Playing the Game of Marbles: A Fun and Educational Activity for Children Marbles are small, round, and colourful balls that have been around for centuries. They are not only fun to play with but also offer many educational benefits for children of all ages. In this article, we will explore some of the ways that …
Understanding the Cycle of Challenging Behaviour: A Guide for Teachers As teachers, we often encounter a range of behaviours in our classrooms, some of which can be challenging and disruptive. Understanding the cycle of challenging behaviour is crucial in managing these behaviours effectively and providing supportive learning environments for all students. This understanding can help …
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Autumn is a beautiful and fascinating season that can ignite wonder in early years children. As the colours change from green to amber, orange and red, young minds start to notice the changes of the seasons. This season offers endless opportunities for hands-on learning experiences. In this article, we have compiled 100 autumn-themed activity ideas …
Palming For Improving Teacher Wellbeing If you see a teacher with their head in their hands at their desk all may not be as bad as it seems they may be palming! Teaching is widely recognised as a demanding, high-stress profession. Heavy workloads, time pressures, all contribute to teacher stress and burnout. This not only …
What is an Anchor Chart? A classroom anchor chart is a visual teaching tool that is used to support learning in the classroom. It is a large piece of paper or chart that is displayed in the classroom and used to record and display important information about a lesson or topic. We have written before …
15 Halloween Play Dough Activity Ideas for 2023 Fall is here and that means Halloween is just around the corner. It’s the perfect time to engage the little ones in exciting and spooky crafts. One of the most versatile and child-friendly materials you can use for these activities is play dough. Not only does it …
Speech and Language Impairments in the Classroom Communication is a critical life skill that allows us to express our needs, build relationships, exchange information, and make sense of the world around us. For children with Speech and Language Impairments, developing strong communication abilities is essential not just for academic success, but for cognitive, social-emotional, and …
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What is Executive Functioning? Executive functioning refers to the cognitive processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully. It includes skills like working memory, mental flexibility, and self-control. Students rely on these skills to regulate their behaviour, organise their thoughts, and problem-solve. Executive functioning skills start developing in …
The Importance of a Pre-Interview School Visit As a prospective headteacher, you are likely aware of the critical role that school visits play in the selection process. A pre-interview visit to a school is not merely a formality; it’s an invaluable opportunity to glean insights about the school’s ethos, culture, operations, challenges and strategic focus. …
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STEM-based provocations for early years settings A provocation in the classroom is something that stimulates a response or action. It is based on children’s interests and curiosity. We love play based learning and storytelling on this site and STEAM based provocations seemed like a fantastic next step. A Sensory lesson plan for exploring The Three …
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Removing Barriers to Inclusion: Making Our Schools More Inclusive As educational leaders, inclusion should be our top priority. However, multiple systemic obstacles still prevent equitable learning environments for all. In this article, I will analyse predominant barriers to inclusion, propose evidence-based solutions, and address common questions around transforming our schools into communities where every child …
What is Independent Play? Independent play refers to the time when children play alone without the direct involvement of others. This doesn’t mean they’re isolated or neglected; instead, they’re learning how to entertain themselves, explore their environment, and develop their creativity and imagination. It’s a crucial part of a child’s development, fostering resilience, independence, and …
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The Educational Benefits of Water Play in EYFS and Beyond Water play is a staple activity in many early childhood education settings. It’s more than just splashing around—it’s a powerful learning tool that offers a multitude of educational benefits. From fostering motor skills to promoting scientific thinking, water play can provide a rich, sensory, and …
The Role of an SEN TA in the U.K. Education System Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistants (SEN TAs), also known as Special Needs Assistants or Learning Support Assistants, play a crucial role in the U.K. education system. They provide support to children with a range of needs, ensuring that all students can access education in …
Understanding Low Arousal Environments Before we dive into the specifics, it’s important to define what we mean by a “low arousal environment.” At its core, such an environment minimises sensory, cognitive, and emotional overstimulation. This can be achieved through a variety of methods, including controlling physical elements like light and sound, managing classroom activities, and …
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Developmental Delay The Importance of Early Detection and Intervention Child development proceeds rapidly in the first few years of life as critical cognitive, language and motor skills emerge. As such, the early years represent a crucial period for detection and mitigation of potential developmental delay. Extensive research has shown that the earlier interventions can begin …
Effective Use of Multi-Sensory Rooms Multi-Sensory rooms are a fantastic resource but often represent a significant investment in space and money. Inclusive education is a cornerstone of modern society, and special needs teachers play a vital role in ensuring that every student receives the support they need to thrive academically and emotionally. One powerful tool …
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Jingle All the Way to a Christmas Word Wall The holiday season provides a fun opportunity for young learners to build their vocabulary through exposure to festive new words. There are so many joyful activities centring around the sights, sounds, tastes and traditions of Christmas time. Why not capitalise on this natural excitement to expand …
What is a Preschool? An In-Depth Look into Early Childhood Education When it comes to early childhood education, one term that frequently comes up is “preschool.” But what exactly is a preschool, and what does it entail? This comprehensive guide is designed to answer these questions and more, providing insights into the world of preschool …
A Guide to Vocal Stimming and Autism As a parent to Autistic children and an SEN teacher, it’s essential to raise awareness and understanding about the different aspects of autism (ASD). One such aspect is “vocal stimming,” a term that refers to self-stimulatory behaviours exhibited by autistic individuals, it may also be called verbal stimming. …
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