We know that learning through play is pivotal in early years, including in the CoEL, but the way in which children are given opportunities to play varies drastically from setting to setting.
Author Archives: Content
The power of professional confidence
by Lewis Fogarty Nothing should grow there, right? In dark conditions, with a lack of light and a malnourished environment, but despite all odds there is immense beauty all around. This is true of the lotus flower that grows in dark and dirty waters and is also true in early years, where despite immense challengesContinue reading “The power of professional confidence”
Black History Month 2022
by Liz Pemberton, Director of The Black Nursery Manager Training and Consultancy Black History Month in the UK has been recognised since 1987 and was established by Akyaaba Addai-Sebo. Akyaaba was a special projects officer at the Greater London Council and then later at the London Strategic Policy. He recognised the need for Black peopleContinue reading “Black History Month 2022”
Time for babies and toddlers
By Patricia Johnson and Sacha Powell Have you ever wondered what a musical score would be like if it tried to capture the daily pace, rhythm and activity of a baby or toddler room: fast and frantic like The Flight of the Bumble Bee; slow and lilting like a soothing lullaby; or perhaps a littleContinue reading “Time for babies and toddlers”
M EE R1
Number Provide small groups of the same objects in treasure baskets, as well as single items. Spatial awareness Provide opportunities for babies to move freely on carpets, grass etc. Observe and sensitively support babies’ play and give them long stretches of uninterrupted time to explore. Provide low mirrors to support babies to develop a bodyContinue reading “M EE R1”
M PR R1
Number Notice and mirror children’s reactions to changes in amount. Add to objects & draw attention to the change in amount, using words like more. When feeding babies comment on whether they would like more after being winded, e.g. Oh, you want more. Use feeding, changing and bathing times for finger-play with young babies SpatialContinue reading “M PR R1”
M UC R1
Number Reacts to obvious changes of amount when those amounts are significant (more than double) Spatial awareness Explores space when they are free to move, roll and stretch Developing an awareness of their own bodies, that their body has different parts and where these are in relation to each other Shape Explores differently sized andContinue reading “M UC R1”
PSED MR UC R1
Enjoys the company of others and seeks contact with others from birth Shows their readiness to be social through using their sensory abilities; following movement and gazing at faces intently Moves body, arms and legs and changes facial expression in response to others, e.g. sticking out tongue, opening mouth and widening eyes Responds to whatContinue reading “PSED MR UC R1”