Mark making skills develop in much the same way as language. Initially, babies and young children delight in the pure physicality of it, running their fingers through sand or scribbling with chalk on a patio, for example. Gradually they realise they can control the marks they make as their gross muscles and hands grow stronger […]
Beyond scribbles: the importance of mark making in child development Read More »
Den-making is big in – you guessed it – Scandinavia, where it is an integral part of the forest school experience. Time spent building a den gives children a glimpse of independence, a chance to create a space away from the prying eyes of over-protective parents that is all theirs. A kingdom of their own,
Find it hard to believe an easel is essential? It’s actually a brilliant piece of equipment to have around, for many more reasons than painting. Easels encouage children’s wrists to bend upwards, in the same way they do for writing. Standing at an easel is also good for upper arm and shoulder strength, which in
Easels and the magic of the vertical surface for writing Read More »
Painting teaches us to see, to look more closely. Is water really blue? If not, what colours can you actually see? What about black? We very rarely see true black in nature. How else could you represent that colour on the page?
Painting with preschoolers: encouraging artistic expression Read More »
Getting children to tidy up isn’t just about establishing good habits – although the joy of having a child who tidies up after themselves must not be underestimated. Beyond this, it provides an excellent opportunity for children to develop organising and sorting skills as they work out where items go and which group toys belong
Learning to distinguish between shapes is essentially an early form of reading. Children who can tell which shapes are which, can better differentiate between different letters when they progress on to reading. Being able to recreate shapes also helps with writing. Most letters are based on a combination of circles and squares, or lines at
Are you attracted to the Montessori method? What is it that appeals? The beautiful environment? The organisation? The practical activities? The Montessori method is an engaging educational model that continues to captivate parents and educators alike. But what is it that makes it so special? What Makes Montessori Unique: Didactic Materials As a teacher, what
Understanding the Montessori Method: Practical Life Activities Read More »
Sorting is the most important activity your child will ever do. Without it, no other kinds of play are possible. And done right it’s a superpower. In this simple guide we’ll explore different sorting activities and how best to introduce them. What is sorting and why is it important? Sorting is simple. Just group things
Sorting activities | Help to your child organise her thinking Read More »
It’s tempting to think of dance as a talent, or a natural gift that some children can do and others can’t. But dance is something all children can enjoy, regardless of their ability. It can also feed into and cement many aspects of learning and development. The developmental benefits of dance for preschoolers Dance offers
The wonder of dance and creative movement for preschoolers Read More »
Do you cook with your child? If so, why do you think she finds it so interesting? Children love to join in with grown-up activities. So much of play is about rehearsing for ‘real life’ but there is something else going on here. Cooking is fun and interesting. You mix things together and a change
Cooking with children Read More »