Play and learning blog

Weaving with natural materials

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Summer’s drawing to an end, and my two older children love to collect the grasses, ferns and wildflowers that have grown in the meadows around here. It’s the perfect time to display their findings by creating an all-natural tapestry. Instructions and photos for this simple weaving activity here.

Getting it right with colour and sound

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

When I was quite new to working with early years, I had a class of children that just didn’t settle into play well and were often loud and disruptive. Wondering how I could get through this, I asked my mentor for help. To my surprise, her advice was not about behavior management; it was about the setting. Within a couple of days we’d toned down the colours in the room, and radically decluttered it. I couldn’t believe the difference it made. The general mood of the class was noticeably calmer and peaceful, and the children would stick at activities for longer stretches of time.

In this article, Jordanna King, an early years practitioner, gives concrete, manageable suggestions for how you can effectively balance sound and colour in your classroom. Read the article here.

Taking sand art outside

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 09:15:55 -0400

Finally the sun is shining, and it’s a good time to head for a favourite spot: the sandpit. I’m always looking for art and design activities that are simple and child-led, and where the preparation time is minimal. The best are the ones you can do outdoors, where the mess doesn’t matter and the kids can relax. I tried this activity with my reception class a few years ago and they loved it, proudly heading home at the end of the week with a sand art masterpiece to hang on the wall. Spend a July afternoon in the sandpit, and the children can build sand castles and bake cakes while you offer this activity to one or two at a time.

Find instructions for simple sand art here.

Froebel and block play today

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Froebel started a concept over 200 years ago, Carolyn Pratt built on it in the 1960s, and amazingly, it’s still alive today: block play – simple, yet empowering. Children learn the foundations of maths while playing, imaginations grow, they problem-solve and collaborate, and most importantly have fun. In this article, Jane Whinnett expounds on the benefits of block play. Read here.

Water play: enriching children’s learning

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 05:01:38 -0400

“Water is intriguing. It seems to draw children to explore its structure and properties. Because water is naturally fascinating, the thoughtful teacher can structure the environment and materials in the water centre to make the most of water play.”

In this article, Sandra Crosser explains how playing with water supports all areas of learning and development; she takes us through the steps of setting up a water play centre and lists 25 ideas for promoting discovery learning through water play. Read more.

Messy learning

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 11:50:11 -0400

There’s no doubt that taking children outdoors positively impacts their learning, well-being and development. But why and how? Juliet Robertson’s book, Dirty Teaching – A Beginner’s Guide to Learning Outdoors, is packed full of practical ideas, activity suggestions and inspiration.

Read extracts from the introductory chapters here.

Discovery art with bubble-blowing

Thu, 13 May 2021 04:07:00 -0400

Given a glass of soapy water and a drinking straw, any child will instinctively want to blow as many bubbles as possible, and this time you won’t have to tell them to stop! Here’s a great activity to explore properties of air and water with young children and end up with an attractive, unique piece of artwork. Find instructions and photos to demonstrate the project here.

How can we reset screen time after the pandemic?

Thu, 13 May 2021 04:07:00 -0400

Over the past year, screens have been a saving grace for many of us. They’ve connected us with loved ones, enabled us to work from home, and allowed our children to continue participating in school or nursery.

But as the pandemic slowly begins to retreat, and restrictions gradually lift, we need to start thinking about how to put screens back in their proper place. Our gut reaction tells us that too much screen time is bad for kids, depriving them of opportunities for free play, social interactions, eye contact, and direct response from caring adults.

After this year of unnatural dependence on screens, it may be hard to get back to what we know is best for our children. Jean Rogers, of the Children’s Screen Time Action Network, offers some positive suggestions for parents and educators for the months ahead. Read the whole article here.

A creative approach to behaviour management

Sat, 24 Apr 2021 06:30:18 -0400

Four-year-old Jedekai was profoundly deaf and had limited mobility when he joined his nursery group. “What could I bring to the session that would really include him?” asked Anni McTavish, his teacher.

Within any group of children, there will always be a great range of different needs and behaviours. McTavish lists factors to consider in day-to-day management for all children, and offers pointers specifically around inclusion. “By injecting a sense of fun and a positive attitude into a situation,” she writes, “the learning is likely to be richer” and both the child and teacher end up winners.

Play prepares children for life – taking a second look at Froebel’s ideas

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400

In 1880, Froebel, who started the first Kindergarten, wrote: “Play is the highest level of human development in childhood…It gives joy, freedom, contentment, inner and outer rest, peace with the world.”

In early education today, it’s easy for an emphasis on academic standards and meeting requirements to crowd out time to play.

“Now is an opportune time to familiarise ourselves with Froebel’s original ideas, and to use them to challenge inappropriate practices used with our youngest children,” writes Francis Wardle. Read more.

Robin eggs hatch in Outlast blocks

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 07:46:00 -0400

Sometimes the best children’s learning takes place unexpectedly and in the most unlikely places. Being flexible with your plans and spaces allows children the chance to make the most of those spontaneous moments that will form lifetime memories and experiences. Last spring, Guildford Nursery School did just this as they cared for children during the first lockdown of the Covid pandemic. Robins nested in their set of Outlast blocks and this turned into a fun and amazing learning experience. “Such a joyful experience during these strange times,” wrote Anna Allen, Early Years Educator at the school.

See her letter and photos of this event here.

Have a beautiful Easter weekend!

Growing grass from seeds

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0400

There’s no better time than spring to introduce the concept of planting seeds and the growth of plants. Growing grass is a hands-on project, and will be easy for young children to carry out with minimal adult support. Look at the dry grass seed first with your group of children. How will these tiny dry grains grow into the lush green grass that covers the ground in your outdoor area? Taking a step back and thinking about this is mind-boggling even for adults, and is a great way to inspire children’s interest in nature.

Once you have grown grass in containers, you can take it a step further and create small grass gardens with the children by adding a few finishing touches. The grass gardens can be taken home as a gift for Easter or simply a spring surprise!

You can find photos that demonstrate the project along with simple instructions here.

Keeping it simple

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 03:22:01 -0500

Early years rooms can be busy, and sometimes even a little chaotic—how can we create peaceful places where focussed play and learning are inevitable? The Japanese tradition of Wabi Sabi talks about the importance of simplicity and the appreciation of natural objects. In an early years setting this could be perhaps setting out fewer resources, creating clear space and decorating it in neutral colours, and bringing nature indoors.

“Using ‘simplicity’ as one of the key principles for organising the early years setting can be surprisingly straightforward to put into practice, and it also brings many benefits to children’s well-being and development.”

Read Hilary White’s informative article to see how you can create a calmer environment and spark new interest among your children.

Art and science discovery in one

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Explore the concept of freezing and melting, liquids and solids with this winter-themed project. Best done in frosty cold weather, here is an activity that can take place entirely outdoors. Children will enjoy creating these ice ornaments and be intrigued with the magical end result. Find instructions and accompanying photos here.

The language of caring

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0500

No one could have predicted the events that derailed everyone’s plans for 2020. Now, at the start of a new year, the future is still uncertain as we continue to adapt and respond on a daily basis to the volatile movement of a virus.

Fortunately, inspired educators can find learning in just about every circumstance – including the challenges of the last months. The prospect of wearing a mask whilst working with children has been a hurdle many have had to overcome. How can we share our emotions, empathy, and directions with the children in our care with a piece of cloth covering half our face?

Read Carol Garboden Murray’s surprising reflections and revelations on the expressive art of caring.

Inspiration for a new year

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 04:35:00 -0500

As we head into a new year, we still find ourselves coping with difficult circumstances and hoping for better times. In strained conditions that have the potential to discourage us, what is most crucial as we continue to care for children? Valuing each child as an individual who is unique, precious and unlike any other is foundational. As an educator, carer or parent, you have the power to change lives for the better, in fact to impact the world and make it “worthy of its children”.

Watch this video to hear these words by the musician Pablo Casals, and let them inspire you for the future.

Best wishes for a new year!

Warmth and colour for Christmas

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0500

This Christmas more than ever, including children in the warmth, colour and light of the festive season seems important. Here’s a simple art-craft project giving children a chance to explore with colour and create a star-shaped decoration for the windows in your setting, or to take home as a gift. Find instructions and accompanying photos here.

Honouring children

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 03:24:44 -0500

What’s most important about celebrating Christmas with children? Alice Sharp takes us through her own memories to point out the key qualities that make a true Christmas. In her usual lively style, Alice offers uplifting and hopeful thoughts at a time when we all need to hear them.

Read her article and find out about her upcoming webinar.

Let the children be free

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 04:09:00 -0500

As the world battles the coronavirus pandemic, there are so many ways in which children’s lives have been restricted, from social distancing to lockdown measures. Even though times are difficult, we can still find ways to give children freedom and a true childhood. Be encouraged by these timeless words from the well-known educator Maria Montessori. View the video here.

Outdoor autumn leaf art

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 05:36:08 -0400

Autumn is a time of year that naturally lends itself to exploring nature. Invigorating fresh air and vivid colours captivate our senses and entice us outdoors, even if it’s a bit chilly. Leaves fall and acorns, conkers and beechnuts drop, generously covering the ground with materials for children to collect. Giving children enough time outdoors to discover will ignite their interest in the world around them. Use this simple nature-art activity as a springboard to learning about leaves with your class. Children will be fascinated by different leaf shapes and types and will enjoy the colourful results.

Find step-by-step instructions and inspiring photos here.

Why introduce woodwork in the early years?

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 03:39:00 -0400

“We have seen how working with real tools offers children new experiences and encompasses all areas of learning,” writes early years creative consultant Pete Moorhouse. “Woodwork allows children to become the innovators, makers, sculptors, tinkerers, engineers and architects of tomorrow. The experience of working with wood and tools leaves deep memories and becomes a part of children’s DNA.”

Working with wood can play a central role in your curriculum, supporting maths, physical coordination, creative skills, understanding of the world, language and vocabulary. Read Pete’s article and find out about his new on-line training course here.

Maths play with natural loose parts

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0400

We are approaching the time of year in which nature generously replenishes its available loose parts. Leaves fall, acorns drop, seed pods form, and there is no end to the natural materials you can collect just in your garden.

“One area of early learning particularly suited for the use of these materials is maths,” writes Dorie Ranheim. “There is a myriad of questions that can be asked to guide children’s thinking. For example, What did we find the most of? Tell me about your stick. Can you find something longer? Which rock is heavier? Through these playful interactions, rich maths language flows and becomes part of the child’s vocabulary.

“You can also use loose parts to model mathematical skills like how to count acorns using one-to-one correspondence, how to create a pattern with autumn leaves, or how to measure by comparing two feathers. All of the foundational areas of early maths can be explored in a playful way using natural loose parts.” More ideas here.

Taking small world play outdoors

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Childhood is a time of imagination. Every child needs to be given time and space to play out what they envision in their minds. Children’s literature is full of woodland folk – dwarves, elves, fairies, pixies and gnomes. Take these imaginary creatures into your outdoor play and allow children uninterrupted time to build fairy gardens for woodland folk using natural materials. Building a fairy garden will absorb a child’s whole being, maximizing his or her attention span, imagination and creative skills.

Read the whole article here.

Babies are scientists

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 04:39:51 -0400

The first time an infant knocks a cup of milk from the table, it’s an accident. The next time, it’s clearly intentional. Will the falling cup produce the same intriguing splash on the floor (and the same exciting noise from any adult nearby)?

Science is about forming and testing hypotheses. This is what babies do all the time! They are continually experimenting and investigating, fuelled by curiosity and an innate drive to figure out their world. As long as these little investigators are surrounded by interesting things they will continue to explore and learn.

The natural world, with its constantly changing colours, textures, movements, and sounds, provides a uniquely stimulating environment for young children. Take a young child outside and you can just about see the “lights go on”. So why is it that this age group is mostly kept indoors?

Why Froebel is still important today

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 11:52:25 -0400

“Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood, for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child’s soul,” wrote Friedrich Froebel. Today his philosophies are embedded into our modern educational foundations, but Froebel’s ideas were radical for his time. So radical, in fact, that at one point the Prussian government banned his kindergartens. Yet Froebel’s concept of “a garden for children” lives on, and his vision for true childhood is as relevant today as it was in the 19th century.

Read an account of his life here.

Challenging behaviours in challenging times

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Coping with change is difficult for any of us, and children are especially sensitive to disruptions in their routine. Covid-19 has successfully disrupted daily life for everyone. Constant change and the accompanying stress have become one of the new norms. Some children are returning to their nursery or school, while others remain at home.

“Those of us who work with young children know stress often translates into an uptick in challenging behaviours,” writes Jennifer Fiechtner. “Tantrums, meltdowns, sleep disruptions, and regression are all ways that children may show that they are having a hard time. So, what can parents and caregivers do to help?”

Read this.

Helpful tips as you reopen your setting

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 06:47:00 -0400

After nearly three months of temporary closure, many schools and settings are now reopening. As we begin to navigate yet another "new normal", early childhood educators will need to be more innovative than ever to balance the government guidelines with the age old issues of enrolment, staffing, and finances.

Here’s our Covid-19 update with helpful tips to support you as you reopen your setting.

Insights from Friedrich Froebel

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 06:37:00 -0400

Young children learn naturally when allowed to explore and discover, manipulate and practice newly acquired skills through play. Play is not trivial, it's children's tool for growth. Read this short piece by Dr Stella Louis and Dr Sacha Powell for some insights from the founder of the first kindergarten, Friedrich Froebel.

An interview with Daniel Spry

Thu, 21 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Blocks are one of very few resources that allow children to work in all areas of learning at once. They encourage creativity and allow kids to turn problems over, not only with their minds, but also with their hands.
Some months before the Covid-19 pandemic began, we interviewed Early Years Consultant Daniel Spry, who has delivered block play trainings nationally and internationally for many years. Here's the interview.

What are the best toys to offer babies and toddlers?

Thu, 14 May 2020 09:56:00 -0400

What are the best kinds of toys to offer very young children? Which ones actually help them learn all the things they need to know? It can be really hard to choose from all the options, but bestselling author and early years specialist, Jennie Lindon, has some great tips to help you as you play and learn with your little ones. Read them here.

Building a foundation for literacy

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 10:07:00 -0400

A mother once approached Albert Einstein and asked him what she might do to prepare her young son for a successful career in science. “Read him fairytales,” he replied. “And, if you want him to be very intelligent, read him more fairytales.”

This is comforting advice for a nation-full of parents unexpectedly facing the responsibility of educating their children at home. Our predecessors understood that storytelling, singing and poetry provide a rich foundation in oral language which is a critical prerequisite for literacy. Read more about this from Joan Almon.

Wonder: a survival skill

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 09:53:00 -0400

In the last generation we've seen forces such as commercialism, academic pressure, and a “too hurried” lifestyle crowd out the space and time it takes to cultivate a sense of wonder in the natural world. Suddenly this has all completely changed. Perhaps parents and children spending more unscheduled time together at home will have time to watch, wonder, and appreciate the small, everyday spring miracles happening right outside the door.

There are many nature-related activities you can do with young children that require little more than stepping outside. Dr. Ruth Wilson offers some suggestions to get you started. Read here.

Printing with found objects

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Children love to explore and experiment with paint. Add some interesting objects from around the house or garden and the fun and potential are doubled! This is serious process art: the end product may be beautiful, but its all about the experience of new textures, messy hands, and discovery! Find out how to get started.

Happy Easter from the team at Community Playthings!

Make a surprise Easter egg!

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 10:27:00 -0400

With Easter just over a week away, here's a fun craft to try with your children.

Best wishes from Community Playthings.

Kids at home?

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0400

In this time of unprecedented protocols and social distancing, many parents are looking for ways to occupy their children at home all day. Rather than turning to screens for an easy babysitter, there are many creative and educational activities that can keep children productively happy without fancy art supplies.

For example, with only some yarn and a fork you can make a host of pompom chicks to celebrate spring!

Stay well! All the best from Community Playthings

Helping children manage their feelings

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Early childhood is a busy time. Children are constantly testing limits and exploring boundaries, and learning an incredible amount along the way!

How can we support children in managing their feelings? Read this from Anni McTavish.

Encouraging mud play

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 10:48:47 -0500

Children plunge into messy play with great enthusiasm and no hesitation about getting dirty.The adults in their lives, however, may need a little more encouragement to understand the value of playing in and with mud.

Launching a mud area in your play space requires careful planning and communication with staff and families.This article offers advice on how to get over those hurdles.Then, let the fun begin! Read this.

Building the best environment for children with SEN

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 05:32:19 -0500

All children deserve the best we can give them. Getting the learning environment right for children with special educational needs can be challenging, but we’re here to support you. Watch how this SEN school uses Community Playthings furniture and play equipment to welcome their students into a safe and calming place where learning happens naturally. View case study.

Helping children to explore nature's difficult questions

Thu, 14 Nov 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Children love to ask questions, and lots of them. They are naturally inquisitive about the world around them and delight in learning how it all works.

But how do we answer questions about topics such as death, or decay? How do we help children to understand our interconnectedness with the natural world, and about the grand cycle of life? Read these unique insights from Dr Claire Warden of Auchlone Nature Kindergarten in Scotland.

The importance of pretend play in natural settings

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 11:40:05 -0400

“Fantasy play is the glue that binds together all other pursuits, including the early teaching of reading and writing skills.” – Vivian Gussin Paley

Fantasy play, or pretend play, is an integral part of childhood. While too often limited by the narrow confines of a role play area, pretend play can flourish outdoors if children are given the space and materials.

Playground equipment like slides or swings encourage active play. What materials should you introduce to promote pretend play outdoors? Read the article.

Building a curriculum on the natural curiosity of children

Thu, 29 Aug 2019 09:07:09 -0400

“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” – John Dewey

One of the greatest gifts teachers can give to their students is a life-long love of learning. Because children’s interests differ widely depending on their own experiences, meeting their learning needs demands the full and creative attention of a teacher’s mind and heart.

The Project Approach offers teachers a way to build their curriculum on the natural curiosity of children. When immersed in a topic that is local and relevant, students actively participate in the educational experience. This kind of authentic learning energises the child as they “become part of a community of investigators” instead of a passive recipient of information. Read more.

Nurturing children's biophilia

Fri, 16 Aug 2019 06:13:20 -0400

Young children have an innate attraction to nature; they thrive on stomping in puddles after a rain, collecting acorns, and stroking a baby animal’s soft fur. This love for the natural world, if nurtured in the right way, can support positive environmental behaviours and social action as children grow up. Read this interesting article.

Learning through block play

Thu, 18 Jul 2019 05:38:39 -0400

Everyone knows that playing with blocks is essential to learning (and loads of fun, even for grown-ups). But what exactly do children learn as they line the blocks up, stack them, plan and build and bash them over? Harriet K. Cuffaro has some great insights into the value of block play. Read them.

Sensory play for children with SEN

Thu, 04 Jul 2019 04:46:03 -0400

“A treasure basket is an example of a sensory-rich and highly portable resource, making it a perfect ‘sensory snack’,” writes Sue Gascoyne. “ The sensory stimulation and hands-on approach is great for brain and memory development, gross and fine motor skills and strength.” Because there are no right or wrong ways of playing, sensory play of this sort can appeal to children with varying learning styles and abilities. Read on.

How to create appealing, beautiful and purposeful habitats

Thu, 20 Jun 2019 00:00:00 -0400

The bowerbird, a native of Australia and New Zealand, is a curator of its nest. What can we learn from the bowerbird about being a curator of children's creative work and building inspiring learning spaces that tell them: "You are important"? Read this from Dr Sandra Duncan.

Literacy, learning... and luck

Fri, 07 Jun 2019 05:27:26 -0400

With information and entertainment only one click or swipe away, are we and our children losing the motivation to open up real books?

Sue Palmer, literacy specialist and author of Toxic Childhood, has important insights and advice regarding reading, play and the kindergarten approach. Read them.

The importance of sensory play

Thu, 23 May 2019 05:54:55 -0400

If there’s one thing in common about young children, it’s their ability to make a mess! Children learn best through direct experiences – exploring the world around them with their whole being. They stare, grab, smell, listen, rub, or lick unfamiliar objects, using all their senses to collect data that will be wired permanently into their memory.

If a child’s environment is too sterile or limited, they are deprived of this rich learning. What can parents and teachers do to offer diverse sensory experiences without becoming completely overwhelmed by the inevitable mess? Read this.

Using nature to help children academically

Thu, 09 May 2019 09:10:39 -0400

How can spending time outdoors help our children develop into enthusiastic academic learners? Ginny Yurich from Michigan, USA has some interesting insights and tips after spending thousands of hours outside with her five children. Read them here.

Qualities that nurture learning

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 00:00:00 -0400

"Surely the greatest reward gained in learning is the satisfaction and enjoyment it brings? I have never been an advocate of rewarding learning with chocolate!", writes Dr Andrew Lockett. "I have never liked the idea of sanctions or withdrawing toys. The ability to use humour, or to redirect children’s attention to new activities often diffuses a difficult situation." Read these interesting reflections from Dr Lockett, a retired teacher and OFSTED inspector.

Block play and maths

Thu, 28 Mar 2019 10:47:13 -0400

"When children play with blocks, they are practising mathematical skills, " write Pamela C. Phelps, Ph.D. and Laura L. Stannard, Ph.D.

"Because it involves measuring lengths, widths, and heights (if only by eye), block play develops a child’s ability to mentally visualise relationships. Such manipulations are similar to those used in geometry and algebra during the child’s later school years" Read more.