Shadow puppets

shadow puppets
Remember the indoor meadow we grew as one of our Earth Day activities? This week it has become the indoor / outdoor stage for a theatre production using shadow puppets.

Home made puppets are some of the most played with toys in our house, lending themselves time and time again to all sorts of adventures. The children play with puppets so often I think because it lets them be the master of a small universe and really stretch their imaginations as they tell their tales. Puppets are also a wonderful way for children to work out real-life relationships and develop their language – and so much fun to make! Here’s how the girls made their shadow puppets this week, with links to some of the other puppet ideas in our archives.

How to make shadow puppets Read more »

Back to school 101: organise yourself for the new school year

audit your playspace

New year, new start

September always has a new year feeling for me. Whether we have children starting school, we’re expecting a new year’s intake or we’re at home with our own children or looking after others, it’s always good to pause every so often and take stock.

Audit your play

For my own children and the ones I look after I like to run an audit on our play space. As children develop through different stages and interests a quick check of our play space helps me keep pace with their learning and provide an interesting environment for them. Try these ideas to give your own place a play audit inside and outside. Read more »

Starting school 101: what your child really needs to know

starting school tips

This time last year L was starting school. I felt it was a huge step she was taking and she breezed through it merrily! We’d spent a little time playing and practising some practical things to help with starting school, which I think really helped her transition into reception.

If you have a child starting school (or even getting back into the school swing after a relaxed summer holiday), here are our tips Read more »

Learning to write your name

Starting School series: Learning to Write Your Own Name

We have been looking at ways we can help a child to get ready for starting school – you can view the starting school series here – and today our focus is on writing their own name. Learning to write their own name is quite a . . . → Read More: Learning to write your name

Books about starting school

Welcome to part three in our series: Starting School.

In part one we looked at school dinners and part two considered putting on your own coat and shoes. This time we’re looking at a selection of great books which deal with the subject of starting school. Take your pick from the four books below – . . . → Read More: Books about starting school

What to do if you get lost

Both of my daughters, at around the age of 3, gained a sudden awareness that they might get lost and not be able to find mummy or daddy when they were out. It’s a very scary thought for young children and quite natural for the realisation to come at around this age: they’re gaining an awareness . . . → Read More: What to do if you get lost

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