford Collette
Published: May 2014

Discovery and exploration takes place every day within your setting. Collete Ford discusses how practitioners can provide opportunities for children to be inspired to learn.
Sue Griffin says…
Authors: Griffin Sue
Published: May 2014

Observation is key in determining the right approach when it comes to dealing with acute shyness, writes Sue Griffin.
Sue Griffin says…
Authors: Griffin Sue
Published: May 2014

Observations within a childminding setting are essential, writes Sue Griffin, but there are a variety of approaches to consider.
Supporting social skills through ICT
Authors: Kniveton Mark
Published: May 2014

Information and communication technology offers children a unique opportunity for socialising with others. In the following article, Mark Kniveton describes how to get the most out of your equipment.
A whole new world: Discovering a story sack
Authors: Baker Charlotte
Published: May 2014

Enhance the reading experience for children by creating your very own story sack, writes Charlotte Baker.
Rudolf Steiner
Authors: Smart Julie
Published: May 2014

Continuing her series on the great pioneers of early learning, Julie Smart investigates the life and works of Rudolf Steiner, who established an international network of schools.
Empowering parents or unpaid labour?
Authors: Hart Karen
Published: May 2014

The Transforming Early Years project, which will train parents as peer supporters, is an interesting idea but leaves a lot to be desired, says Karen Hart.
Obesity: What can nurseries do?
Authors: Hart Karen
Published: May 2014

Obesity has become one of the UK's biggest health concerns. Karen Hart asks what we can do to ensure our youngest children are not affected.
The revised EYFS: What it means for parents
Authors: De Bruin Eleanor
Published: May 2014

In her third article of the series, Eleanor De Bruin considers the impact that the new Early Years Foundation Stage will have on parents.
Meeting people
Authors: Jones Eileen
Published: May 2014

September often brings change: a new playgroup, a move up to the nursery class, starting reception. Use play to help the children enjoy meeting the new people there, suggests Eileen Jones.
Minibeasts: Honey bee play area
Authors: Moran Jane
Published: May 2014

In her next instalment of the minibeast series, Jane Moran suggests how to create your very own honeycomb, in order to teach children about how bees collect and store pollen, and why.
Interactive storytime
Authors: Wyse Dominic , Parker Christina
Published: May 2014

Dominc Wyse and Christine Parker provide some ideas for getting even the very youngest children in your setting actively participating in a story, whether it is from a book or one told through props.
The element of air
Authors: Astill Mel
Published: May 2014

Air is all around us, from the air that we breathe to the wind through the trees. Engage children in activities based around this essential element to develop physical skills in a fun and meaningful way.
Exploring the world of imaginative play
Authors: Bruin Eleanor de
Published: May 2014

Eleanor de Bruin investigates the role of imagination in play and considers how it supports, develops and enhances the child's early view of the world around them.
Whole world of pattern
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

Hilary White concludes her series on pattern by looking at the natural world. Exotic animals and those found closer to home, objects in the setting and even groups of people can provide artistic inspiration.
Breaking the vicious cycle
Authors: Thornton Stephanie
Published: May 2014

Difficult behaviour usually stems from a child's very early care and family life. Stephanie Thornton explores the issues and offers some tips on how practitioners can help children when the problem has deep roots.
Sharing the sunshine
Authors: Astill Mel
Published: May 2014

Mel Astill offers beach and summer-themed activities that develop children's ability to build relationships and manage feelings. And a fruit kebab can be enjoyed indoors if necessary!
The beast isn't so bad
Authors: Davies Alison
Published: May 2014

Alison Davies concludes our series on fairy tales by looking at a story with a twist to develop children's attention and anticipation, followed by some beastly activities that link creatures and their characteristics to their environment.
Communicating solutions
Authors: de Bruin Eleanor
Published: May 2014

Eleanor du Bruin talks to speech therapists about how they assist with speech problems, their links with early years practitioners and how you can support children with communication difficulties and their parents.
How to cope with confusion
Authors: Thornton Stephanie
Published: May 2014

Young children face many potentially baffling situations that may not occur to adults; starting school could present a lot of these. Stephanie Thornton suggests ways to build children's strategies for dealing with them.
A hermit finds a home
Authors: Hart Karen
Published: May 2014

Not only do hermit crabs have their own property ladder, they can sometimes stay ‘partners’ with the sea anemone that lives on the outside of their shell for life. Start exploring these endearing crustaceans.
Making meetings matter
Authors: Griffin Sue
Published: May 2014

Concluding this series on working in a team, Sue Griffin offers advice on taking part in meetings. Read on for tips on preparing, giving your opinions, expressing disagreement, and how to set an agenda and act as chair.
The rabbit's many tales
Authors: Davies Alison
Published: May 2014

Alison Davies' new series on using legends and folklore about different animals to help expand children's vocabulary, understanding of narrative and expression of their own ideas starts with a bunny hop.
Hopping to a healthy future
Authors: Davie Tanya
Published: May 2014

It is worth spending time thinking in-depth and developing knowledge about children's physical activity, enabling you to plan imaginatively for inclusive exercise sessions and the outcomes you want to achieve, says Tanya Davie.
Paper over everything
Authors: Croft Sue
Published: May 2014

What would a classroom be without paper? Sue Croft provides cross-curricular activities, crafts and investigations using this sometimes overlooked resource.
A wander in Wonderland
Authors: Youngman Angela
Published: May 2014

Lewis Carroll's Alice is 150 years old. Explore his use of language and character, make animated films and link to surrealism, Victorian life and the maths of ‘eat me’ cakes!
Differentiating to get the best from everyone
Authors: Cowley Sue
Published: May 2014

Sue Cowley takes an in-depth look at working with mixed abilities and explores how to plan for different levels and needs, while being realisitic about your time.
Me and my PDA
Authors: Ainsworth Paul
Published: May 2014

Paul Ainsworth explains how his PDA has cured him of his phobia of gadgets
Leading and sustaining learning
Authors: Williamson Sue
Published: May 2014

Over the last four weeks, we have taken a look at the four Deeps.
Pupil purchasing power
Authors: Houghton Tony
Published: May 2014

Teenagers are often at the heart of ICT innovation. This is something British Telecom's youth programme workshops are trying to take advantage of. Dr Tony Houghton explains.
Rites of passage
Authors: Ireland Jane
Published: May 2014

Headteacher Jane Ireland is preparing for her annual school prom. The event can have a positive impact on the students, but is also tinged with sadness.
Secondment thoughts
Authors: Kent Peter , Kay Annabel
Published: May 2014

Dr Annabel Kay and Dr Peter Kent report on a secondment project at their school which may provide a solution to the headteacher recruitment problem
Security settings
Authors: Fleming Ray
Published: May 2014

Microsoft's Ray Fleming explains the new guidance on data protection
Mobile learning
Authors: Crew Sheila
Published: May 2014

As part of a government project, more than 500 mobile learning devices have been given to pupils across Bristol. The project is now entering its third year. Shiela Crew updates us
Keeping students safe
Authors: Williams Mary
Published: May 2014

Next week is Road Safety Week. Mary Williams from the charity Brake explains how this topic can be tackled in PSHE and citizenship
Voice of the people
Authors: Phillips Sylvia , Davies Caroline
Published: May 2014

Sylvia Phillips and Caroline Davies from Manchester Metropolitan University discuss their work in developing a more ‘hands-off’ approach to student voice
Connecting schools
Authors: Warren Henry
Published: May 2014

Rafi.ki is a not-for-profit scheme that aims to help schools connect to their counterparts across the globe. Henry Warren explains
How much CPD do I need?
Authors: Adams Margaret
Published: May 2014

Margaret Adams offers some advice on planning your future development
Homegrown headteachers
Authors: Brown Andy
Published: May 2014

During his time at his present post, executive headteacher Andy Brown has seen four headteachers nurtured under the ‘greenhouse school' initiative. Here he summarises how schools can help develop tomorrow's leaders from within
What, when and how?
Authors: Barker Ray
Published: May 2014

How do schools choose the most suitable learning platform? Ray Barker helps you to understand the various options available, taking different budgets and needs into consideration
Assertive mentoring
Authors: Smith Tony
Published: May 2014

Tony Smith reports back from a recent conference on how “hard” or “assertive” student mentoring has helped transform one school's fortunes