Why do children mirror write or write backwards?

This is a question  I will face at parent's evening. In my experience over the years, children who mirror write have often been a cause for concern. many teachers and practitioners don't understand the child development issues behind early writing experiences.
This article Children who mirror write - exploring the issue puts across the main reasons and should help teachers and parent's understand why their child is writing this way.

Looking forward to half term!

Early Education and The Use of Worksheets - Problems with The Google Generation

Early Education and The Use of Worksheets - Problems with The Google Generation

This is an ongoing debate! I am often asked about this when I am visiting a setting or school - where do you stand.

We must question the use of worksheets and ask what is it exactly that I want the children to learn from this activity?

We must then always ask - is the opportunity I have planned for them going to give them the best chance of learning something significant.

This article outlines the 3 main practice attitudes to worksheet use in the Early Years and gives sound insight into the value of questioning practice.

Have a great week!

Outdoor Garage Role Play

The outdoor area has been a hive of activity this week as we turned some of the space into a mechanics garage. I have put together a good starter list for you with around 20 different resource ideas which are low or no cost to get you going.
I only wish I could take my own car for it's MOT here because oe of the children quoted me a pound to get it done! Click the link and it will take you to the ideas list for EYFS outdoor play planning ideas - role play garage.

http://socyberty.com/education/outdoor-play-role-play-garage-planning-ideas-for-eyfs-early-years-education/

More Princess and Pea fun - this time KUW and PSRN activities!

The children have been utterly fascinated with peas - an unexpected offshoot of our Princess and the Pea topic that has turned out to be a lot of fun this week!
We have counted, sorted, got thoroughly messy and generally enjoyed ourselves investigating and exploring using all of our senses.
I am sharing my ideas for planning around the pea and hope you are 'peased' with them!
Just click my link below :)

Fun with peas in the EYFS!

Have Fun!

The Princess, the Pea and a very busy week ahead!

So the children have led me to the Princess and the Pea. It started when they began to build a castle in the construction area and then some of the girls asked if they take the dolls house furniture in there to play princesses. We talked about some stories which had princesses in and following on from our kite making instructions we made castles out of card to support our guided reading. I am all set for Chinese New Year this week - as you know from my last article. However, after reading several traditional tales at story time it is the Princess and the Pea that the children are fascinated by.

So, I am running this alongside Chinese New Year activities. It is going to be a fun packed and very busy week as usual.

Here are my literacy ideas for the Princess and the Pea theme.

Planning Ideas for Chinese New Year Topic Theme EYFS

Here are some nice ideas to get you started with your Chinese New Year topic theme in the EYFS. Great for all Early Years settings and childminders alike. I love this time of year! Click here to see these great Chinese New Year topic planning ideas!

Planning ideas for weather themed Early Years Topic

Our topic on weather in the EYFS is in full swing and I have been inundated with requests for planning ideas for a weather themed early years topic! I have decided to share the first article in a series about planning early years themes on the weather which I am sure will be of some use to my EYFS and early years teacher colleagues. In the link below, you will find a really good introduction and starter ideas to get your weather themed topic off the ground and as the children become more involved they will guide you if you observe their interests closely.

Planning ideas for a weather themed topic in the early years foundation stage - some ideas to get you started