Play involving hands and feet can help develop observation and thinking skills beyond simple recognition of size, shape and pattern. Marianne Sargent suggests some ideas.
Musical instruments can help children develop the sound recognition skills essential for reading, spelling and writing. Early years settings call the tune as they try out a few for Nicole Weinstein.
Children in one West Sussex school have been getting close to nature thanks to a creative project and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust free visits programme, says Jordan Chamberlain.
In providing resources for playful learning we need to remember the process in which they will be used, not just the outcome at the end, says Anne O'Connor.
A 'monster' sighting at one nursery sparked a project looking at a range of themes.
Use first-hand experiences and location resources for learning about environments, says Nicole Weinstein.
The aims and principles that went into developing an innovative children's centre outdoor area are explained to Karen Faux. Photographs by Teri Pengilley at Woodlands Park Nursery.
School and nursery children took the principles of Forest School to the water, with an added environmental message, in ecological sustainability activities beside the seaside.
An activity based on the Noah's Ark story has provided a focused learning opportunity for girls and quieter children, reports Rebecca Fisk.
Before spending a lot of money on an outside playhouse, settings must think carefully about how it fits their specific needs, says Nicole Weinstein.