bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Making books together
Authors: Renouf Helen
Published: May 2014

Whatever the age of the children in your care, it is important to develop their interest in books. With such a variety of multi-media electronic gadgets available for children to amuse themselves, how can you create a genuine interest in literature within your setting?
Helping children who find separation hard
Authors: O’Dell Lindsay
Published: May 2014

Dealing with children who are upset at leaving their parent can be difficult for all concerned. It helps if you understand how children develop attachments towards different people and how these change through time. Lyndsay O’Dell explains
Bouncing bunnies and spring sun visors
Authors: Whiteford Rhona
Published: May 2014

Winter may still be blowing its last gales but spring is around the corner so it’s time to help children recognise the changes that are taking place by focusing on some seasonal craft work for all ages
Self-evaluation: what it means and how to do it
Authors: Walker Miranda
Published: May 2014

Ofsted has introduced a self-evaluation form which all childcare providers must fill in as part of the inspection process. But the idea of self-evaluation can be daunting, especially if you work alone. Miranda Walker explains what it involves
Painting perfumed flowers
Authors: Jackson Caroline , Miller Collette
Published: May 2014

If you let your child paint at home and you’re looking for a way to make it more fun, add a splash of perfume or essence to develop your child’s sense of smell!
Play it safe: sand, water and messy play
Authors: Walker Miranda
Published: May 2014

Sand, water and messy play are staple activities in most daycare settings. Following good practice guidelines helps to keep children safe as they play. Miranda Walker expains
Learning to say sorry
Authors: Tassoni Penny
Published: May 2014

Saying sorry might be easy for children but what we need to teach them is the true meaning of the word. Penny Tassoni offers some advice
Helping new children to settle
Authors: Walker Miranda
Published: May 2014

When a child first joins you, it may be the biggest change they have had to adjust to so far in their lives. Some children have no experience of being cared for by someone other than their parents or are new to social situations with other children. You need procedures in place to help them cope
Bottle feeding babies
Authors: Wolman Julia
Published: May 2014

If you care for young babies, they may still be drinking milk – either expressed breast milk or infant formula – from a bottle. Julia Wolman explains the dos and don’ts of bottle feeding
Every Child Matters: Making a positive contribution
Authors: Wilock Liz
Published: May 2014

The 14 National Standards are grouped under five outcome headings. ‘Making a positive contribution’ covers standards 9, 10, 11 and 12. Liz Wilock looks at what this means for you and what inspectors want to see
Spring cleaning
Authors: Jackson Caroline , Miller Collette
Published: May 2014

How often do you try to get on with your household jobs but find it hard because your child demands your attention? Why not try giving them some tasks to do so they feel like they are joining in with your chores?
Following children’s interest
Authors: Lindon Jennie
Published: May 2014

Do you feel uneasy about letting children play how they want and when they want? There may be more mess than when you keep tight control – but there will also be much more potential for genuine learning, says Jennie Lindon
Parachute play
Authors: Renouf Helen
Published: May 2014

Parachutes are a really popular resource. They provide opportunities for cooperative, non-competitive play, they encourage children to work together, reinforce turn-taking and sharing, and at the same time are adaptable to all children and adults whatever their age and ability
Fun in the sun
Authors: Griffin Sue
Published: May 2014

You and the children should make the most of opportunities to be outdoors. But there are safety issues to keep in mind. Sue Griffin reviews the value of outdoor play and reminds you of the key safety factors
Birth to Three Matters: A skilful communicator
Authors: Walker Miranda
Published: May 2014

Miranda Walker looks at what Birth to Three Matters says about how children learn to be sociable and communicate and what you can do to help
How to help the skilful communicators
Authors: Lindon Jennie
Published: May 2014

It is important for young children to become confident speakers and listeners. They need their full repertoire of communication skills to access a wide range of learning experiences and enjoy the pleasures of companionship with adults and other children. Jennie Lindon looks at what you can do to help them
Happy new year?
Authors: Griffin Sue
Published: May 2014

Over the last ten years we have become used to change, developments, initiatives and new policies – and there’s more on the way this year! Sue Griffin takes a look at developments in child care and early years education expected in 2007 and what they will mean for settings and practitioners.
Using picture books: Favourite activities
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

Hilary White shows you how to use picture books as a starting point for exploring favourite activities such as ‘sand play’, ‘playing with toys’ and ‘dressing up’.
Autumn colours and rainy days
Authors: Cruickshank Sarah
Published: May 2014

Sarah Cruickshank suggests some ideas for making the most out of autumn – both the crisp, dry days and the wet, puddley ones!
Question time...
Authors: Smith Craig
Published: May 2014

I am glad to say that I made it through the summer holidays relatively unscathed. In fact the nine weeks seemed to fly. This, of course was with the help of about 50 trips to the swimming pool, a two-week holiday in Italy (them, not me!), 30 or so walks to the park and, most recently, a terrifying day out to Chessington World of Adventures.
Using board games to develop learning
Authors: Youngman Angela
Published: May 2014

Angela Youngman explains how board games can be used to develop language and numerical skills, and promote social interaction.
EYFS: Enabling environments
Authors: Renouf Helen
Published: May 2014

The third of a series of articles based around the four themes of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Working together...
Authors: Bayram Liz
Published: May 2014

Liz Bayram, chief executive of the National Childminding Association, comments on what is new for registered childminders and nannies.
Just the job: CV to success
Authors: Ogg Rachel
Published: May 2014

Rachel Ogg, director of nanny-check.co.uk, provides a guide to CV preparation and presentation for nannies and gives a few pre-interview tips.
Celebrating Divali
Authors: Howard Christine
Published: May 2014

Christine Howard suggests some activity ideas for celebrating Divali with the Hindu and Sikh children in your care and introducing the festival to non-believers.
Taking the next step
Authors: Stone Tunja
Published: May 2014

Tunja Stone writes a month-by-month account of her quest to gain Early Years Professional Status, sharing both the successes and the challenges she faces along the way.
Special needs in the home setting
Authors: Styles Adele
Published: May 2014

Adele Styles suggests some activities for caring for children with special needs, and reveals how providing respite care can benefit everyone involved.
Childminders join emergency service
Authors: Rice Charles
Published: May 2014

Childminders who are members of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) will now be able to register with the UK’s biggest emergency childcare service, emergencychildcare.co.uk.
Straight from the author’s mouth...
Authors: Campbell Rod , Lee Allison
Published: May 2014

Two children’s writers reveal what inspires them, how to choose a good book and ways to make story-time come alive in your setting.
Caring for sunflowers
Authors: Jackson Caroline , Miller Collette
Published: May 2014

Now you have planted your seeds, take care of them and watch them grow!
Discussing death
Authors: Ledgerton Cooper Selena
Published: May 2014

Losing a loved one is difficult at any age, but it can be particularly upsetting for children – especially if it is their first encounter with death. Selena Ledgerton Cooper explains how you can help by preparing children in advance and recommends some activities for supporting them emotionally during this time.
Creating from cardboard tubes
Authors: Green Christine
Published: May 2014

Craft activities needn’t be expensive. In a new series, Christine Green reveals how everyday items can be transformed into imaginative makes.
Coeliac disease: What you should know
Authors: Merrikin Emma
Published: May 2014

It is estimated that one in 100 people in the UK has coeliac disease. Emma Merrikin, dietitian at Coeliac UK explains what it is and what caring for a child with coeliac disease involves.
Telling fibs
Authors: Ledgerton Cooper Selena
Published: May 2014

All children tell lies at some point in their lives. Selena Legerton Cooper discusses some ways you can handle the situation and teach children the difference between lying to help themselves and telling white lies to protect another person’s feelings.
Wallpaper crafts
Authors: Green Christine
Published: May 2014

Craft activities needn’t be expensive. In a new series, Christine Green reveals how everyday items can be transformed into imaginative makes.
National Childminding Week: Supporting families
Authors: Bayram Liz
Published: May 2014

Liz Bayram, chief executive of the National Childminding Association, comments on what’s new for registered childminders and nannies.
Diary of a childminder
Authors: Dawson Susanna
Published: May 2014

Well the weather this month has not been as warm or as sunny as April, which is a bit of a shame as I was hoping for picnic lunches and afternoons in the park. However, we have still managed to plant sunflower seeds and are watching them grow. They are currently on the windowsill in my kitchen.
Sorting laundry
Authors: Jackson Caroline , Miller Collette
Published: May 2014

Collete Miller explains how chores, such as doing the washing, can provide stimulating learning experiences for your children.
The growth of conscience
Authors: Thornton Stephanie
Published: May 2014

Dr Stephanie Thornton explains the way children develop an understanding of right and wrong and comments on the differences between feeling shame and guilt.
Level 3 Diploma in Home-based Childcare
Authors: Riddall-Leech Sheila
Published: May 2014

In the second of two articles on the CACHE Level 3 Diploma, Sheila Riddall-Leech takes a look at units 2–5 and provides some useful tips for completing the assignments.
Curing bad habits: Part one
Authors: Ledgerton Cooper Selena
Published: May 2014

In the first of two insightful articles looking at why children develop bad habits, Selena Ledgerton Cooper considers such issues as thumb sucking, teeth grinding and nail biting and explains how you can stop them in their tracks.
In the garden: Getting ready for autumn
Authors: Youngman Angela
Published: May 2014

Angela Youngman gives some tips for gardening with children and reveals the best plants to put in now for autumn.
Inclusion in settings
Authors: Bayram Liz
Published: May 2014

Liz Bayram, chief executive of the National Childminding Association, comments on what is new for registered childminders and nannies.
After-school adventures
Authors: Parks Mel
Published: May 2014

A recent consultation showed that children want exciting activities that they can pick and choose, to do after school. Mel Parks looks at out-of-school clubs that are rethinking the provision they offer, in a bid to keep children interested.
Developing thinking skills: The power of story
Authors: Pringle Paul
Published: May 2014

Paul Pringle explains why stories can be much more than enjoyable time-fillers and how to use them to enrich the patterns through which children give meaning to their experiences.
Assessment and record keeping
Authors: Wybrant Pam
Published: May 2014

Assessment goes hand in hand with observation and record-keeping. Pam Wybrant explains why assessment is so important and gives an insight into ways of planning observation and recording what children can do.
Let's look for patterns
Authors: Evans Jean
Published: May 2014

One of the Desirable Outcomes in mathematics is ‘the ability to recognize and recreate patterns’. It is one of the important aspects of mathematical understanding which help to provide the foundations for numeracy. We can help to develop this understanding by encouraging children to look for patterns in their surroundings and by giving them the opportunities to copy and create patterns of their own through practical activities.
The value of performance
Authors: Morrell Peter
Published: May 2014

Children are born actors and will be involved in performances daily - one minute they are a shopkeeper and customers in the theme corner, the next they are an architect with the Duplo or simply themselves in an impressive temper tantrum!
Finding and appointing new staff
Authors: Cox Ray
Published: May 2014

Many people involved in selecting staff often have none or very little experience or knowledge of what is involved. A bad appointment can have repercussions for years to come - not just in terms of the cost of the advert and the time spent appointing, but also in terms of the salary paid out and/or the cost of ridding yourself of the person. It can also have repercussions if a person who wasn't appointed feels they weren't given a fair chance. If you follow a few simple steps, it can all be much simpler.
Providing a quality environment
Authors: Baldwin Ruth M
Published: May 2014

A good quality environment allows children to feel confident and secure. It gives parents faith in the competence of the carers and educators. It can even influence people's perceptions of the quality of their own work. Are you happy that you are making the most of your setting?
Poetry - taking a word for a walk
Authors: Hedley Sue
Published: May 2014

Poetry is an expression of human thought and feelings. It can create a feeling of empathy and understanding between a child and their experiences of the world. Poetry helps both adults and children make sense of the many things that happen to them - things that are sometimes difficult to understand. Why is a friend/adult angry or upset with you? Why are they disappointed in me? It can also help with coming to terms with fear, sorrow, loneliness, anxiety. Why do these feelings hurt so much? Poetry allows these feelings to be acknowledged and shared. We can convince ourselves that we really are going to be OK.
Managing visits from parents
Authors: Rose Sue
Published: May 2014

For many parents their first visit to your setting will be their first brush with the educational ‘establishment’. It is vital to get it right if good foundations are to be laid for learning together. No matter who we are or what qualifications we have, this visit will often prove intimidating. Imagining our parenting skills judged and possibly found wanting makes some of us nervous and others loudly aggressive. It's our job to ease this tension.
Role play: garden centres
Authors: Compton Naomi
Published: May 2014

This project could begin with a walk around the local environment looking at the variety of plants and their effect on the environment, or it could begin with a story about a plant growing, such as Titch. Families could get involved by talking to the children about their own gardens, about plants in the park or plants that they find on the way home from nursery.
Introducing drama
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: May 2014

Drama is difficult to define and in many ways, you can pick and choose the bits you feel able to tackle with the children in your care. It can involve quiet activities, that develop concentration, and more boisterous games, that help children learn to cooperate with each other, as well as opportunities to develop self-confidence by speaking in front of people.
Get into gardening
Authors: Brookes Steve
Published: May 2014

Grow cress on damp cotton wool in the bottom of empty eggshells.
Handling insurance claims
Authors: Pinnock Alistair , Bell Pinnock
Published: May 2014

On 26 April 1999, the Government introduced changes in the law which altered the way in which personal injury claims would be handled by your insurance broker or insurance company.
History through objects
Authors: Graham Jo
Published: May 2014

The Early Learning Goals and even Key Stage 1 of the National Curriculum are quite vague on what young children should ‘learn’ in history, and rightly so. The Early Learning Goal in the Knowledge and Understanding of the World section simply says: ‘find out about past and present events in their own lives and in those of their families and other people they know’. Early years history is not about particular periods but rather about developing a sense of time and the skills to make sense of the past.
Encouraging spatial awareness
Authors: Arnold Cath
Published: May 2014

To promote any area of learning, we always begin with each child and with what they know and can do. Children begin nursery with a great deal of prior knowledge. If you can talk to children about even one experience they have had at home, then you are making a connection with their life outside of the early childhood setting (Arnold, 1999). You can establish a starting point by:
Taking maths outside
Authors: Garrad Barbara
Published: May 2014

There is a wealth of mathematical experience waiting to be enjoyed out in the fresh air. Children love going to the park, so if you have one near your setting, then make the most of it! Make the visit more exciting by planning a picnic.
The revised SEN Code of Practice
Authors: Drifte Collette
Published: May 2014

From January 2002, there will be several changes to the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Code of Practice which all early years professionals and childcare workers need to be familiar with.
Understanding emotions: feeling happy
Authors: McAdam Caroline
Published: May 2014

A key element or building block in developing emotional skills is to build a vocabulary of feelings and to use that vocabulary at every opportunity. You should also be aiming to enable the children to consider the views and feelings of others and ultimately enrich the relationships within your group.
Caring for a child with haemophilia
Authors: Adamson Joan , Barry Talia
Published: May 2014

Haemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder in which the blood fails to clot normally. People with haemophilia lack the normal levels of clotting factors, particular proteins that are necessary to the blood clotting mechanism. Haemophilia A (classical Haemophilia), the more common type of haemophilia, is due to a deficiency of factor VIII (factor 8). Haemophilia B (Christmas Disease) is caused by a deficiency in factor IX (factor 9).
Writing a policy for health and safety
Authors: Wilcock Liz
Published: May 2014

Everyone who comes into your setting should have joint responsibility for ensuring that health and safety issues are addressed at all times. In many settings, different members of staff take responsibility for different areas and so it needs to be clear in any policy and procedures document who is in charge of this and who has overall accountability.
A Christmas alphabet
Authors: Williams Brenda
Published: May 2014

We have been looking at the word ‘Christmas’ and talking about the sound which each letter in the word makes. Identifying a letter by its sound is the best way to help a child learn to recognise it.
Developing dressing skills
Authors: Davies Leanne
Published: May 2014

It was only last year when I broke my arm that I realised just how much is involved in putting on and taking off clothes! It made me more aware of the abilities of children within my setting. I thought that most of them could put on their own coats at home time but I noticed that the younger children often asked an adult or a friend for help. Getting dressed requires lots of practise and you need to plan for this, providing children with meaningful opportunities to explore different clothes.
Promoting early number skills
Authors: Newman Karen , Jarvis Matthew
Published: May 2014

Number has two functions, according to the DfEE in the Curriculum Guidance document. Firstly, number is used for counting. Secondly, number is used for labels - the numbers that we see around us, on telephones, television remote controls, or price tickets in shops.
Making maths have meaning
Authors: Newman Karen , Jarvis Matthew
Published: May 2014

Early number skills During your child's time with us, they will be taking part in activities which help them to:
Creative uses for paper
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

Exploring paper helps children to develop hand-eye coordination and the ability to manipulate a range of tools. If you offer a variety of papers, you will also be giving them a range of sensory experiences through texture, colour, weight, and even sound as they crumple, tear and pierce. Add to that the many different words you can introduce to describe the qualities of paper and you end up with an activity that promotes physical, sensory and language development as well as creativity.
Summer frieze: a minibeast garden
Authors: Sparks Linfield Rachel
Published: May 2014

Here are some suggestions for a group frieze to build up over the course of a term/half term. It begins with a background that encourages children to use their imaginations, providing the impetus for them to want to make minibeasts to live among the flowers and leaves.
Promoting healthy eating
Authors: Spicer Beverley
Published: May 2014

The Government guidelines on healthy eating were drawn up as a direct result of disease patterns within the population. Too many of us are suffering from heart disease, diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, strokes and obesity. Many of these diseases are on the increase.
These shoes were made for counting
Authors: Catterall Rona
Published: May 2014

Start by involving the children in collecting footware and make a display in the form of a shoe shop or department. Look at all the different types of shoes from slippers to Wellington boots, trainers to flip-flops. Talk about when and why we wear shoes for different occasions, different jobs, different types of weather.
Follow me, follow you
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: May 2014

Sit with your child and look in a mirror together. What can you see? If you smile or move your head, so does your reflection. Encourage your child to pull some funny faces in the mirror. Who can pull the funniest face?
The art of letter writing
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: May 2014

Children grow up watching adults writing for a variety of purposes. They are always keen to copy and enjoy making their own versions of shopping lists, birthday cards and even observation notes! This is recognised by the Early Learning Goal which states ‘Attempt writing for different purposes, using features such as lists, stories and instructions’.
A mathematical treasure hunt
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: May 2014

Talk to your child about going on a treasure hunt in the garden or the local park. What do they expect to find? Make a list of things to find using numbers, words and pictures. We have given you one to try but you might want to make your own.
Working with parents as volunteers
Authors: Prince Jean
Published: May 2014

Whatever information you decide you want to give parents, be clear about the aims of the project and make sure these are explained to your volunteers during the induction session, and included in the booklet.
Talk as you bake
Authors: Moran Jane
Published: May 2014

This is an activity that supports children in gaining confidence in their own ability to speak, listen and negotiate with others. It can be particularly useful for children who are learning English as their second language.
What’s for lunch?
Authors: Moran Jane
Published: May 2014

Cut out the dice cover, the sandwich shapes for each player and the filling shapes. Let your child colour them all in. If any of the fillings are unsuitable for dietary or religious reasons, cover them over with a small sticky label and add your own picture or add your own suggestions to the blank dice cover.
There were nine in the bed …
Authors: Somerset Miles Ann
Published: May 2014

You can do a lot to help your child recognise numbers and understand what the symbols stand for. Try to include number talk in your everyday conversation. Where, in each room, are there opportunities to count or talk about numbers?
Elmer the patchwork elephant
Authors: Beswick Clare
Published: May 2014

Recognising numerals, counting reliably to ten, and saying and using number names in order and context are all goals within the Curriculum Guidance. Gaining confidence with numbers, enjoying number games and counting all come easier to children who are absorbed in stimulating play. An Elmer number line is a great way to start.
Three bags full!
Authors: Miles Ann Somerset
Published: May 2014

Wool is a lovely product to work with. Talk about where wool comes from – sing ‘Baa, baa, black sheep’. Look out for fields of sheep on a car, train or bus journey. See how many different colours and shapes (breeds) you can spot.
Teaching thinking skills
Authors: Wallace Belle
Published: May 2014

The brain has tremendous capacity for growth: its functioning is not fixed at birth and every child (and adult) can develop and improve their thinking; but the thinking processes have to be regularly modelled, shared and practised.
Using information books
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

One of the many challenges of working with young children is the need to be an expert on just about everything. This is where the information book can come in handy. A good book offers an accurate and child-orientated round-up of facts about its subject. They may even suggest an angle you hadn't thought of.
The value of sand play
Authors: Frankish Lorraine
Published: May 2014

Young children learn best through firsthand experiences. Activities to encourage exploration, observation, problem-solving, prediction, critical thinking and decisionmaking, and the opportunity to be able to ask questions, will help them find out about the world and how it works. Providing sand as a regular core activity in your setting can play an important part in helping children with this. Careful planning and monitoring will help children to develop new skills and understanding.
Assessing learning through play
Authors: Woo Elizabeth
Published: May 2014

The commitment to play remains at the heart of the early childhood curriculum. We welcome this, but it nevertheless poses a number of challenges, specifically how to provide good quality play experiences which meet the diverse needs of children, and how to understand the connections between playing, learning and teaching.
Supporting children who are ready to write
Authors: Whiteford Rhona
Published: May 2014

Handwriting is one of those complex tasks that need a wide variety of skills.
Creating daily opportunities for maths
Authors: Lafferty Pam
Published: May 2014

Reading and writing can be - and often are - avoided by many people in their daily lives:
Fun and games
Authors: Horvath Martine
Published: May 2014

This popular clapping game encourages children to work with you or another child developing skills such as timing, rhythm, concentration and hand-eye coordination. Children will soon know the words off by heart and be able to play on their own, making up their own clapping patterns and sequences.
Exploring words that rhyme
Authors: Williams Brenda
Published: May 2014

Using a poem with simple rhyming words is a fun way to involve children in a variety of language activities, and at this time of year, what could inspire them more than the anticipation of a summer holiday! The ‘Holidays’ poem on the photocopiable page overleaf will help to develop children's understanding of rhyming strings, and encourage phonic awareness.
Exploring ways of travelling
Authors: Stevens Judith
Published: May 2014

Locomotor skills are used to move the body from one place to another and depend largely on children's stage of development or maturity. Crawling and creeping, walking and running are usually developed early in life, but need continual revisiting to refine movements. You should offer opportunities for children to develop these and other skills, such as galloping, jumping, hopping, skipping and gliding.
Artists as inspiration for: Exploring line and shape
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

Line is not an obvious feature in young children's painting. As they explore with the paintbrush, they tend to produce dabs, splodges and areas of colour. To encourage children to create lines with paint, abandon the paintbrush and introduce Jackson Pollock's ‘action painting’ technique.
Role play at home: how you can help
Authors: Wood Elizabeth
Published: May 2014

Children don't need a room full of props and expensive toys for role play. Everyday resources can be just as stimulating – the skill lies in helping your child to transform them in their imaginations.
It’s a small world
Authors: Cox Anna , Moore Jane
Published: May 2014

It’s fun to use familiar toys like a pirate ship and its characters or a dolls’ house to encourage children to think in a mathematical way.
Exploring different forms of writing
Authors: Stevens Judith
Published: May 2014

Often, in the Foundation Stage, practitioners spend a lot of time developing children's speaking and listening skills through story-telling, and writing skills through shared writing of stories. This emphasis on narrative forms will appeal to the learning styles of some children, but may fail to engage all children, who will often be boys.
Preparing your child for PE
Authors: Heald Chris
Published: May 2014

There may be as many as 30 children in your child's Reception class. At some time during their first week there will be a PE lesson and those 30 children will need to be able to do the following:
Are we fair to boys?
Authors: Lindon Jennie
Published: May 2014

The current approach to equal opportunities on gender developed out of realistic concern over unequal treatment of girls and women. There has been a long history in the UK that perceived differences between the sexes were interpreted to the detriment of females. But with a new younger generation, we should look carefully at what is happening sometimes to young boys. Good practice is not a competitive exercise – such reflection does not mean we then ignore young girls.
Planning for progression
Authors: Edgington Margaret
Published: May 2014

One of the main aims of early education is to ensure that all children are enabled to make good progress. However, although we talk about following children's interests and meeting individual needs, planning is often dominated by topics, which may have been decided up to a year or more in advance!
Ideas for assemblies: Firework safety
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: May 2014

Ask children to close their eyes and imagine they can see and hear fireworks in the dark sky above them. What feelings do they have? Collect together all the words that children associate with their experiences of fireworks and build up a ‘thought web’. Explain that you are going to use all their ideas to prepare an assembly or circle time presentation about fireworks.
Exploring music: maracas
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: May 2014

Most people agree that maracas originate from the indigenous Taino Arawak people, native Indians of Latin America, and were traditionally made from the fruit of the higuera tree.
Why children need boundaries
Authors: Lindon Jennie
Published: May 2014

Young children need to know where they are with the important adults in their life. They need clear boundaries from their parent(s) or other family carers, so that daily life is reasonably predictable in their own home.
Exploring Christmas traditions
Authors: Howard Christine
Published: May 2014

Use Christmas as an opportunity to explore the diverse nature of Christianity by collecting examples of Christmas in different cultures. Christmas cards with greetings in a variety of languages and Christmas carols from various parts of the world are easy to find.
Every Child Matters: Achieving economic well-being
Authors: McKenna Kate
Published: May 2014

To achieve economic well-being, young people need to go on to further education, start some kind of training or get a job when they leave school. They need to be ready for employment, live in decent homes and sustainable communities, have access to transport and material goods and live in households free from low income. Parents, carers and families will also be supported to become economically active.
Planning for maths at Christmas
Authors: Stevens Judith
Published: May 2014

This needs to be done fairly early, so that when you invite family and friends in to join in a few seasonal songs, they can share a sample of cake. Give children lots of opportunities to compare the weight of the packets of flour, dried fruit and sugar, introducing and reinforcing mathematical language such as ‘heavy’, ‘light’, ‘heavier than’ and ‘lighter than’.
Maths with boxes!
Authors: Stevens Judith
Published: May 2014

Children need lots of opportunities to touch and explore 3-d solid shapes. If you can, try to involve your child in wrapping some presents which are in boxes.
Helping children handle tools and materials
Authors: Hodgson Donna , Cox Anna
Published: May 2014

Through woodwork, children have opportunities to develop movement skills, awareness of space and ways of moving their bodies. But before you introduce it, it is a good idea to do a skills audit, to make sure that you are giving children the chance to develop the movements they need to be successful.
Working with wood
Authors: Hodgson Donna , Cox Anna
Published: May 2014

Woodwork supports all kinds of physical skills. Children learn about turning, pushing, rotating, hammering, and sliding as they manipulate tools and materials. These hand movements are needed in day-to-day life for such simple tasks as taking the lids off jars and toothpaste tubes, using a pencil sharpener, cutting fruit or slicing bread. So woodwork can encourage your child to make a flying start with these important life skills!
Gingerbread biscuits
Authors: Stobbs Nicola
Published: May 2014

Weigh the golden syrup and add to a pan.
Exploring frogspawn
Authors: Goodman Sam
Published: May 2014

Frogspawn from the common frog appears in late winter/early spring (March to April). It is not illegal to collect frogspawn unless it is from an endangered species, but it is better for children to see it first hand in its natural habitat. Perhaps you can visit a nearby pond at regular intervals to see the changes that take place. If you decide to rear frogspawn indoors, you should return the frogs later to the same pond.
Exploring music: claves
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: May 2014

The claves are a pair of short, thick wooden dowels or sticks that when struck together produce a bright clicking sound. They were originally made from Cuban hardwood and are used extensively in Latin American salsa and other dance music. In Latin music, clave refers not just to the instrument but also to the particular rhythm patterns they play.
Easing transition to Key Stage 1
Authors: Rich Diane
Published: May 2014

Transition from Reception to Key Stage 1 in school raises issues which are relevant to transition throughout school life and pre-school, too.
Delivering the Foundation Stage to a small group
Authors: Renouf Helen
Published: May 2014

A huge variety of settings deliver Foundation Stage education; one of the newest and least known are accredited childminders. An accredited childminder may be delivering the curriculum to one, two or three children, alongside the Birth to Matters guidance and providing opportunities to socialise and learn from older children.
Using a digital camera
Authors: Hart Glenys
Published: May 2014

Digital cameras are easy to use. You can take as many pictures as you like and discard the ones you don't want.
Getting them to eat natural food
Authors: Youngman Andrea
Published: May 2014

Would you feed a child a meal consisting of: Water, wheat flour, chicken 22%, vegetable oil, creamer (hydrogenated vegetable oil, milk, sugar, milk protein) milk powder, modified maize starch, onion, salt, flavouring (coriander, gum arabic, maltodextrin, potato, mustard, oil) potato starch, sucrose, yeast extract, Hydrolized vegetable protein, raising agent (disodium Diphosphate), Sodium carbonate, emulsifier E471, Milk protein, dextrose, colour beta carotene, spice extracts celery, black pepper, flour treatment agent ECystene, Hydrochloride, wheat, gluten, milk, celery, mustard accompanied by noodles (contain water, wheat flour, palm oil (contains E320, E310, citric acid, salt) salt, flavourings barley, celery, milk, wheatflour, sugar, garlic, natural flavourings, tomato, Flavour enhancers E621, E635, Glucose Syrup, maltodextrin, Colour E150c, Sucrose, Acidity regulators E262,E262, E270, E330, Vegetable oil, yeast extract, emulsifier E339, anti caking agent E551.
Making the most of outside
Authors: Withers Cecilia
Published: May 2014

Learning through Landscapes' approach to outdoor developments is holistic, participative and sustainable and if you follow it, will enable you to improve what you have and what you do with it.
Calculating how to move your body
Authors: Prince Jean
Published: May 2014

Young children need to move their arms and legs and often sway and rock as they try to communicate with their peers and with adults.
A dance festival obstacle course
Authors: Jones Meg
Published: May 2014

Raise awareness of different cultures by having an international dance festival. With the children look at photographs, videos, and books of dancers in costume from many cultures. Discuss what the dancers are wearing, the movements they are making, and the music they are dancing to.
Unlocking creativity in all areas of learning
Authors: Iannuzzelli Paul
Published: May 2014

one way to handle this, that we must solve it immediately or eternity will never wait… then we could take away the potential to find what is easily within our reach. Waiting ‘patiently’ involves managing three major aspects; our expectations, our sense of time, and our needs.
Learning to use their bodies!
Authors: Barber Jenny
Published: May 2014

Jenny Barber describes why this area of children’s development is so important for every child in all areas of their lives
Working with a voluntary committee
Authors: Paul-Smith Sharon
Published: May 2014

Imagine you are on the board of a business deciding the future of new ventures and I come to you with my idea hoping fervently to receive your backing.
Good mornings and good byes
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

Arriving at nursery, saying goodbye to mum or dad, waiting to be collected and gathering up belongings … The start and the end of the day can turn into emotional flashpoints and they take quite a bit of organising if everything is to run smoothly. It is always a good idea to review your routines from time-to-time.
Sing a lullabye
Authors: Hughes Sian
Published: May 2014

Lullabies, like counting rhymes and skipping songs, seem to exist in every culture. Everywhere in the world children are rocked and sung to sleep. It is probably the first poetry we ever hear. When a child arrives at playgroup or nursery school they are probably already familiar with a number of these songs. Hand them a toy and ask them to help send it off to sleep, and see how many of them start singing.
Using lids and tops
Authors: Pearce Sue
Published: May 2014

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

Gardening is not just for the green-fingered. There are many plants that are very easy to grow and require only a few minutes each day in terms of maintenance. The difference it makes in terms of environment, pleasure and opportunities for linked activities make that time instantly worthwhile.
Curiosity, challenges and chores
Authors: Garvey Debbie
Published: May 2014

What did you do at the weekend? Did you have everyday jobs to do or did you have a new activity to try out? Or maybe you had your ideal weekend and had the opportunity to do some of your favourite things.
Moving onto the next level
Authors: Stafford Janet
Published: May 2014

In order for transitions to benefit children and their learning in a positive way, the move needs to be handled sensitively and its importance needs to be understood by all, says Janet Stafford
Helping children to look after themselves
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.
Puppet on a string
Authors: Youngman Angela
Published: May 2014

Puppets always get a good reaction from children. They will talk to it and make it their friend. Children believe and relate to the puppet, they enter and explore the puppet's world. Puppets can cross cultures because everyone can relate to them. They can share human emotions such as joy and sadness, be naughty or good.
Parents as partners
Authors: Garvey Debbie
Published: May 2014

‘Effective communication means there is a two-way flow of information, knowledge and expertise between parents and practitioners.’ This is from The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guidance.
The dark side of Christmas
Authors: Mill Patsy
Published: May 2014

Christmas is supposed to be a joyful feast, a celebration of family love. So why is child depression at its peak in the weeks following the Christmas break? Patsy Mill explains
Ten bottles
Authors: Catterall Rona
Published: May 2014

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

January 6 is a significant date in both the western and Orthodox Churches' calendars. In the west, it is the Feast of the Epiphany that marks the last of the 12 days of Christmas.
Krishna's Birthday
Authors: Howard Christine
Published: May 2014

Krishna is one of the most popular forms of the deity Vishnu, in his earthly avatar, or incarnation. Another popular avatar is Rama, whose rescue of his wife Sita from the wicked clutches of the demon king Ravana is told at the festival of Divali.
From the editor
Authors: Hindmarch Sonali
Published: May 2014

After so many negative headlines last year, a study has shown that practitioners are generally happy with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Space and movement
Authors: Arnold Cath
Published: May 2014

Young children spend a lot of time and energy exploring space and movement. For example, they use their whole bodies at fi rst going up steps and down slides, through tunnels and into dens or cupboards.
Supporting families
Authors: Griffin Sue
Published: May 2014

In the fifth article on working with parents, Sue Griffin explores aspects of helping parents
Early 'messy' goals
Authors: Harries Judith , Astill Mel
Published: May 2014

Lots of these activities are exciting and will motivate independent learning alongside shared experiences, all principle aims of personal, social and emotional development. They require co-operation in small and large groups and encourage children to consider their own feelings and those of others as they play. And of course, as they usually involve making a mess, children can be asked to help in clearing up and tidying away as part of their learning.
The finer points of Steiner
Authors: Jenkinson Sally
Published: May 2014

Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925), Austrian scientist and philosopher, established new forms of architecture, agriculture, medicine and education. Steiner schools now provide a distinctive form of education
Twinkle, twinkle
Authors: Griffin Sue
Published: May 2014

In western churches, Epiphany is celebrated on January 6 as a commemoration of the coming of the Magi (the three kings).
Self Evaluation Forms
Authors: Jones Caroline
Published: May 2014

In January's edition of Practical Pre-School, Dr Caroline Jones looked at the revised inspection framework. This month, she looks at self-evaluation
The whole world in their hands
Authors: Ledgerton Cooper Selena
Published: May 2014

When children become more aware and begin to meet other children, their minds organise the way they see and understand this huge and wonderful world. It is at this stage that, if a child meets someone with an unusual name, lifestyle, or appearance, they may become confused. Especially if all of the individuals they have experienced so far are similar in appearance, accent or outlook.
Making journals
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

Creating your own journals and diaries encourages your group to think about their environment and the day-to-day events in their lives. The following activities also help the children to discover the purpose of journals and diaries and explore different ways of using them.
Paternity leave plans
Authors: Lepkowska Dorothy
Published: May 2014

Fathers will be able to take up to six months' paternity leave to allow their child's mother to return to work.
Huge nursery closure threat in Birmingham
Authors: Lepkowska Dorothy
Published: May 2014

All council-run nurseries in one of Britain's largest authorities are in danger of being closed down because of plans to slash the early years budget.
Bullying in the early years
Authors: Elliott Michele
Published: May 2014

Are children too young to be bullies in nursery? Michelle Elliot from Kidscape says no, and explains why
Tug to the rescue!
Authors: Williams Brenda
Published: May 2014

The children were in the bath and Bertie their dog was popping bubbles with his nose as they floated towards him. Click, click, click went Jojo's clockwork frog, up and down the warm, bubbly water. Bob, bob, bob went Tiggy's yellow plastic duck. Chug, chug, chug went the little tugboat round and round the children's pink soapy knees, which were peeping out of the bath water.
The freedom to speak
Authors: Hurd Angela
Published: May 2014

As many as one in six children experience problems with speech that could have a major impact on their future achievement. Angela Hurd offers practitioners tips on how they can identify issues with children's language development
Playing at one with nature
Authors: MacAdam Colin
Published: May 2014

For young children, the opportunity to experience and explore the outdoors, as well as immerse themselves in the natural environment, is key to their social and emotional well-being and development.
Some ‘handy’ tips
Authors: Barber Jenny
Published: May 2014

The human hand has a complex set of muscles. Many of these are referred to as long flexors which have their muscle base in the forearm and these muscles do most of the work in the fingers. There are other muscles in the hand which are worm-like in structure and aren’t attached to the bone but attached to the tendons.
How does it make you feel?
Authors: Goodchild Rachel
Published: May 2014

Under the age of seven, children primarily learn social and emotional skills through imitation and repetition. Giving them many opportunities to explore a range of emotions, and consider how they may react in different social situations, helps them to develop positive methods of dealing with conflict, making friends, and building relationships.