Free play with loose parts :: what, why, how

We’ve been chatting over on NurtureStore’s Facebook page recently about free play with loose parts. I know many of you are working to include more and more bits-and-bobs and open-ended resources in your play spaces, and switching from plastic and commercial toys to more natural materials. So today I’m talking about why I love to encourage lots of free play in our home, and I have a super, printable list of loose parts you might like to try out.

A printable list of loose parts to encourage creative free play

What are loose parts? Read more »

Sand pit fairy garden :: small worlds play

Do your children like to create and play with small worlds? My girls always have one or two landscapes on the go at any one time. Today B made a fairy garden in the sand pit which she declared ‘the sweetest thing I’ve ever made’ – so I had to show it to you. It’s lovely, and also a good reminder that the simplest of ‘loose parts’ and a child’s imagination can combine to create great things.

Fairy garden in sand pit :: make a magical small world!

Sand pit fairy garden for small world play Read more »

10 rules to maximise small family gardens

I’ve had lots of people asking me how to combine gardening, play and relaxation spaces in small family gardens like ours, so I thought I’d give you a tour and share some tips.

We have a truly tiny garden, in a Victorian terraced house on the edge of a city in the UK. It has no lawn, is surrounded by a brick wall but we still manage to grow (are you ready for this…) apples, basil, bay, beetroot, borlotti beans, broad beans,  chives, cress, cucumber, courgette, fennel, garlic, green beans, lavender, leek,  lettuce, nasturtiums, onions, oregano, parsley,  peas, pears, peppers, potatoes, raspberries, radish, rocket, sage, spinach, spring onions, strawberries, sunflowers, thyme, tomatoes as well as a variety of pretty flowers and shrubs. We also have areas for play and space for the adults to sit and relax or eat outside.

 

Welcome to our garden, come and take a look around. Read more »

Homemade paint recipe with spices

This homemade paint recipe with spices is as much a delight for the nose as the eyes! It’s super easy to make and great for both sunny days when you’re painting outdoors, or dark days when your senses need a boost. Here’s how to make it.

homemade paint recipe

Homemade paint recipe with spices Read more »

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