I have had several conversations with family and friends in the past week as we all begin to consider the easing of the lockdown. Talk quickly turned to the results of our enforced confinement and a positive on which we all agreed was the one hour-a-day outdoor exercise. It has been a regular opportunity for… Continue reading Scooters and balance bikes; directed play for pre-school children
Tag: Age group – 40 months onwards
Take your child for a virtual walk; a guest post by Daisy’s Dad.
The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown presents unprecedented challenges for children in the UK. Most of their comforting routines have been disrupted; many have disappeared completely. Familiar destinations such as schools, cafes and soft-play centres are off-limits and visits to beloved friends and relatives are forbidden. Even with some restrictions now lifted, travel is often limited and… Continue reading Take your child for a virtual walk; a guest post by Daisy’s Dad.
Where am I? A fun activity for grandchildren during ‘lockdown’; Guest Blog by Daisy’s Grandpa
It’s been eight weeks since we last spent time with Daisy. We’ve learned, like so many grandparents, to navigate our way around Zoom, FaceTime and other ways of keeping in touch by sight and sound. We all know that none of these technologies are any substitute for that hug administered in a tangle of bendy… Continue reading Where am I? A fun activity for grandchildren during ‘lockdown’; Guest Blog by Daisy’s Grandpa
The Value Of Simple Board Games For Young Children
Now that we're not all dashing about with appointments and work commitments we're all finding we have more time to do things. And although Daisy's Mummy and Daddy have plenty to do each day with their various schedules, taking turns to participate in Daisy's home learning gives them more time with Daisy each day than… Continue reading The Value Of Simple Board Games For Young Children
Managing Messy Play At Home
Messy Play is such an important part of the Early Years’ experience; in nurseries children will have plenty of opportunities for messy play using ice, cold pasta, jelly, sand, water, dough, compost.... they're all enjoyably messy for young children! When the weather is fine enough to be outside then you can also practise messy play… Continue reading Managing Messy Play At Home
Making the most of the daily walk with your young children
Now that we're all having to settle into a very different daily routine it means that we, like most grandparents, cannot spend time with our granddaughter. So instead of describing activities that I've done with Daisy I'd like to share some of my ideas that Daisy's parents are using at home with Daisy. I hope… Continue reading Making the most of the daily walk with your young children
Understanding and practising social distancing
I was ready to write a blog this morning but instead I want to share this piece from the BBC. Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffler have created some picture panels to help young children understand about the current regulations for social distancing. At the end of the feature there's a link to the Gruffalo Facebook… Continue reading Understanding and practising social distancing
Helping Our Young Children With Social Distancing
The confirmation of the closure of schools and nurseries is obviously very unsettling news for parents everywhere. It's a fraught and challenging time for families as they work out how to cope with work and family life at home. As adults we're able to understand why we must make these adjustments and changes to our… Continue reading Helping Our Young Children With Social Distancing
Bringing The Learning Play Into Your Home
Yesterday, through the wonders of modern technology I was able to watch Daisy playing at home with Mummy and Daddy. When Daisy plays at home, her play is different from the play she has when she's at a playgroup or with the childminder. In Early Years environments, activities usually have 'zones' for different types of… Continue reading Bringing The Learning Play Into Your Home
Helping your grandchildren from a distance
I've realised that I need to change the focus of my blog. It’s hard to accept but soon many grandparents will not be able to have close contact time with their grandchildren. We’re used to being the reliable backstop, not the vulnerable ones aren’t we? I don't expect it to be long before schools, children's… Continue reading Helping your grandchildren from a distance
Granny Smith's Diary 