learning through play

5 Ways to Use the Curiosity Approach to Build Communication Skills in Autistic Learners

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5 Ways to Use the Curiosity Approach to Build Communication Skills in Autistic Learners 1

The Curiosity Approach, with its child-led, play-based framework, offers unique opportunities to enhance communication skills. Below are five ways curiosity-led activities, such as storytelling with props and collaborative play, support both verbal and non-verbal communication development in autistic learners, grounded in research and innovative design. 1. Encouraging Storytelling with Sensory Props Concept: Using props like … Read more

5 Sensory-Friendly Curiosity Approach Ideas for Special Needs Education

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5 Sensory-Friendly Curiosity Approach Ideas for Special Needs Education 2

The Curiosity Approach, which prioritizes child-led, play-based learning to spark creativity and exploration, aligns seamlessly with sensory-friendly strategies. Below are five carefully curated, sensory-friendly ideas rooted in the Curiosity Approach, designed to develop engagement, creativity, and learning for students with special needs. Each idea is grounded in evidence-based practice, drawing on research in sensory processing … Read more

8 Powerful Executive Function Games

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Executive function skills are the invisible superpowers that help students succeed, not just academically, but in life. These cognitive abilities include planning, focus, flexibility, self-control, and working memory. The challenge? Traditional teaching methods often struggle to develop these crucial skills effectively. The solution is simpler than you think: games. You don’t need expensive technology or … Read more

Destructive Play in EYFS: Embrace the Power of “Unbuilding”

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Destructive Play in EYFS: Embrace the Power of "Unbuilding" 4

“Destructive” Play: A Teacher’s Guide to Learning and Development in Early Years The term “destructive play” often conjures images of chaos: broken toys, scattered blocks, and frustrated adults. As early years educators, we frequently see children pushing things over, purposefully dropping objects, or disassembling items. Naturally, we might perceive these actions as misbehavior, defiance, or … Read more

EYFS Messy Play: Integrating Craft and Sensory Learning

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EYFS Messy Play: Integrating Craft and Sensory Learning 5

Supporting holistic development through crafts, hands-on exploration and creative expression There’s something truly magical about watching a three-year-old discover that mixing yellow and blue paint creates green, or seeing the pure joy on a toddler’s face as they squelch playdough between their fingers for the first time. These moments aren’t just delightful to witness – … Read more

Embracing the Transforming Schema Through Play in UK Classrooms

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The Power of Play and Transforming Schemas in Early Learning Despite its acknowledged importance, UK classrooms face a tension between recognising play’s value and applying it practically. Play opportunities have experienced “marked reductions,” often because play and learning are viewed as separate entities, with play relegated to a reward rather than a core teaching approach. … Read more

6 Transforming Schema Art Activities

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Supporting the Transforming Schema Through Art As early years practitioners, we often encounter children who seem magnetically drawn to mixing, squishing, and transforming materials. These little scientists are exploring what we call the transforming schema, and art activities provide the perfect laboratory for this crucial developmental work. I’ve discovered that children with a strong transforming … Read more

8 Dramatic Play Ideas

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8 Dramatic Play Ideas for Primary and SEN Classrooms: Role Play Dramatic play and role play unlocks creativity and builds essential life skills in ways that extend far beyond traditional teaching methods. For children with special educational needs (SEN), dramatic play can provide a flexible and engaging way to develop communication, motor, and cognitive abilities. … Read more

The Benefits of Constructive Play for Child Development

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Embracing Neurodiversity in Constructive Play When we think about constructive play, images of children building elaborate spaceships with Lego blocks or crafting intricate sandcastles on the beach might come to mind. While these activities represent advanced forms of constructive play, it’s crucial to understand that they are the culmination of years of experimentation, repetition, and … Read more

Creative Learning Activities Using Sand Play

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The Benefits of Sand Play in Early Years Education Few resources are as versatile, engaging, and beneficial as sand. Now, I know what you might be thinking. “Sand? In my classroom? That’s just asking for chaos!” But bear with me. In this article, we’re going to dig into why sand play is such a fantastic … Read more

Muddy Puddle Games: 10 Exciting Activities for Kids

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10 Muddy Puddle Adventures for Little Explorers! Who doesn’t love puddle jumping and outdoor play? Ready to turn those rainy days into play days? Grab your wellies and let’s dive into the wonderful world of muddy puddles! Here are 10 fantastically fun activities that’ll have you giggling, splashing, and creating muddy memories in no time. … Read more

Understanding Autistic Play: An Evidence Based Guide

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Understanding Autistic Play: An Evidence Based Guide

Understanding and Nurturing Autistic Play in Early Years Settings: Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) teachers play a crucial role in shaping the developmental experiences of young children. Recent research has shed light on the unique aspects of autistic play, providing valuable insights that can help us create more inclusive and supportive environments for autistic children … Read more

The Importance of Unstructured Playtime for Children

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Over-scheduling Children: The Importance of Unstructured Playtime In today’s world, children are frequently overscheduled with structured classes, lessons, and digital devices. While organized activities provide benefits, the importance of unstructured play must not be dismissed. Unstructured play refers to child-directed, freely chosen indoor or outdoor activities without predefined educational goals or direct supervision or direction … Read more

4 Benefits of Kinetic Sand for Autistic Children

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What is Kinetic Sand? Kinetic Sand is a sensory toy that feels strangely satisfying. It is 98% regular sand mixed with 2% silicone oil. That tiny bit of oil makes it soft and stretchy. It flows through your fingers like a thick liquid. But when you squeeze it, it holds its shape perfectly. It never … Read more

Child Development: Understanding Object Permanence

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Object Permanence

Object Permanence: The Role in Child Development Children’s cognitive development is a journey of continuous learning and discovery, marked by significant milestones that shape their understanding of the world. Among these milestones, object permanence stands out as a crucial achievement. Recognising that objects continue to exist even when they are not visible or audible is … Read more

The Best Santa Grotto in Kent

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A Jolly Good Time with Santa at the Margate Caves Grotto. Ho, ho, ho! Gather ’round, fellow parents, because I have a festive tale to tell! If you’re looking for the ultimate Santa grotto experience in Kent, then look no further than the Margate Caves. This year we took our little elves aged 3 and … Read more

14 Brilliant Indoor & Outdoor Group Games for Children

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Engaging toddlers in group games is not only fun, but it also promotes social interaction, cooperation, and physical activity. Introducing toddlers to indoor and outdoor games is a wonderful way for the children to experience genuine joy in learning. These games encourage children to develop essential skills while having loads of fun. Below, you will … Read more

100 Ways Cardboard Boxes Can Be Used For Play

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100 Ways Cardboard Boxes Can Be Used For Play 16

Using Cardboard Boxes in Pretend Play & Learning Cardboard boxes are one of the easiest play resources to acquire for free. As the Founder and Lead Researcher of the Inclusiveteach Project, one of my core focus areas is studying how we can empower creativity and development in children. Pretend play has long been recognised by … Read more

22 Engaging Ice Play Activities

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22 Engaging Ice Play Activities for Kindergarten/EYFS Ice play is a fun and engaging way for kindergarten children to learn and explore their surroundings. It can help them develop their creativity, problem-solving skills, and fine motor skills. In this post, we will discuss some creative ice play activities for kindergarten children that teachers can use … Read more

The Power of Imaginative Play

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ImaginativePlay Benefits: Why Kids Need It and How to Promote It Imagination play, or pretend or creative play, is a vital part of childhood and has many benefits. When children engage in make-believe scenarios, take on exciting roles, and experiment with unique storylines, they reap tremendous developmental benefits. Whether it’s a simple game of house … Read more