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- May 20, 2020
- 3 min
Open-Ended Potion Play
Today, I want to share with you a simple, open-ended, potion-themed invitation to play, with minimal materials required, but with the potential for engaging your child in sustained play and learning. If you have a Harry Potter fan in your home, this is likely to be a hit! YOU WILL NEED: A muffin tin Pipettes/syringes Glass jars Bicarbonate of Soda (Baking Soda) White vinegar Food colouring (we use these ones) A large tray to contain spills (we like this one as it's smaller th
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- Apr 9, 2018
- 4 min
An Introduction to the Reggio Emilia Approach
This is the third of a series of three blog posts, looking at the main principles of the most well known child-led educational philosophies today. You can read the post on Montessori here, and on Steiner/Waldorf here. Today, the Reggio Emilia approach... In my opinion, I have saved the best for last, as this is the philosophy that resonates most closely with our family values, although there are aspects of Montessori and Steiner/Waldorf that I love and respect very much too.
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- Jan 22, 2018
- 1 min
Winter 'Inspiration' Digital Resource
Winter can be a challenging time of year, with shorter daylight hours and often long stretches of cold and wet weather. If you are anything like me, then you strive to spend time outdoors with your family every day, whatever the weather, but sometimes an activity idea can help to inspire and motivate you and your children to get outdoors. I'm very excited to introduce the first of my digital resources... a 22 page, full-colour, winter 'inspiration' pack, including instruction
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- Jan 15, 2018
- 2 min
What is an 'invitation to play'?
An 'invitation to play' is a concept derived from the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education. The Reggio philosophy encourages children to learn through exploration, by providing materials that 'invite them to play' in a creative, non-directive way, with no criteria for success. The materials on offer are open-ended, which means that they can be used in many different ways. For example, a pebble can be enjoyed by the very youngest child for it's tactile properti
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