Transient art doesn’t require expensive supplies or a prolonged clean up – it’s art made from nature, and it isn’t made to last. It’s always a treat for me to meet Daisy from school. I was lucky enough to enjoy one of those moments last week: Daisy rushed out to hug me and then pressed a… Continue reading Transient art: nature fuels a child’s creativity
Tag: Autumn
Buried treasure: harvesting potatoes with your grandchild
Most parents and grandparents will understand that spending a healthy amount of time outdoors brings huge benefits for children – sometimes the trick is to find those activities which enable children to enjoy the natural world with ease. Planting and harvesting fruits and vegetables is a great way to do this in your own back garden.… Continue reading Buried treasure: harvesting potatoes with your grandchild
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’
The Best of the Blog in 2020: making learning fun
It goes without saying that 2020 has been the most tumultuous year in the short life of this blog, which I started in 2017 with a focus on sharing my experiences and play ideas following a career in teaching and early years education. But then, it has probably been the most tumultuous year in living… Continue reading The Best of the Blog in 2020: making learning fun
The joy of cooking together with your grandchild
Whenever my granddaughter Daisy comes to stay with me, her visit creates a series of highlights in my day from early morning cuddles to evening bath times. These special moments now regularly happen in the kitchen. As she’s grown older and more independent, Daisy has discovered that, if she drags her little red chair over… Continue reading The joy of cooking together with your grandchild
Mixing it up: paint, pumpkins and primary colours
Eighteen months ago, when I first set up a new painting easel for my granddaughter Daisy I made one big mistake. The art paper roll was correctly fitted, the brushes were ready, each paint pot was full and the easel stood out on the lawn, ready for Daisy to begin her artistic endeavours. So what… Continue reading Mixing it up: paint, pumpkins and primary colours
Weighing up Autumn produce – a seasonal activity for preschoolers
As the English seasons roll around, the pumpkins and squashes are piling up in the supermarkets, and the conkers and acorns are falling from the trees. Although I’ll dearly miss the longer days of summer sun, autumn is a season that always brings special experiences to our family. From the Harvest Festival to Halloween, Autumn… Continue reading Weighing up Autumn produce – a seasonal activity for preschoolers
A Simple Autumn Craft Activity for a Three Year Old
When Daisy comes to visit us she has plenty of play time. There's a different set of toys her for her to play with, she has our garden to explore, and I enjoy having those special one-to-one moments with my granddaughter. As well as joining in with her play-time, I try to prepare a few… Continue reading A Simple Autumn Craft Activity for a Three Year Old
Sharing and Learning from what happens in Autumn
We adults are familiar with the sequence of the seasons and the gradual changes that take place in nature during autumn. As part of beginning to understand the world around her (part of the Early Years curriculum), this year we've started to talk to Daisy about the way trees change in autumn, and to observe… Continue reading Sharing and Learning from what happens in Autumn
Conkers for Counting
This week the fine Autumn weather tempted us to the local park with Daisy, while Mummy and Daddy did more boring things at home. As Daisy ran along the tree-lined path to the playground a strong gust of wind shook the branches overhead and conkers dropped from the sky, one bouncing of Daisy’s head (no… Continue reading Conkers for Counting
Granny Smith's Diary 