Playing and Learning Together
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Drawing is brain worK!
Did you know that writing and drawing takes thinking and planning, it is fun for children and is real brain work! When they draw, children realise that something real like their mom or dad, can be represented by a picture on paper. This is an important step for young children. Read More
Drawing is brain worK!
Did you know that writing and drawing takes thinking and planning, it is fun for children and is real brain work! When they draw, children realise that something real like their mom or dad, can be represented by a picture on paper. This is an important step for young children.
The first time your child starts drawing, he may just make marks on the paper. It is very important to encourage and support him and not to criticize his drawings or ask him to copy your drawing. Help children to think about what they want to draw and then let them have a try.
Remember any opportunity to write for a real purpose shows your child that writing is fun and meaningful. Encourage your child to have a go at writing their idea, even if it’s scribbles or random letters.
Learning new words
Did you know that children learn new words more easily when they go with an experience? Children remember words when they can see, taste, hear, smell, or touch. We need to give them words to go with their experiences. For example, a cow has a rough tongue, a table is hard, a pillow is soft. Read More
Learning new words
Did you know that children learn new words more easily when they go with an experience? Children remember words when they can see, taste, hear, smell, or touch. We need to give them words to go with their experiences. For example, a cow has a rough tongue, a table is hard, a pillow is soft. Read More
Notice print everywhere
An informal activity that can support your child’s early reading. Encourage children to pay attention and look for letters all around them – especially the first letter in their names. Help them to notice the print in books, in pamphlets or on signs at the shops or on the road. Read More
Notice print everywhere
An informal activity that can support your child’s early reading. Encourage children to pay attention and look for letters all around them – especially the first letter in their names. Help them to notice the print in books, in pamphlets or on signs at the shops or on the road. Read More
I love my body
Knowing the names of parts of their bodies helps to grow your child’s general knowledge and increases their vocabulary which makes reading and writing easier for them too.
This game lets your child practise naming the parts Read More
I love my body
Knowing the names of parts of their bodies helps to grow your child’s general knowledge and increases their vocabulary which makes reading and writing easier for them too.
This game lets your child practise naming the parts of their body. Talk together about which parts of their body your child can name. If you know a song that names body parts and even has some actions to go along with it then sing this together with your child. They may even be able to teach you a body song or rhyme that they have learned from school, friends or from watching their favourite tv programme.
Give your child a piece of paper and some colours to draw with. Encourage them to draw a picture of their body. You could also give them scrap materials like toilet rolls, packaging boxes or egg boxes and they could glue these together to make the shape of a body. If your child wants you to write some of the names of the body parts on their picture then do this for them.
Encourage pretend reading
Every time someone reads to a child, they learn a little more about what it means to be a reader. Pretend reading is a very important step towards learning to read properly. Your child does not have to wait until he goes to school before he can start being a reader. Read More
Encourage pretend reading
Every time someone reads to a child, they learn a little more about what it means to be a reader. Pretend reading is a very important step towards learning to read properly. Your child does not have to wait until he goes to school before he can start being a reader.
Talk to family and friends about investing in books for your child. If they want to give presents on special occasions, encourage them to choose a book. Look out for second hand or bargain book shops. Buying a book for your child is a great investment in their future!
Hide and seek with flash cards
This game is a chance for your child to have fun with you while practising words or sounds they are learning. Children like to play Hide and Seek and in this activity they will be able to hunt for sounds or words that you hide away from them. Make about six flashcards (or more depending on your child) using pieces of paper or cardboard from old porridge boxes and write sounds or words that your child is familiar with Read More
Hide and seek with flash cards
This game is a chance for your child to have fun with you while practising words or sounds they are learning. Children like to play Hide and Seek and in this activity they will be able to hunt for sounds or words that you hide away from them.
Make about six flashcards (or more depending on your child) using pieces of paper or cardboard from old porridge boxes and write sounds or words that your child is familiar with on the flashcards. Hide the flashcards around the room or house and tell your child how many are hidden away for them to find. Then tell them to walk around and look for the hidden cards. Move around the rooms with your child and guide them to the hidden sounds and words by saying, “You are hot.” when they are close to a word or, “You’re cold.” when there are no words there. Your child can read the sound or word when they find them. If you are using sounds, only help your child to think of some words that start with the sound. If you are using words then help your child to say a sentence that has the word in it. For an extra bit of fun let your child hide the flashcards for you to find. They will be excited to have a turn to be the one who hides the words.
Word list: look, see, and, like, me, my, big, play, help, come, she, said, just, with.
Make a calendar
Making a simple calendar is a useful activity for children to do as it gives them an easy way to see what they will do each day of the week or they can look back at their calendar and see what they did each day.
Making your child aware of calendars and how to use them can provide your child with information about their and the family’s weekly routine. This can help children feel more secure because they know what to expect. Read More
Make a calendar
Making a simple calendar is a useful activity for children to do as it gives them an easy way to see what they will do each day of the week or they can look back at their calendar and see what they did each day.
Making your child aware of calendars and how to use them can provide your child with information about their and the family’s weekly routine. This can help children feel more secure because they know what to expect. Working with a calendar also helps your child to realise that writing is useful and has a purpose.
To make a calendar divide a blank page into seven sections – a section for each day of the week. Help your child learn the days of the week and talk about what happens on different days. You can point out which days are normally school days and which of the days are weekend days.
Let your child write or draw a picture of what they enjoy doing most each day. After drawing you can help them by writing what they say about the picture. When a few of the calendar days have been filled in you can talk about the days that your child has already filled in.
Ask and answer questions
Children often want to know the reason why things happen and we cannot always give them the answers. We can still encourage them to ask questions. Sometimes children behave better if we answer their questions and they know why something must be done. Read More
Ask and answer questions
Children often want to know the reason why things happen and we cannot always give them the answers. We can still encourage them to ask questions. Sometimes children behave better if we answer their questions and they know why something must be done. Read More
Going on a pattern hunt
Did you know? Being able to see patterns is an important part of your child’s early learning. When they work with numbers, patterns are involved and when your child begins to read they will see patterns in letters and sounds for example, ‘cat, mat, bat, fat’ all have the ‘at’ letter or sound pattern. Read More
Going on a pattern hunt
Did you know? Being able to see patterns is an important part of your child’s early learning. When they work with numbers, patterns are involved and when your child begins to read they will see patterns in letters and sounds for example, ‘cat, mat, bat, fat’ all have the ‘at’ letter or sound pattern. Read More
Let’s pretend!
Pretend play is fun for children and gives them a chance to use language in different ways to their everyday language. They learn to plan and be creative. Children love to act out stories they have heard or act out real life situations. Read More
Let’s pretend!
Pretend play is fun for children and gives them a chance to use language in different ways to their everyday language. They learn to plan and be creative. Children love to act out stories they have heard or act out real life situations. Read More
Have fun with an obstacle course
Children love moving in, over and around things in an obstacle course and of course will have lots of fun watching you join in with them too! For today’s activity you and your child can have fun playing in an obstacle course. Read More
Have fun with an obstacle course
Children love moving in, over and around things in an obstacle course and of course will have lots of fun watching you join in with them too! For today’s activity you and your child can have fun playing in an obstacle course. Read More
Practising words can be fun
There are many words that children will come across often when they read or write that can’t be sounded out easily. Your child will need to read and write them often before they are able to recognise and spell them with confidence. Let your child practise these words in fun ways. Read More
Practising words can be fun
There are many words that children will come across often when they read or write that can’t be sounded out easily. Your child will need to read and write them often before they are able to recognise and spell them with confidence. Let your child practise these words in fun ways. Read More
Enjoy good talking time
When children are spoken to and are given the opportunity to speak, their language skills will get stronger. Children with good language skills are likely to find it easier to learn to read and write. There are many opportunities everyday to listen to and speak with your children. Read More
Enjoy good talking time
When children are spoken to and are given the opportunity to speak, their language skills will get stronger. Children with good language skills are likely to find it easier to learn to read and write. There are many opportunities everyday to listen to and speak with your children. Read More
Make a little story book
Stories are a great way to introduce new words and ideas into a child’s language and listening to stories helps to grow their ability to listen and concentrate. Making a little book about the story shows children that what can be spoken and heard can also be written down in a meaningful way and can be enjoyed over and over again. Read More
Make a little story book
Stories are a great way to introduce new words and ideas into a child’s language and listening to stories helps to grow their ability to listen and concentrate. Making a little book about the story shows children that what can be spoken and heard can also be written down in a meaningful way and can be enjoyed over and over again. Read More
How many words can you think of?
Did you know that children will find it easier to learn to read and write if they are aware that the words we speak are made up of different sounds? Listening games help children hear the sounds in spoken words. Play this listening game with your child. Read More
How many words can you think of?
Did you know that children will find it easier to learn to read and write if they are aware that the words we speak are made up of different sounds? Listening games help children hear the sounds in spoken words. Play this listening game with your child. Read More
Take note of one new thing your child can do
Think about the children in your care and the things you have taught them this week- everyday things like dressing themselves, how to pack their own bags, how to greet adults. Have they helped you cook a meal this week and measured cups or counted eggs as you added them? Have they set the table and counted out the knives, forks and spoons? Have you sorted the laundry together? Read More
Take note of one new thing your child can do
Think about the children in your care and the things you have taught them this week- everyday things like dressing themselves, how to pack their own bags, how to greet adults. Have they helped you cook a meal this week and measured cups or counted eggs as you added them? Have they set the table and counted out the knives, forks and spoons? Have you sorted the laundry together? Read More
Story time with sock puppets
Acting with a sock puppet may seem like your child is ‘just’ playing but remember that every play opportunity is a chance to learn. This activity teaches children to listen to a story, repeat the story in the correct order and use their imagination to add to the story. Your child may feel more comfortable to freely express themselves by talking through their sock puppet character. Read More
Story time with sock puppets
Acting with a sock puppet may seem like your child is ‘just’ playing but remember that every play opportunity is a chance to learn. This activity teaches children to listen to a story, repeat the story in the correct order and use their imagination to add to the story. Your child may feel more comfortable to freely express themselves by talking through their sock puppet character. Read More
How clever is your nose?
This activity lets your child have fun finding things to smell, gives them opportunities to learn and use new descriptive words and lets them make decisions about what they like and what they don’t! Asking your child’s opinion shows that you respect what they think. Read More
How clever is your nose?
This activity lets your child have fun finding things to smell, gives them opportunities to learn and use new descriptive words and lets them make decisions about what they like and what they don’t! Asking your child’s opinion shows that you respect what they think. Read More
Sing a song together
Children love action songs and rhymes. They encourage children to move and keep their bodies active and develop their memory skills. The repetition in action songs and rhymes will help your child learn new words and put them together with the right actions. Sing and do the actions of the song below with your child. Read More
Sing a song together
Children love action songs and rhymes. They encourage children to move and keep their bodies active and develop their memory skills. The repetition in action songs and rhymes will help your child learn new words and put them together with the right actions. Sing and do the actions of the song below with your child. Read More
Some great reading choices on African Storybook
Have you heard of African Storybook? Wordworks recommends the African Storybook website which has over 1300 freely available, unique storybooks, in many African languages! Click on this link.You can access and read the storybooks directly from the website. Read More
Some great reading choices on African Storybook
Have you heard of African Storybook? Wordworks recommends the African Storybook website which has over 1300 freely available, unique storybooks, in many African languages! Click on this link.You can access and read the storybooks directly from the website. Read More
Let’s play together
When you make time to watch your child play, you can observe what they do, what they already know and what they are interested in. You get to see how they expand their ideas and listen to how they solve problems during their play. Watch your child playing a pretend game. Read More
Let’s play together
When you make time to watch your child play, you can observe what they do, what they already know and what they are interested in. You get to see how they expand their ideas and listen to how they solve problems during their play. Watch your child playing a pretend game. Read More
Take a fun quiz
Have you ever thought about what your child can learn from a shopping brochure? They can learn the names of objects and products, where they come from and how we use them. They can recognise beginning sounds in words and learn mathematical skills like counting objects and identifying colours. You will need an advertising page like you find in newspapers or at the shop. Here is a fun quiz to do with your child. Find the answers together, this is not a test and your child shouldn’t feel pressured. Here are some ideas: Read More
Take a fun quiz
Have you ever thought about what your child can learn from a shopping brochure? They can learn the names of objects and products, where they come from and how we use them. They can recognise beginning sounds in words and learn mathematical skills like counting objects and identifying colours. You will need an advertising page like you find in newspapers or at the shop. Here is a fun quiz to do with your child. Find the answers together, this is not a test and your child shouldn’t feel pressured. Here are some ideas: Read More
Make a yummy sandwich
Making a sandwich with your little one is a chance for your child to learn new vocabulary, to follow instructions, to learn simple life skills, and to have fun with you! Talk to your child about their favourite sandwich fillings. Let them use their imagination and name anything that could go on a sandwich. Read More
Make a yummy sandwich
Making a sandwich with your little one is a chance for your child to learn new vocabulary, to follow instructions, to learn simple life skills, and to have fun with you! Talk to your child about their favourite sandwich fillings. Let them use their imagination and name anything that could go on a sandwich. Read More
What’s the weather like?
Filling in a daily weather chart with your child makes them aware of how time passes and the world around them changes. It builds their vocabulary by letting them use words like ‘misty’, ‘breeze’, ‘hot’, ‘cool’ ‘shivering’, ‘blowing’, ‘sunny’, ‘windy’, ‘cloudy’. It also builds their thinking skills as they are encouraged to give their opinion and to describe similarities and differences they see. Divide a blank page or card from a cereal box into seven blocks of the same size. Read More
What’s the weather like?
Filling in a daily weather chart with your child makes them aware of how time passes and the world around them changes. It builds their vocabulary by letting them use words like ‘misty’, ‘breeze’, ‘hot’, ‘cool’ ‘shivering’, ‘blowing’, ‘sunny’, ‘windy’, ‘cloudy’. It also builds their thinking skills as they are encouraged to give their opinion and to describe similarities and differences they see. Divide a blank page or card from a cereal box into seven blocks of the same size. Read More
Take a ‘picture walk’
Did you know that talking about the pictures before you read a story can help children understand the story even before it’s been read? Pictures can give clues to new words, they help children make connections to their own lives and experiences and help them predict what’s going to happen in the story. Read More
Take a ‘picture walk’
Did you know that talking about the pictures before you read a story can help children understand the story even before it’s been read? Pictures can give clues to new words, they help children make connections to their own lives and experiences and help them predict what’s going to happen in the story. Read More
Draw with your child
Children love it when an adult joins them in an activity. When you draw with your child, you get to talk about how you are going to draw what you see. Your child gets to hear your thinking and it will help show them the kind of thinking they can do when they make their own drawings. You will need crayons and paper, chalk and a concrete surface or a stick and some sand to draw on. Read More
Draw with your child
Children love it when an adult joins them in an activity. When you draw with your child, you get to talk about how you are going to draw what you see. Your child gets to hear your thinking and it will help show them the kind of thinking they can do when they make their own drawings. You will need crayons and paper, chalk and a concrete surface or a stick and some sand to draw on. Read More
Things I like
Talk to your child about his or her favourite things. What is her favourite food, colours, animals? What things does she like to do? What games does he like to play? It’s always valuable to spend time with your children and get to know the things they like. Tell them the things you enjoy as well. Now, fold a little book. Read More
Things I like
Talk to your child about his or her favourite things. What is her favourite food, colours, animals? What things does she like to do? What games does he like to play? It’s always valuable to spend time with your children and get to know the things they like. Tell them the things you enjoy as well. Now, fold a little book. Read More
Listen to a story
You will need props from around your home – for example clothing, furniture and toys to be able to act out the story together. We’ve chosen the “Bookdash” story ‘Tortoise finds his home” https://bookdash.org/books/tortoise-finds-his-home-by-maya-fowler-katrien-coetzer-and-damian-gibbs/ Read More
Listen to a story
You will need props from around your home – for example clothing, furniture and toys to be able to act out the story together. We’ve chosen the “Bookdash” story ‘Tortoise finds his home” https://bookdash.org/books/tortoise-finds-his-home-by-maya-fowler-katrien-coetzer-and-damian-gibbs/ Read More
Let’s do chores!
Did you know that helping with family chores can encourage your child to feel pride in being part of the family? It also teaches them independence and responsibility. Making a list of chores helps your child to realise that writing is useful and has a purpose. Read More
Let’s do chores!
Did you know that helping with family chores can encourage your child to feel pride in being part of the family? It also teaches them independence and responsibility. Making a list of chores helps your child to realise that writing is useful and has a purpose. Read More
Paint a picture
Painting is a fun way to practise making marks on a page. This prepares young children for writing later on. Besides being a lot of fun, it also helps develop their hand muscles and encourages them to put their ideas onto paper. You will need paint, paper or card and paintbrushes. If you don’t have paint at home you and your child can make paint together. Follow the recipe below. Read More
Paint a picture
Painting is a fun way to practise making marks on a page. This prepares young children for writing later on. Besides being a lot of fun, it also helps develop their hand muscles and encourages them to put their ideas onto paper. You will need paint, paper or card and paintbrushes. If you don’t have paint at home you and your child can make paint together. Follow the recipe below. Read More
Can you guess the animal?
Guessing games help children to organize their thoughts and ideas. They learn new words and new knowledge in a fun and playful way. When children start guessing or asking questions, it is important to be patient and encourage and praise them for trying even if they make mistakes. Find pictures of five different animals. If this is difficult, you and your child could draw pictures of different animals.Read More
Can you guess the animal?
Guessing games help children to organize their thoughts and ideas. They learn new words and new knowledge in a fun and playful way. When children start guessing or asking questions, it is important to be patient and encourage and praise them for trying even if they make mistakes. Find pictures of five different animals. If this is difficult, you and your child could draw pictures of different animals.Read More
Play with words
There are many words that appear often in reading books for children. Many of these words cannot be sounded out. Children need to read and write these words many times before they are able to recognise and spell them with confidence. This game let’s children practise this skill. You can play this game inside or outside. Choose 5-7 words from this list: look, see, and, like, me, my, big, play, help, come, she, said, just, with. Read More
Play with words
There are many words that appear often in reading books for children. Many of these words cannot be sounded out. Children need to read and write these words many times before they are able to recognise and spell them with confidence. This game let’s children practise this skill. You can play this game inside or outside. Choose 5-7 words from this list: look, see, and, like, me, my, big, play, help, come, she, said, just, with. Read More
Make playdough story characters
Playing with playdough exercises the fingers and strengthens the muscles that’s needed for writing. A good vocabulary and being able to sequence ideas helps children read and write better! This activity encourages your child to recall a story and builds their vocabulary while having fun with playdough! For this activity you will need playdough. Also gather some sticks, stones, leaves, flowers, beads, bottle lids and any other things that your child might want to use to add to the playdough. Read More
Make playdough story characters
Playing with playdough exercises the fingers and strengthens the muscles that’s needed for writing. A good vocabulary and being able to sequence ideas helps children read and write better! This activity encourages your child to recall a story and builds their vocabulary while having fun with playdough! For this activity you will need playdough. Also gather some sticks, stones, leaves, flowers, beads, bottle lids and any other things that your child might want to use to add to the playdough. Read More
Notice and celebrate what your child is learning
Children learn faster and work with fewer mistakes when they feel comfortable and confident. Take note of what your child has learned while they are doing something they enjoy like listening to a story, drawing a picture, building a puzzle or cooking with you. Read More
Notice and celebrate what your child is learning
Children learn faster and work with fewer mistakes when they feel comfortable and confident. Take note of what your child has learned while they are doing something they enjoy like listening to a story, drawing a picture, building a puzzle or cooking with you. Read More
Feely bag fun!
A good vocabulary will help your child figure out difficult words they come across in books and will improve their writing skills. This activity helps to build your child’s vocabulary by letting them hear and use words that they normally might not use. Collect objects that have different textures. Read More
Feely bag fun!
A good vocabulary will help your child figure out difficult words they come across in books and will improve their writing skills. This activity helps to build your child’s vocabulary by letting them hear and use words that they normally might not use. Collect objects that have different textures. Read More
Sort the laundry together
Ask your children to help you sort laundry when you are ready to fold it and pack it away. Sorting and matching is an important skill for children. It helps them recognise similarities and differences in objects. Read More
Sort the laundry together
Ask your children to help you sort laundry when you are ready to fold it and pack it away. Sorting and matching is an important skill for children. It helps them recognise similarities and differences in objects. Read More
Make pancakes together
Children can learn so much by cooking with you!Follow the simple recipe below to make some delicious pancakes- perfect for a Lockdown birthday party or a special treat! Let your child help you gather everything you need, mix the ingredients and follow the steps with you. Read More
Make pancakes together
Children can learn so much by cooking with you!Follow the simple recipe below to make some delicious pancakes- perfect for a Lockdown birthday party or a special treat! Let your child help you gather everything you need, mix the ingredients and follow the steps with you. Read More
Hunt for objects
This activity is good for children who are learning their letter-sounds, for developing vocabulary, listening and problem-solving skills. Write the sounds “b”, “m”, “p”, ”r” ,”s”, ”t” on separate pieces of paper, fold them and drop them into a hat. Let your child pick one sound out of the hat and look for items around the house that start with or contain that focus sound. Read More
Hunt for objects
This activity is good for children who are learning their letter-sounds, for developing vocabulary, listening and problem-solving skills. Write the sounds “b”, “m”, “p”, ”r” ,”s”, ”t” on separate pieces of paper, fold them and drop them into a hat. Let your child pick one sound out of the hat and look for items around the house that start with or contain that focus sound. Read More
Play a memory game
This game develops your child’s observation, concentration and memory skills. These are important steps in helping your child learn to read and write. You will need 4 or 5 small objects from around your home, a tray or table, and a cloth to cover the objects. The number of objects will depend on the age of your child. Read More
Play a memory game
This game develops your child’s observation, concentration and memory skills. These are important steps in helping your child learn to read and write. You will need 4 or 5 small objects from around your home, a tray or table, and a cloth to cover the objects. The number of objects will depend on the age of your child. Read More
Play listening games
It is important to help children develop their ability to listen carefully. With good listening skills you can understand what someone is talking about , follow instructions and complete tasks. When young children learn to read and write, they need to be able to hear the different sounds in words. Read More
Play listening games
It is important to help children develop their ability to listen carefully. With good listening skills you can understand what someone is talking about , follow instructions and complete tasks. When young children learn to read and write, they need to be able to hear the different sounds in words. Read More
Make single picture cards
This is a fun way to build up vocabulary.You will need old magazines or leaflets, a ruler, a pencil, scissors, cardboard and some glue. Cut out and paste a single picture on each card. Read More
Make single picture cards
This is a fun way to build up vocabulary.You will need old magazines or leaflets, a ruler, a pencil, scissors, cardboard and some glue. Cut out and paste a single picture on each card. Read More
Write a shopping list
Let your child help you write a shopping list. As you talk about what the family needs from the shop, give your child a chance to try to write the items on the list. They won’t see it as a writing task but as a grown up task and this makes it especially fun! How proud they would be when you take the list they helped to write with you to the shop. Read More
Write a shopping list
Let your child help you write a shopping list. As you talk about what the family needs from the shop, give your child a chance to try to write the items on the list. They won’t see it as a writing task but as a grown up task and this makes it especially fun! How proud they would be when you take the list they helped to write with you to the shop. Read More
Making rattles or shakers
Did you know that singing and music is important in every culture and is another powerful way to learn language? While also being so much fun, it builds creativity. How to make the rattle/shaker: Read More
Making rattles or shakers
Did you know that singing and music is important in every culture and is another powerful way to learn language? While also being so much fun, it builds creativity. How to make the rattle/shaker: Read More
Play counting games
Did you know that by counting every day, little ones will soon learn the correct order of numbers and this will help them with mathematics when they go to school. Listen to your children’s counting but do not criticize them if they make mistakes as they are learning. Read More
Play counting games
Did you know that by counting every day, little ones will soon learn the correct order of numbers and this will help them with mathematics when they go to school. Listen to your children’s counting but do not criticize them if they make mistakes as they are learning.
Talk about your child’s drawings
Children enjoy drawing. The more they draw, the more they become interested in details around them. Let them draw their favourite part of a story or an experience or make up imaginary characters and contexts. Read More
Talk about your child’s drawings
Children enjoy drawing. The more they draw, the more they become interested in details around them. Let them draw their favourite part of a story or an experience or make up imaginary characters and contexts. Read More
Talk about print
When we encourage children to notice signs, logos and labels, they will become more interested in the print around them and will look at pictures or logos and try to work out what the print says. They will begin to see that print has a purpose and can tell us something useful. Often children’s first reading is recognising logos and road signs. Read More
Talk about print
When we encourage children to notice signs, logos and labels, they will become more interested in the print around them and will look at pictures or logos and try to work out what the print says. They will begin to see that print has a purpose and can tell us something useful. Often children’s first reading is recognising logos and road signs. Read More
Talk about a family event
This activity allows children to sequence their ideas and learn how to use language when talking about things that happened in the past. When you deepen the conversation by asking questions, you are helping children build their thinking skills. Find a photo that reminds you of a special family event. Read More
Talk about a family event
This activity allows children to sequence their ideas and learn how to use language when talking about things that happened in the past. When you deepen the conversation by asking questions, you are helping children build their thinking skills. Find a photo that reminds you of a special family event. Read More
Pretend play
Why is this important? Children enjoy retelling stories through pretend play. Through pretend play the also learn how to interact with their peers and develop new ideas and imagination for stories. It is also very therapeutic to be able to try out being someone else or understanding the world through another role.
Pretend play
Why is this important? Children enjoy retelling stories through pretend play. Through pretend play the also learn how to interact with their peers and develop new ideas and imagination for stories. It is also very therapeutic to be able to try out being someone else or understanding the world through another role.
Play with blocks and puzzles
Why is this important? When children play with blocks or different size boxes and containers they learn many new and useful skills. They learn how to balance one thing on top of another and find out why they balance – or why they fall down! They learn to problem solve, be creative and work together.
Play with blocks and puzzles
Why is this important? When children play with blocks or different size boxes and containers they learn many new and useful skills. They learn how to balance one thing on top of another and find out why they balance – or why they fall down! They learn to problem solve, be creative and work together.
Use encouraging words
All children learn best when they feel supported and encouraged. Whether they are telling you a story, or drawing a picture or trying to write or read- be patient and know that learning is a process. Here are some positive and encouraging words to build your child’s confidence and to motivate them to keep trying! Read More
Use encouraging words
All children learn best when they feel supported and encouraged. Whether they are telling you a story, or drawing a picture or trying to write or read- be patient and know that learning is a process. Here are some positive and encouraging words to build your child’s confidence and to motivate them to keep trying! Read More
Share positive family, and everyday, stories
Hearing stories from past family experiences gives children a se
nse of belonging in their family. They also learn about the special language used when telling stories from the past. Listening to stories makes it easier to tell your own stories one day. Read More
Share positive family, and every day, stories
Hearing stories from past family experiences gives children a sense of belonging in their family. They also learn about the special language used when telling stories from the past. Listening to stories makes it easier to tell your own stories one day. Read More
Let’s go (virtual) shopping!
This activity is good for cutting skills and helping little ones learn about the world around them. Draw a picture of a trolley or shopping basket. Read More
Let’s go (virtual) shopping!
This activity is good for cutting skills and helping little ones learn about the world around them. Draw a picture of a trolley or shopping basket. Read More
Explain or describe how things work to your little ones
Every day, you can find opportunities to talk about the way things work or why we do things! You’ll be building your child’s vocabulary and their knowledge of the world. Read More
Explain or describe how things work to your little ones
Every day, you can find opportunities to talk about the way things work or why we do things! You’ll be building your child’s vocabulary and their knowledge of the world. Read More
Make a playdough character with your children
Let your child create a playdough character, They can add sticks, stones and bottle tops to make arms, legs and eyes and to give the character some personality! This activity helps children think of ways to use what they have, to create an idea that’s in their head. What a great problem- solving skill! Read More
Make a playdough character with your children
Let your child create a playdough character, They can add sticks, stones and bottle tops to make arms, legs and eyes and to give the character some personality! This activity helps children think of ways to use what they have, to create an idea that’s in their head. What a great problem- solving skill! Read More
Making playdough together is a great home activity
Looking for a quiet and calming activity when children are feeling restless or frustrated? Try this. Making playdough together is a great home activity. You have the opportunity to build your child’s language without them realising that they are learning. Read More
Making playdough together is a great home activity
Looking for a quiet and calming activity when children are feeling restless or frustrated? Try this. Making playdough together is a great home activity. You have the opportunity to build your child’s language without them realising that they are learning. Read More
Write letters or draw pictures for family members
Encourage your child to draw a picture or to write a letter to each member of the family. Do this over a few days and make sure no one is left out! You could get all the members of the family to do the same. Use an empty jar or tin to make a simple postbox. You could even help your child decorate it. Read More
Write letters or draw pictures for family members
Encourage your child to draw a picture or to write a letter to each member of the family. Do this over a few days and make sure no one is left out! You could get all the members of the family to do the same. Use an empty jar or tin to make a simple postbox. You could even help your child decorate it. Read More
Help your little ones practise their letters in a fun way!
The more children practise their letters in fun ways and not in their school books, the faster and more automatically they will write when it’s time to go back to school. Read More
Help your little ones practise their letters in a fun way!
The more children practise their letters in fun ways and not in their school books, the faster and more automatically they will write when it’s time to go back to school. Read More
Make a letter book
Make a little book by folding an A4 sheet of paper. Choose a focus letter and write the letter in lowercase print on the front cover of the little book. Instructions here.
Make a letter book
Make a little book by folding an A4 sheet of paper. Choose a focus letter and write the letter in lowercase print on the front cover of the little book. Instructions here.
I spy
I SPY is great for children who are learning their letter sounds, and helps children to listen to clues. Remember, in order for children to learn to read and write they need to know the SOUNDS that letters make and not the LETTER NAMES! Use objects from the home and make sure they are safe to handle. Read More
I spy
I SPY is great for children who are learning their letter sounds, and helps children to listen to clues. Remember, in order for children to learn to read and write they need to know the SOUNDS that letters make and not the LETTER NAMES! Use objects from the home and make sure they are safe to handle. Read More
Make jigsaw puzzles at home
The picture shows a four piece, homemade jigsaw puzzle. They can help children to observe carefully, and to come up with descriptive words. Read More
Make jigsaw puzzles at home
The picture shows a four piece, homemade jigsaw puzzle. They can help children to observe carefully, and to come up with descriptive words. Read More
Make board books for little ones
Pretending to read books or reading with an adult is the best way to start learning that books are interesting and fun. Resources: Cardboard, packaging tape or cable ties, crayons or felt tip pens, scissors, glue, old magazines, leaflets, calendars, family photos.
Make board books for little ones
Pretending to read books or reading with an adult is the best way to start learning that books are interesting and fun. Resources: Cardboard, packaging tape or cable ties, crayons or felt tip pens, scissors, glue, old magazines, leaflets, calendars, family photos.