Arts & Crafts
We will introduce children to using crayons at about the time they begin
to use a spoon. It will allow them to create and experiment with their own
symbols and marks and improve their manipulative skills, co-ordination and
control. Their pictures will also look good on your fridge door! We will
encourage messy play with paints, sand and water to develop creativity.
We will plan in 'making' sessions, using building blocks, recycled materials
and craft materials, which will be adapted to children at different stages.
We realise children have far more imagination than we do, so we will give
them the equipment and they can show us what they want to do.
Artwork for older children may be linked to their interests or something
we have talked about that day e.g. a book we have read or something we have
seen like animals from a trip to the zoo. Playdough, painting, gluing will
be regular activities and these are excellent for developing imagination,
creativity, concentration and social skills.
We will also have regular cooking sessions such as cutting and baking biscuit
shapes, chopping up the fruit and vegetables, a few of which will be grown
by the children in our garden, for our snacks, to promote independence and
manipulative skills.
Stories & Music
These will form a very regular part of our day, we aim to give children
enjoyment and help make a child feel secure which is often through things
that are familiar, for example re-reading stories or nursery rhymes. We
will have walks to the local library to supplement our own book collection
and also build children’s social confidence. We have some manufactured musical
instruments, such as rain makers and recorders, and will also let children
build their own instruments, using pans, boxes, spoons etc.
Toys and play
We have a wide range of toys for all ages, which the children can access
themselves, as well as many that we will choose to bring out at certain
times. Children will be encouraged to play both independently and supported.
There are also many things around the home, and routine things that we do
throughout the day, which will help children develop through play. A simple
thing like setting a table gives children learning opportunities in counting,
matching, sorting, learning new words etc.
Outdoor Play
It will be very unusual for us to be in the house all day! The school run
will be a chance for us all to get some fresh air, even if only a short
walk. We will use our large garden and play area as much as possible as
children always love a run around in the outside and enjoy the extra space.
The patio will allow children to ride tractors, scooters and bikes and the
bark chipping play area will provide a soft and safe surface for the swing
and see saw.
We will take advantage of our local parks, duck pond and the walk to the beach, teaching children important safety lessons like the Green Cross Code and water safety whilst we are out and about.
Television & Computers
We will not just sit the children in front of the TV, but we recognise that
there are some excellent children's programmes which are often reflected
in the children's play and songs they sing. We will tend to use the television
at the end of the day when children are tired and waiting for mum or dad,
or just want a quiet rest. We have a computer which we will encourage the
children to use as they become able to with programs designed for young
children. Early use of computers helps build children's confidence and also
their manipulative skills.