World Book Day is always popular with my family. This annual event takes place at the beginning of March and my granddaughter Daisy always enjoys dressing as a book character on that day; in previous years her costumes have honoured The Tiger Who Came To Tea by Judith Kerr, The Highway Rat by Julia Donaldson… Continue reading All set for World Book Day 2021
Keeping your grandchild safe online
Recently, my granddaughter Daisy attended a school home-learning session, where her nursery teacher talked briefly to the children about internet safety. Daisy is already using the internet, apps and smart screens as part of her everyday routines – she joins videoconferenced classes, she practices her reading skills on apps such as Reading Eggs, and watches… Continue reading Keeping your grandchild safe online
Making tracks, outdoors and indoors
“‘Did you know, Granny, we found some footprints! They went in a straight line and around the corner and just stopped – like an L shape!". My excited granddaughter Daisy was telling me about her afternoon bike ride with her daddy. During their outing, they had found a track of footprints along the pavement. So… Continue reading Making tracks, outdoors and indoors
Using magnetic letters for remote phonics fun
The third UK lockdown has brought families and educators new challenges and new ways to do so many things. In fact, during a recent family video call I discovered a new activity to enjoy with my four-year-old granddaughter Daisy – one that is only possible when we’re not in the same room! Last year Daisy… Continue reading Using magnetic letters for remote phonics fun
Raising a school-ready child without a nursery
Whether they are an only child or part of a larger family, every preschooler benefits from some nursery provision, which provides a combination of care, early learning and development. Nursery is not a substitute for home. It is a link for a child between home and life outside home. It’s somewhere where a child starts… Continue reading Raising a school-ready child without a nursery
Lockdown Storytime: homeschool activities for preschoolers
My granddaughter Daisy has several storytimes throughout her busy day. Storytime is an integral part of a young child’s day, one that helps to develop their creativity and imagination, especially for preschool learners. Parents very quickly discover that young children have their favourite stories, which they enjoy listening to over and over again – these… Continue reading Lockdown Storytime: homeschool activities for preschoolers
Instrumental sounds: create a cacophony with your grandchild
With a third lockdown in place in the UK, following a period of tiered restrictions, we’re all trying to find new ways to interact with and educate our young children. Many grandparents – myself included – have had to return to virtual contact with their grandchildren. Painful though this has been (especially after weeks of… Continue reading Instrumental sounds: create a cacophony with your grandchild
Homeschooling in ‘Lockdown 3’: Early Years activity ideas
With a third lockdown in place in the UK, many parents and early years carers will be experiencing familiar frustrations and challenges; I know I am feeling those familiar emotions as a grandparent. Although families with children have experienced lockdowns before, it doesn’t make the process of educating and occupying children at home that much… Continue reading Homeschooling in ‘Lockdown 3’: Early Years activity ideas
Quick activities for Christmas quiet time
It’s mid-December and as a strange and busy year comes to a close, the Yuletide anticipation is building for my granddaughter Daisy: the decorations have gone up around her house and the streets around her are bright with dazzling festive lights. Although Christmas will be a little different for children this year, for a four-year-old… Continue reading Quick activities for Christmas quiet time
Christmas craft activity: scissors and ‘stained glass’
Having taken a detailed look back at all that my granddaughter Daisy has achieved in 2020, I’m definitely ready to look forward to Christmas and to embrace some festive craft activities! This blog outlines a simple craft activity that doesn’t require too much in the way of preparation or materials; you may find that you… Continue reading Christmas craft activity: scissors and ‘stained glass’
