The reviews on this website are strictly speaking not just for book reviews but resource reviews. The theme of play might suggest all sorts of ‘toys’, but actually the best resources in all the world are natural ones: sticks, sand, insects, mud. We might well add unit blocks, but we probably shouldn’t spend much on resources for children’s play because they…
Principal stakeholders in education, after the children themselves , are the parents. The Bible makes the assumption that responsibility for the nurture of children belongs to parents, referring to fathers in particular. For example: It is to fathers that these words are addressed: …bring them up in the fear and admonition of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4, Authorised Version) or …bring them up in…
A childminder’s perspective We have always had a big emphasis on imaginative play in our setting. I love to see the children’s imagination running free. Imagination is such a vital part of faith. God asks us to use our imagination. He told Abraham to go outside at night and count the stars – that’s how many grandchildren and great grandchildren…
There are lots of insects and bugs to discover in your garden, even if it is very small. A minibeast hunt is a great way for children to get up close to nature. It gets them out in the fresh air, encourages them to use their observation skills, and it gives them a chance to get hands-on with wildlife. All…
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…
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…
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
