We are all born storytellers. Story defines our identity both as individuals as well as a society. It comes so naturally to invent stories. We may altogether ignore the propensity in children or we may provoke, support, record and celebrate children’s stories. Provocations can be immensely effective and one example is the use of a suitcase containing suggestive items (A…
A model for Christian early education. The reader is invited to consider the whole work of early years and take in the full scope of what is happening in the life of a little person. “To climb a new tree means to the boy the discovery of a new world.” (Froebel) Trees have had an important place in my own work with…
A couple of months ago, I travelled to Barcelona with our daughter for a few days away. It was a trip we had talked about doing for many years, but the time never seemed to be right. Last year we decided we need to set a date and go. What a wonderful time of sightseeing and being together it was!…
Intelligence and creativity should not be considered as opposing alternatives , and imagination and learning are nurtured together. Albert Einstein supposedly once said: “creativity is intelligence having fun”. What a wonderful statement – and yet we often see a rivalry between ‘art’ and ‘science ‘. We can probably all name some distinctively imaginative people who ooze creativity, as well as…
Have you ever thought about making a den in your garden? Here’s a great idea from Jo at Free Range Play. Have a go and see how you get on. And check out more ideas on the Resources page or visit @JoFreeRangePlay on Facebook Click here for printable den ideas: den building
I first heard about story scribing when I was lucky enough to go on ‘In the moment planning’/ Nursery Year in action’ training at Carterhatch Infants School with Anna Ephgrave and Ruth Moore. It struck me as a really simple way to help children get their stories down on paper, make that link between spoken and written word and encourage…
Story time, books, and storytelling are such a big part of our every day. We may share a book together during circle time, we might read when out and about and we sometimes share an audio story in the car or retell stories before naptime. We use signs to support our stories and the children soon learn new words and…
There’s nothing quite like sitting together are a fire and sharing stories and songs. Here are some safe ways to enjoy a campfire. For more outdoor ideas check out @JoFreeRangePlay on Facebook Printable guide here: let there be fire
What better way to learn about food than to grow your own veg. Here’s a great way to get started ready for Spring. Check out more ideas by looking at JoFreeRangePlay on Facebook. Printable guide here: grow your veg
Not long until Spring arrives…some flowers are coming into bud already. How many will you spot on this Spring Bingo? For more great ideas check out JoFreeRangePlay on Facebook For printable bingo card click here: spring bingo
