EYR International Blog

09/11/2022

Outdoor Learning Benefits for Early Years – an Expert’s Perspective

This article has been written by early years consultant, Anne Rodgers, from ATR Consultancy. Anne has 36 years’ experience of working in the childcare and education sector. This includes training practitioners, managing numerous settings and writing articles for Early Years Educator and the CACHE Alumni website. In this blog she discusses the benefits of outdoor learning, the key messages and how outdoor learning can be facilitated. What can children learn and experience outdoors?  Children are naturally inquisitive and learn best when engaged in their environment. Outdoor learning is therefore an... Read More

09/11/2022
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Tips to Keep Children Engaged on their Return to the Classroom

This blog has been written by Matthew Crouch aka Mr C Classroom. An EYFS lead, class teacher and EYR Industry Expert. In this blog he uses his experience and knowledge – particularly as a PSHE subject leader – to share insights on attention span and keeping children engaged. To learn more about Matthew, his experiences and advice then head to his Instagram page! As everyone knows, the pandemic has had an effect on almost every aspect of life. The impact on children is arguably one area that has been overlooked.... Read More

09/11/2022

Your Essential Checklist for Outdoor Learning and Play

Outdoor learning can be whatever you make of it. You can use a lot of resources or a little, purchased products or nature’s finds. It can be shaped in any which way you want but still offers the same learning benefits and experiences. In this blog we share 6 essential factors to consider for outdoor learning. These are selected for you to ensure you can provide children with vital outdoor learning benefits all year round. 1. Outdoor Clothing First and foremost, dressing for the weather is key and the first... Read More

09/11/2022
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7 Outdoor Loose Parts Play Activity Ideas and Benefits

In this blog we are going to delve into loose parts play – specifically outdoor loose parts play. We will be discussing the value and benefits of this form of activity as well as sharing 7 of our favourite outdoor loose parts play ideas. Read on for some simple summer activity inspiration! What is Loose Parts Play? Loose parts play is quite simply playing with objects that have no fixed definition or purpose. This includes but is not specific to: items that can be moved, constructed or deconstructed, carried, combined,... Read More

09/11/2022
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Transitions Series 3: The big move. Advice for Early Years Practitioners

Starting school is a major change for many children. It means they are now part of a bigger classroom, with more children and perhaps more routine than previously. Early years practitioners are ideally placed to help ease these transitions and can help ensure that children’s feelings of anxiety or apprehension are explored and managed before starting school. This can be done in a number of ways including active communication, play and helping to support parents. Supporting children in their transitions Starting school is a big step and can be a... Read More

09/11/2022
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How to Support a Child with Dyslexia

What is Dyslexia? Dyslexia is a learning difficulty commonly associated with difficulties in reading and spelling. As well as this, dyslexia can also present several other difficulties such as maintaining concentration or staying organised. Children in their early years may have difficulty in recognising sounds from letters in the alphabet or display slow progress with phonics. Being unable to work through these difficulties can cause embarrassment and frustration and lead to a reluctance to learn. This is why it is crucial to understand how the right support and early intervention... Read More

15/07/2022
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Transition series 2: Supporting Positive Transitions

This blog series has been written with the help of our EYR Industry experts over at the University of Cambridge, the University of Birmingham and Manchester Metropolitan University. With the input of these three experts as well as contributions from parents and practitioners, we bring you our transition blog series designed to provide you with unique insights, suggestions and solutions. Understanding Transitions Supporting Positive Transitions The big move. Advice for Early Years Practitioners In our previous blog of this series we discussed the following three factors that play an influential... Read More

08/07/2022
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Transition series 1: Understanding Transitions

This series has been written with the help of EYR industry experts from the University of Cambridge, University of Birmingham, and Manchester Metropolitan University. With the input of these three experts as well as contributions from parents and practitioners, we bring you our transition series. Designed to provide you with unique insights, suggestions, and solutions. Understanding transitions Improving the transition experience The big move. Advice for Early Years Practitioners What are transitions? It is that time of year again when children are transitioning into the first or next stage of... Read More

01/07/2022

5 Fine Motor Activities for Children

What are fine motor skills? Fine motor skills refer to the coordination of small muscles in the brain and nervous system responsible for controlling precise movements in key areas such as hands and fingers. The development of fine motor skills depend on gross motor skill development. Gross motor skills refer to larger movements such as walking, crawling, and sitting independently. From initial development, children can begin to grasp objects and move small items independently. Infants will then progress onto more complex movements such as weaving and holding cutlery and pencils.... Read More

01/07/2022
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15 Ways to Use Tyres in Outdoor Play

Tyres are a fantastically versatile and upcycled resource that can be used in a variety of different ways. Naturally weatherproof and tough, they are a great option to use outdoors with your little ones. In this blog, we provide 15 ways to incorporate them into your outdoor learning and play. From the simple to the slightly more obscure – there is guaranteed to be an activity for you to try out. Make sure to check our safety tips to ensure your little one’s are always safe when playing with tyres.... Read More