🌈SENSORY SCARVES 🌈 These are an awesome resource for babies and young toddlers! There are a ton of ways to play with sensory scarves, here are just a few for the younger kids but they also are great for older kids learning colours (recognising and matching), they make great props in their dressing up boxes and they also can be added to water play! If they’re not on your Christmas list yet, add them now! You can also check all my favourite toys and books (and lots of other resources) in my Amazon shop (link in bio). * * * #sensoryscarves #waystoplay #sensoryactivity #sensoryscarvesbabies #sensoryplay #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #toddlerlife #learningisfun #playislearning #montessori #montessoriathome #montessoritoddler #funathomewithkids #creativeideasforkids #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #toddleractivities #babysensory #sensoryplay #practicallife #teachermum #earlylearning #babyactivities #independentchild #toddleractivitiesathome #playathome #babylearning #messyplay #eyfs

📚READING TO BABIES📚 It’s never too early to start reading to your child. Start as young as when they are newborn and let it become something you do with your child on a daily basis. Children who read books from a young age with their parents or carers will have: ✅better communication and language skills ✅wider vocabulary ✅a better understanding of the world around them ✅a more developed and inquisitive mind ✅ a stronger sense of self ✅Books also help children with a new experience and to learn to handle change in their lives. ✅Not to mention, the bonding and connection you experience reading a book with your little ones is really invaluable! What’s your favourite book to read? Check out my book recommendations in my Amazon shop. I have a list for babies too. Link in bio! * * * #booksforkids #storytime #storiesforkids #readingwithkids #babybooks #toddlerbooks #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #toddlerlife #learningisfun #playislearning #montessori #montessoriathome #montessoritoddler #funathomewithkids #creativeideasforkids #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #toddleractivities #babysensory #sensoryplay #practicallife #teachermum #earlylearning #babyactivities #independentchild #toddleractivitiesathome #playathome #babylearning #eyfs

🍂NATURE MUD KITCHEN 🍁 With autumn now here, it’s a great time to explore natural objects from the environment such as pine cones, acorns, tree bark, conkers, leaves etc. I set them up in our mud kitchen with some soil and water for the kids to explore. You can add some kitchen utensils like whisks, bowls, jugs, spoons, sieves. Getting messy using nature and everyday tools for this type of play is great for improving fine motor skills, practical life skills and fostering creativity and imagination. You can find the mud kitchen, nature accessories and tools in my Amazon shop (link in bio, under mud kitchen). * * * #practicallife #finemotorskills #natureplay #mudkitchen #transferwork #lifeskills #scooping #cognitivedevelopment #oursensorykids #earlylearning101 #sensorybin #partyideasforkids #sensoryplay #babysensory #babysensoryplay #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #learningisfun #eyfs #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #earlyyearseducation #grossmotorskills #eyfsideas #montessori #montessoritoddler #reggioinspired #openendedplay #teachermum

💀HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS💀 Trick or treating is an exciting event for children and unfortunately this can mean more accidents happening. Children are more likely to get hit by a car whilst out trick or treating than any other time. If they are running across the road in dark costumes or if they’re wearing a mask/helmet and cannot see well, accidents happen. Also, costumes are extremely flammable! Please be vigilant when you choose the lighting you decorate your entrance with and also when choosing which homes to knock on, take a look at their pumpkins and if they’re real candles move to the next home. It’s just not worth your kids getting injured if their cape/dress catches fire! Please keep these tips in mind when you go out later this evening. Have fun and happy Halloween! 👻🎃💀 * * * #kidshalloweencostumes #halloween #kidshalloween #halloweensafety #halloweensafetytips #trickortreating #trickortreatsafely #parentadvice

🌈GRIMMS RAINBOW STACK🌈 We love these open ended toys by @grimmswoodentoys, they provide so many different learning opportunities for children, but most of all I love the determination when building different shapes and the pure satisfaction on their little faces when it works! She worked really hard, and we had many failed attempts, but she kept picking them back up and trying again and it is this notion of perseverance and grit that these types of open-ended toys provide. Swipe to see how we built it. So many ways to play with these, but this one may be my new favourite! And she’s had these for 1.5 years and it took a long time for her to really love playing with them ❤️ * * * * * * *#grimmswoodentoys #openendedtoys #openendedmaterials #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #toddlerlife #learningisfun #playislearning #montessori #montessoriathome #montessoritoddler #funathomewithkids #creativeideasforkids #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #toddleractivities #babysensory #sensoryplay #practicallife #teachermum #earlylearning #babyactivities #independentchild #toddleractivitiesathome #playathome #babylearning #messyplay #eyfs

🎃👩🏻‍🎨DECORATING PUMPKINS 🎃👩🏻‍🎨 Here is another activity you can do with pumpkins, big or small! Grab those paints and paintbrushes, pompoms, gems, glue and get creative! We painted two minis with her paints - she used brush and sponges to decorate them. A top tip you can do is mix pva glue into the paint and have them glue some pompoms straight on! Alternatively wait until they dry and and pompoms or gems. We then did two others decorated in gems - I always get the self-adhesive ones (sticker) as it just means I don’t need to use glue. Sienna decided to do all the gems in a line going all around the pumpkin and I think it’s beautiful she was able to use her creativity to decide how she wanted to design her pumpkin. What’s your favourite way to decorate a pumpkin? * * * * *#halloweencraftsforkids #halloweendecor #halloweenpumpkin #halloweenactivities #halloweenpainting #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #toddlerlife #learningisfun #playislearning #montessori #montessoriathome #montessoritoddler #funathomewithkids #creativeideasforkids #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #toddleractivities #babysensory #sensoryplay #practicallife #teachermum #earlylearning #babyactivities #independentchild #toddleractivitiesathome #playathome #babylearning #messyplay #eyfs

👻 HALLOWEEN GHOSTS 👻 Need another Halloween craft? Of course you do! Here is a cute one: draw the outline of a spooky ghost and either cut it out or have your child cut around it (Sienna did the one on the right!). Grab some PVA glue and cotton wool balls. Have your little one apply the glue, tear the cotton wool balls into smaller bits and fill the ghost! Once done, add sticker eyes or wiggly eyes, and a spooky black mouth! They look great hanging at the window to add to your Halloween decor for all the trick or treaters on Sunday! If you try it, tag me so I can see and reshare ❤️👍🏻 * * * * * * #halloweencrafts #halloweenactivities #halloweenforkids #scissorskills #halloweenghost #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #toddlerlife #learningisfun #playislearning #montessori #montessoriathome #montessoritoddler #funathomewithkids #creativeideasforkids #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #toddleractivities #babysensory #sensoryplay #practicallife #teachermum #earlylearning #babyactivities #independentchild #toddleractivitiesathome #playathome #babylearning #messyplay #eyfs

🎃PUMPKIN DISCOVERY🎃 We’re getting in the Halloween spirit with lots of pumpkins around the house. Here is a simple sensory discovery activity for your small babies. Let them discover the different shapes, sizes, colours and smells of these wonderful munchkin pumpkins, which you can find in any supermarket at the moment! You can also do this with a variety of other fruits and veg or random items around the house - it’s all about stimulating their senses and allowing them to be exposed to different real life objects! Also a great first intro to foods. Can be done during tummy time or sitting up, depending on their abilities, and suits all ages not just babies! Enjoy! * * * #halloweenpumpkin #sensorydiscovery #exploringtextures #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #toddlerlife #learningisfun #playislearning #montessori #montessoriathome #montessoritoddler #funathomewithkids #creativeideasforkids #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #toddleractivities #babysensory #sensoryplay #practicallife #teachermum #earlylearning #babyactivities #independentchild #toddleractivitiesathome #playathome #babylearning #messyplay #eyfs

🎃🧽PUMPKIN WASH 🧽🎃 Kids love washing things and here is the perfect activity for getting them ready to use pumpkins for Halloween. Grab a bucket, soap and water, a sponge, and get them washing those pumpkins! This activity is fun but also teaches them essential life skills such as how to wash things before/after use and also the importance of helping in the kitchen. She also spoke about floating and sinking when observing the sponge floating and the brush sinking. We also discussed light and heavy when lifting the small pumpkins versus the large one! She also used her fine motor skills and peeled the sticker labels off each pumpkin and then laid them out to dry once cleaned. Enjoy! * * * #halloweenactivity #pumpkins #lifeskills #washingpumpkins #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #toddlerlife #learningisfun #playislearning #montessori #montessoriathome #montessoritoddler #funathomewithkids #creativeideasforkids #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #toddleractivities #babysensory #sensoryplay #practicallife #teachermum #earlylearning #babyactivities #independentchild #toddleractivitiesathome #playathome #babylearning #messyplay #eyfs

👶🏼TOP 5 THINGS TO DO WITH A NEWBORN BABY👶🏾 Did you just have a baby and already feeling like you need to “play” with them? What activities should you do for them? What toys should you buy? My honest advice is you really don’t need to worry about ANY of that yet! In the first 2 months the best thing you can do for your baby is BOND and focus on a few key developmental activities to stimulate their senses and increase their brain development. Here are my top 5 things I suggest all parents enjoy and spend time doing with their new babies. 1) CUDDLE! Enjoy your baby as much as possible. Smell their heads, kiss them, cuddle them, let them sleep on you. They’re only this tiny once (and it goes fast!) and you cannot spoil a new baby or create “bad habits”. 2) SING/TALK: literally talk to them all day. Describe what you’re doing when you change their nappies, talk to them about the weather. This is amazing for their language skills and also your voice is comforting to them as they know it from inside the womb. Singing is also great and you can even start reading books (they won’t focus on anything but they will listen to the language). 3) MAKE EYE CONTACT - put your face close to theirs and look into their eyes. Let them study your face, make bold expressions and silly noises. Let them get to know you and you get to know them! 4) B&W TOYS - have a few black and white toys, mats, soft books or muslins and let them look at these patterns. This is excellent for stimulating their senses and visual perception as they can’t see colour until about 3 months old. 5) TUMMY TIME - this is by and large the most important “activity” to do! Develops the brain and strengthens the body. What’s your favourite thing to do with your new baby? * * *#babyplay #newbornbaby #tummytime #babysensory #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #toddlerlife #learningisfun #playislearning #montessori #montessoriathome #montessoritoddler #funathomewithkids #creativeideasforkids #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #toddleractivities #sensoryplay #practicallife #teachermum #earlylearning #babyactivities #independentchild #toddleractivitiesathome #playathome #babylearning #eyfs

He’s here! Our little bundle has arrived and we couldn’t be happier 😍 Rayan (pronounced “Ray-yanne”) and smells like heaven ❤️🥰

🦄SIENNA’S 3rd BIRTHDAY🦄 I threw Sienna a very small, unicorn themed birthday party for her third birthday with a few of her girl friends (her bday is in a couple of weeks but wanted to give her one last one before she then has to share with the new baby 😂). Scroll to see the highlights of what we did and will tag everything below! Anything purchased from Amazon will be in my amazon shop under “Unicorn birthday”. 1) I rented a bouncy castle and unicorn bouncers which was a HUGE hit! @playdaysparties. 2) I prepared a cupcake decorating activity which was a really nice activity that they all sat doing for ages! I got paint palettes and put a cupcake in the middle with lots of different types of sprinkles for them to choose to decorate with. There was a choice of purple unicorn frosting or white and they all spread the icing onto the cupcakes, covered them in sprinkles and then ate them! 3) Each girl wore a unicorn headband which they took home. 4) Party favours were these really lovely personalised unicorn bracelets from @etsyuk, a small business seller called @alyssaattic. 5) Unicorn cake and cupcakes from @lolas_cupcakes. 6) Popcorn containers with personalised stickers @amazonuk 7) Unicorn balloons, decoration, paper cups, paper plates, napkins etc. all from @amazonuk and can be found in my amazon shop. Happy birthday my sweet angel, I’m sorry you’ll most likely have to share birthdays with your baby sibling from now on!! 😂❤️ * * * * * * * #birthdaypartyideas #unicornbirthday #toddlerbirthdayparty #bouncycastle #cupcakedecorating #3rdbirthday #diybirthdaypartyideas #unicorncake #unicorndecorations #kidsbirthdayparty #birthdaydecoration #birthdaydecorationideas #birthdaypartyideas

🌎♻️ ECO WARRIOR COSTUME 🌎♻️ To celebrate Earth Day, and Eco week at S’s nursery, the children all went to school dressed up in a sustainable, recycled eco-warrior themed costume. So here is our take on it, it’s a bit of a mash up of whatever I could pull together: Pocahontas style headband, warrior armour and sword, and a warrior skirt made of cut up tea towel and bubble wrap! All made from cardboard boxes courtesy of all my Amazon orders! 😂 We attached at the very last minute some Velcro to hold her sword to the armour, and she of course added her own touch to it by wearing a beaded hairband that she made at a friend’s house. * * * * * #ecowarrior #ecowarriorcostume #earthday #ecoweek #sustainable #recycle #upcycle #recycledcostume #recycleandplay #learningthroughplay #kidscrafts #earlylearning #diy #craftsforkids #toddleractivities #playmatters #earlyyears #earlychildhoodeducation

👶🏼PREPARING YOUR TODDLER FOR A NEW BABY👶🏼 This post contains two parts: 1) The first slide provides tips for helping to prepare your child BEFORE baby is born. 2) The second slide provides tips for that first intro and the days that follow. Welcoming a new baby into the family is a huge adjustment for everyone and your toddler will be feeling the new change well before baby is born. You might see the impact of this in their behaviour with increased tantrums, change in sleep patterns, change in appetite, more clinginess, more detached etc. Allow them the time they need to adjust and be patient with them. Helping to prepare them as much as possible beforehand will help a lot with them feeling more at ease with the new change but expect some resistance! Hopefully these tips will help make a smoother transition. Do you have any other tips that worked for you? Share them below! 👇🏼 * * * * * * #newsibling #newbabysibling #newbaby #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #toddlerlife #learningisfun #playislearning #montessori #montessoriathome #montessoritoddler #funathomewithkids #creativeideasforkids #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #toddleractivities #babysensory #sensoryplay #practicallife #teachermum #earlylearning #babyactivities #independentchild #toddleractivitiesathome #playathome #babylearning #messyplay #eyfs

🐣🍫EASTER CHOCOLATE NESTS🍫🐣 Would it really be Easter without an abundance of chocolate?! I for one have eaten far too many chocolate eggs to even count! Here’s something fun to do with your little ones for Easter: chocolate nests! So easy, here is what you need: • Shredded wheat or cornflakes (I used 4 big shredded wheat “biscuits”) • 200g chocolate (any kind) • chocolate eggs - I used micro eggs which are smaller than the mini eggs. Please do not give children under 4 years old mini eggs, they are a choking hazard!! • cupcake cases How to make: 1️⃣ Break the chocolate into smaller pieces in a microwaveable bowl 2️⃣ Melt in microwave (30secs, stir, 30secs, stir) - don’t let it burn 3️⃣ Crumble the Shredded Wheat into a separate bowl 4️⃣ Add the shredded wheat into the melted chocolate and mix well until fully coated 5️⃣ Add mixture to cupcake cases, top with chocolate eggs 6️⃣ Chill for at least 10 mins in the fridge, then enjoy them hard! Happy Easter! 🐣 * * * #funactivitiesforkids #chocolateeggs #minieggs #shreddedwheat #easterforkids #toddleractivityideas #easternests #handmade #spring #eastercraftsforkids #eastercrafts #easteractivities #easter #easteractivitiesforkids

🐣👒EASTER BONNET 👒🐣 Here it is, our Easter Bonnet! I wanted to create something a little different/fun so I did an Easter basket spilling eggs and chicks out onto the bonnet. I added ribbon to tie under her chin to help carry the hat on her head but it was actually very light considering the amount on it! Everything was stuck on using a glue gun and all the eggs/chicks/carrots are from @poundland. Happy Easter! 🐣 * * * #easterdecorations #handmade #spring #eastercraftsforkids #eastercrafts #easteractivities #easterbonnetparade #easterbonnet #easterbonnetideas #easterbonnetdiy

📚BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS - NEW BABY SIBLING📚 I’m a huge believer in preparing children for big changes and transitions, and what bigger transition is there than welcoming a new baby into the family?! It’s huge for everyone in the family, and your little ones will definitely be feeling this shift even before the baby has arrived. One of the best and most relatable ways for a child to prepare for this is through books. Books are so powerful for children to PICTURE and VISUALISE what this transition actually means, through the eyes of another child. I have listed below a few book recommendations for young ones all the way to some older toddlers, and a variety of girls expecting brothers or the other way around. Find what works for you but don’t worry too much if it isn’t an exact representation of your own family dynamic - the point is they will relate to the FEELINGS and the EVENTS that are imminent. These can all be found in my amazon shop, under book recommendations (link is in bio). These are good for ages 2-4 years: 🔸There’s a House Inside My Mummy - Giles Andreas/Vanessa Cabban 🔸What’s in Your Tummy, Mummy? - Sam Lloyd 🔸We’re Having a Baby - Campbell Books 🔸You’re the Biggest - Lucy Tapper & Steve Wilson 🔸Topsy and Tim, The New Baby - Jean and Gareth Adamson 🔸I’m A Big Sister - Caroline Jane Church 🔸I’m A Big Brother - Joanna Cole 🔸Pirate Pete/Princess Polly, I’m a New Big Brother/Sister These are good for 4+ years: 🔸I’ll Always Be Older Than You - Jane Godwin & Sara Acton 🔸The New Baby - Mercer Mayer 🔸Hello In There! A Big Sister’s Book of Waiting - Jo Witek 🔸Martha Doesn’t Share - Samantha Berger 🔸Lulu and The Noisy Baby - Camilla Reid & Ailie Busby 🔸The New Small Person - Lauren Child What’s your favourite book for helping to prepare your little one for a new sibling? * * * #newbabybooks #booksfortoddlers #toddlerbooks #newsiblingbooks #bigsister #bigbrother #parentadvice #babyno2 #babyno3

How on Earth did I get this lucky? 🧿one angel in and one angel out, making me the luckiest mama 🥰❤️ grateful everyday, not just today! Happy Mother’s Day to all ❤️ #mothersday #mothersday2021 #happymothersday #30weekspregnant

🌼STILL LIFE PAINTING - DAFFODILS🌼 Our daffodils have now opened up fully so here is another really lovely activity to do with your little ones: still life painting. The beauty behind this is that you can use any medium (pens, crayons, paints, watercolours, chalk etc.) and it’s a great opportunity for your child to explore their creativity, all the while encouraging their observational skills. Although the stems are green and the petals are yellow, I would not limit your child to only using those colours. I would gently comment on the colours of the flowers you’re observing but let them decide if they want to follow that or veer in their own direction. Providing them with the full palette will give them the freedom to explore and express their creativity in however way they choose! I love seeing the result of this 🎨 🌼 Going outside to the garden or park with pens/paints and paper is also a great way to explore still life painting. Try it out! * * * * * * * #practicallife #finemotorskills #stilllifepainting #daffodils #lifeskills #cuttingskills #cognitivedevelopment #oursensorykids #earlylearning101 #toddlerideas #toddlerfun #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #learningisfun #eyfs #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #earlyyearseducation #grossmotorskills #eyfsideas #montessori #montessoriactivities #montessoritoddler #reggioinspired #openendedplay #teachermum

🌷🌻 SPRING FLOWER ARRANGING 🌷🌻 We are getting into the Spring spirit and what better way than to have some spring flowers around the house? Daffodils are always a favourite to mark spring time! This is a fab activity for little ones to begin to learn how to care for plants and other living beings, an important skill in learning to be caring and gentle. There is also a lot of patience and repetition involved in this activity as each stem needs to be trimmed and carefully placed in the vase, which helps extend concentration and focus. We also learned the name daffodils which is new to her. In a couple of days once they’ve all opened up I will post another activity that you can try so stay tuned! I asked Sienna to pour the water into the vase and cut the ends off the stems. I showed her one, and let her do the rest. She really enjoyed doing each one and placing them into the vase. She was really proud of her arrangement and decided to place it in her kitchen! ❤️ you can make this activity more suited to younger ones by cutting the stems down yourself but for older ones they can complete the whole process independently. Try it and tag us! 🌷💐 * * * #practicallife #finemotorskills #flowerarranging #daffodils #lifeskills #cuttingskills #cognitivedevelopment #oursensorykids #earlylearning101 #toddlerideas #toddlerfun #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #learningisfun #eyfs #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #earlyyearseducation #grossmotorskills #eyfsideas #montessori #montessoriactivities #montessoritoddler #reggioinspired #openendedplay #teachermum

🐛Happy World Book Day 🐛 from this very hungry caterpillar. Such a cute costume, from @argos ❤️ #worldbookday #worldbookdaycostume #theveryhungrycaterpillar

❤️SALT DOUGH VALENTINE’S DAY KEEPSAKES❤️ We made these lovely salt dough keepsakes for Valentine’s Day, but really you can do them for any occasion. I love anything with hand and feet prints because they’re such a special way to forever remember how small our little ones are! Here is the recipe for the salt dough, and the steps. If you do it, tag us so we can see it! ❤️ check story highlights for more. Ingredients for salt dough: 1 cup plain flour (do not use self raising flour) 1 cup salt 1/2 cup warm water (I added a little more as it felt too dry) For the decorating part you will need: Acrylic paints Sharpie if you want to write anything on it (date, name, message etc) PVA glue to seal the paint (optional) How to: 1) mix all ingredients together in a bowl 2) form a dough by squeezing and kneading with your hands for a few good minutes (needs to get quite smooth - add tiny amounts of water if it’s too crumbly) 3) roll out the dough (keep it quite thick) 4) press hands and/or feet into the dough HARD to form the print 5) cut out a shape, I did a heart but you can do anything just to clean the edges 6) bake in the oven for 1-3 hours at 90C (200F) 7) leave to cool completely, then decorate! Enjoy and don’t forget to tag us if you do it!! ❤️ • • • • • • #valentinesdaycrafts #saltdough #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #toddlerlife #learningisfun #playislearning #montessori #montessoriathome #montessoritoddler #funathomewithkids #creativeideasforkids #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #toddleractivities #babysensory #sensoryplay #practicallife #teachermum #earlylearning #babyactivities #independentchild #toddleractivitiesathome #playathome #babylearning #messyplay #eyfs

❤️ VALENTINE’S DAY PLAYDOUGH ❤️ Getting into the Valentine’s Day spirit with some homemade, taste safe playdough! We made this together using: 2 cups flour 1/2 cup salt 2 tbsp cream of tartar 1 tbsp oil (use cooking oil to make it taste safe) 1.5 cups boiling water with food colouring mixed in Playdough has so many benefits for young children. Not only is it creative and fun way for your child to engage in imaginative play by creating different scenes using the tools and props, but it also helps to strengthen hand and finger muscles needed for all those important fine motor activities like holding a pencil, writing and cutting! Encourage your child to roll, squish, pinch, squeeze the dough in different ways, use scissors to cut the dough, hide things inside and have them dig for it, stamp letters or numbers into the dough, and so much more! Happy playing! * * * * * * #homemadeplaydough #playdough #playdoughkit #playdoughfun #tagfromtheheart #imaginativeplay #toddlerfun #parentadvice #toddleractivities #learningthroughplay #earlylearning #eyfs #learningisfun #earlychildhood #earlylearning101 #grossmotorskills #independenttoddler #funathomewithkids #teachermum #creativeideasforkids #playathome #toddleractivitiesathome #diyactivity #playislearning #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyearsideas #mumsofinsta #montessorikids #sensorykids #sensorybin

IMPORTANCE OF DOLL PLAY (YES, FOR BOYS TOO) Dolls are probably one of the oldest toys and have been around for generations and generations. They are an excellent resource for both girls and boys as they help foster their emotional development regardless of gender. What happens when a child plays with a doll is that they are reenacting their most prominent and important relationship: the one they have with their caregiver. They are able to show love, kindness and nurture to their dolls, in the same way they receive from their caregivers. Being able to role play in this way is hugely beneficial to all children, and should not be gender stereotyped as a girl’s toy. Boys will also gain all the same benefits by playing with dolls as girls, and will have the added benefit of being kind and compassionate in a world where boys are told to be strong and tough all the time. After all, don’t you want your little boys to turn into caring fathers/older brothers one day? Here are some of the benefits of doll play: ✅Social skills: communicating while role playing, taking turns, taking care of the dolls. ✅Responsibility: teaches them to care for others. ✅Empathy and compassion: by showing love, care and tenderness towards their doll, they learn to be more aware of how others may feel which builds empathy and compassion. ✅Language and communication skills: they develop their language and learn how to communicate through caring for their dolls. ✅Learn about their bodies: when they start young you can use dolls to teach them about different body parts and skin colour (you should have a variety of multicultural dolls). ✅Helps them to get through some daily challenges: brushing teeth, washing hair, putting on clothes - if they can do it to their dolls first, they will be more likely to accept to do it for themselves. ✅ Helps them to express themselves: Through this role play you will see/hear your child imitate/go over situations that have troubled them or affected them. This provides invaluable insight into their emotions, fears, issues etc. ✅Dolls are also a great tool to help prepare your child for the arrival of a new baby sibling! Does your child love doll play?😍

HOW TO ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO TAKE MORE RISKS I have previously posted the benefits of allowing children to engage in risky play (this can be found on my grid) and often talk about how important it is to encourage this type of play, no matter how uncomfortable it may make us. But how do we encourage this, especially if we have a child who is often afraid to venture out? Here are a few tips/advice (I will use walking along a log as an example but it applies to any risk taking activity): 1️⃣ start young and gradually. Always lay out the risks of certain activities and be specific. Don’t just say “be careful” because this is too broad. Say “the log is high and narrow so be sure to extend your arms to keep your balance otherwise you might fall off and hurt yourself. Take your time and put one foot in front of the other”. 2️⃣discuss risk taking and ask them what they think would/could happen in certain situations so they begin to problem solve by themselves and assess their own risks. 3️⃣be close by but do not hover - allow them the space they need to discover their own limitations 4️⃣believe in them - if you believe they are capable of climbing on a log or up a tree, they’ll believe it too. Sometimes it takes faking it initially but if you can put your own fears and discomforts aside, this tip will really go a very long way in boosting their confidence and self-esteem, which will have a knock on effect in all other areas of development. 5️⃣ allow them the freedom to fall and make mistakes (and yes, to get hurt) - as long as you have calculated the risks and you know it’s not a dangerous activity, a few scrapes, bumps or bruises will only help them to understand danger and how to be more careful the next time. 6️⃣if they are scared or hesitant, be there for them. Say: “I am right here, we can do it together first and then if you feel ready you can try it with me holding your hand/standing right here/all by yourself (gradually move yourself further away once they gain more confidence). This can take a long time of practice but practice is everything! Try it out, Let me know if it helps! Do you have a fearless toddler or a cautious one?👇🏼

✨Happy New Year!! ✨ 2020 was definitely a year none of us can ever forget. Some people have really had an extremely difficult time and there has been an unbelievable amount of loss and sadness felt globally. Reflecting on what we learnt this year will likely look different for a lot of people but for me what stood out the most was the realisation of the importance of two things: slowing down, and our need for human connection. So for 2021, I wish you all a slower pace where you can enjoy the simpler things life has to offer and a year filled with love shared with family and friends. Hopefully more hugs too! Goodbye 2020 and Hello 2021! ❤️✨ wishing you all good health and happiness always 🙏🏼 Cerine and Sienna xxx

🤝SHARING & TURN TAKING 🤝 The concept of sharing toys is very abstract for toddlers so there is no wonder they find it extremely difficult to do when we say to them “share with your brother/sister/friend”. This can lead to a lot of very emotional outbursts from little ones who simply have not grasped the concept of sharing, yet. When two kids want the same toy, try not to force them to share it as this undermines the child’s right to play with it solely, which is their right. They, in fact, do not need to share at all, although we think that is the nice/polite thing for them to learn to do. If they do not want to play together with the same toys, then what they need to learn here is the ability to take turns: one child gets to use the toy while the other one waits. Waiting their turn is a skill they also find difficult - there may be tears, this is ok! It is all part of the process. There are many ways to encourage this fairly: • I personally love to use a timer (sandtimer or phone timer) so that each child gets a fair turn. • I highly encourage showing them how to take turns, explaining who will go first and who will need to wait, giving options if they choose to do something else while waiting or just watch. • Give them the language and tools to be able to do this independently. This is the key to successful co-playing because instead of screaming, crying and running to you to fix it, they will know how to handle it. • Ask them to say to the other child “my turn first, when I’m all done, it’s your turn”. You’ll see that eventually they will say by themselves “when you’re all done with that toy can I have a turn?” Or “you can have a turn when I’m finished”. • If the child cries wanting it immediately, a simple “I know that doesn’t feel fair but you will have your turn once the timer is up/they’re all done. You can wait or play with something else”. This is the goal we are trying to reach: not forcing sharing, but encouraging and empowering our kids to handle these situations fairly, independently and calmly so that they can become children who play cooperatively. It takes practice but keep going! 👍🏻❤️

Blessed with a happy ending to our 2020 with the two greatest gifts I could have wished for ❤️ ❤️ Hoping everyone has a happy Christmas and a healthy 2021 🙏🏼🥰 love from me and my little snowflake in swimming shoes ❄️🧿

🎅🏼 HO HO HO! 🎅🏼 We made a handprint Santa today to get into the festive spirit! So easy, all you need is some white and red paint, a black felt tip pen and a little hand ✋🏼 oh and do the print on coloured paper so it shows better! They make super cute cards for Christmas or as an ornament for your tree! 🎄 Swipe to see how we made ours! Happy Christmas everyone! 🎅🏼 * * * #christmascrafts #handprintsanta #christmascraftsforkids #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #toddlerlife #learningisfun #playislearning #montessori #montessoriathome #montessoritoddler #funathomewithkids #creativeideasforkids #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #toddleractivities #babysensory #sensoryplay #practicallife #teachermum #earlylearning #babyactivities #independentchild #toddleractivitiesathome #playathome #babylearning #messyplay #eyfs

🧥MONTESSORI COAT FLIP🧥 Want to teach your child to put their coat on independently? Try this montessori trick! It’s always been my favourite way to teach young children how to put their coats on by themselves and now here is Sienna demonstrating how it’s done! Step 1: place the coat on the floor (they’ll need help with this initially) Step 2: stand (or kneel)with feet at the tag/hood Step 3: slide arms into sleeves Step 4: flip it over your head - and done! I would advise using a coat that’s quite loose until they get the hang of it. It takes a little while to learn but once they get it, it’s really an amazing way to foster their independence dressing themselves! Any questions drop them below 😊 • • • • • • • #montessoricoatflip #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #toddlerlife #learningisfun #playislearning #montessori #montessoriathome #montessoritoddler #funathomewithkids #creativeideasforkids #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #toddleractivities #babysensory #sensoryplay #practicallife #teachermum #earlylearning #babyactivities #independentchild #toddleractivitiesathome #playathome #babylearning #messyplay #eyfs

🎃 HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS 🎃 ⠀ ⠀ Happy Halloween! Whether you’re doing anything for Halloween or not, here are a few safety tips from last year that may apply! Halloween is such a fun time; getting dressed up and going trick or treating is something all kids enjoy! ⠀ ⠀ When excitement takes over, sometimes we can drop our guards. This Halloween take a look at my tips for staying safe and please enjoy Halloween safely! ⠀ ⠀ Share or tag your friends who are planning on going trick or treating 👇🏼⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ ⠀ #halloweensafetytips #halloweensafety #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #toddler #learningisfun #toddleractivitiesathome #playathome #earlyyears #earlylearning #messyplay #toddleractivities #babysensory #sensoryplay #earlychildhoodeducation #playislearning #babyactivities #teachermum #eyfs #playideas #babylearning #creativechaos #creativeideasforkids #funathomewithkids #schoolreadiness #startingschool #earlylearning101 #earlyyearseducation #schoolready #nurseryready

🎃👹Happy Halloween!! 👹🎃 Here is my attempt at a homemade monster costume for Halloween this year! 👹 I just bought the furry fabric from @ebay_uk, put one of her pyjamas over it, cut around the shape generously and sewed the bits together. I opted for sleeveless as I didn’t want the fabric to be too annoying for her and her not wear it, so I stuck some bits of fur on a white top that she wore underneath - it’s nothing fancy and really looks homemade 🤣 but I love it and she did too so that’s the most important! Whether you make your own costumes because you’re crafty and you enjoy it or you buy them from the shop, it really doesn’t make any difference - your kid is just gonna love being in costume so do what feels right for you! What do you think?? Let me know below! 👇🏼 * * * * * * #homemadecostume #halloweencostume #halloweenkidscostumes #monstercostume#playbasedlearning #everydayplayhacks #diymum #oursensorykids #earlylearning101 #partyideasforkids #sensoryplay #babysensory #babysensoryplay #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #learningisfun #eyfs #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #earlyyearseducation #finemotorskills #eyfsideas #montessori #openendedplay #teachermum #playmatters #playislearning #messyplay #messyplayideas

🕷🎃 Halloween Sensory Bags 🎃🕷 Are you carving pumpkins for Halloween and throwing out the insides?! Don’t! Here is a really simple thing you can do with the pumpkin insides and seeds: make a sensory bag! Sensory bags are great for little hands to explore different materials and textures without the worry of choking hazards. All you need is: Ziplock bag Tape Pumpkin insides (Spiders are optional but more fun) Place all the filling inside the bag, be sure to tape it closed so it doesn’t open while your child plays. That’s it! * * * * #halloweencrafts #halloweencraftsforkids #playbasedlearning #everydayplayhacks #diymum #oursensorykids #earlylearning101 #sensorybag #partyideasforkids #sensoryplay #babysensory #babysensoryplay #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #learningisfun #eyfs #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #earlyyearseducation #finemotorskills #eyfsideas #montessori #montessoritoddler #reggioinspired #openendedplay #teachermum #playmatters #playislearning #messyplay #messyplayideas

🇱🇧 DOUGH-NATE TO BEIRUT 🇱🇧⠀ ⠀ I am beyond touched by the outpouring of support from friends, family and complete strangers in helping raise money for @himayaleb. THANK YOU. THANK YOU!! ⠀ ⠀ Through the sale of our special edition playdough for Beirut, we have raised an incredible £5,200! Every single penny donated is going directly to Himaya, who are working tirelessly every day to help support children and their families overcome their profound trauma following the 4th August Beirut blast. Their focus on the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children through providing psychosocial support is the reason I chose them.⠀ ⠀ On a personal level, it has been a really important mission for me over the past month to make each and every playdough pack by hand and with love. With every kneading of the dough, I have had the children of Beirut in my heart and mind, hoping to make a tiny difference to their horrifically unfair lives. 246 pots of playdough to be precise!!! 💪🏼⠀ ⠀ Beirut, you will forever be in our hearts ❤️🇱🇧 ⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ ⠀ #Doughnatetobeirut #Prayforbeirut #Talkaboutlebanon #beirutblast #livelovebeirut #fundraising #donations #livelovelebanon #lebaneseabroad #beirutexplosion #playdough #homemadeplaydough

⏳ VISUAL TIMERS ⏳⠀ ⠀ Does your child throw a tantrum/cry/protest when it’s time to stop one activity and move on to the other (eg: stop playing and come to dinner)? ⠀ Do they struggle with waiting their turn or sharing with their friends/siblings?⠀ ⠀ Young children have no concept of time and can struggle to abruptly stop one thing to move onto the next, especially if they are going from a favourable activity (playing, watching TV) to a less favourable one (tidying up!). ⠀ ⠀ Using visual timers such as sand timers, kitchen cooking timers, or the timer on your phone can drastically change the way in which children cope with transitioning from one activity to the other or giving someone else a turn, as they are able to physically watch the time go by.⠀ ⠀ Here are my top tips to help with transitioning, sharing and turn taking:⠀ ⠀ 1️⃣ Always give them a verbal warning of how long they have left before they need to stop what they’re doing, eg: “you have 5 more minutes of playing until dinner time”.⠀ ⠀ 2️⃣ Always tell them what is coming next - “first play then dinner”.⠀ ⠀ 3️⃣ Show them the sandtimer or phone timer and explain that when all the sand goes down/timer beeps, they will need to stop what they’re doing and move on to the next task or let their friend have a turn. They can even start the timer themselves. ⠀ ⠀ 4️⃣ Be consistent and always follow through - don’t add more time to the timer once it’s finished! 👍🏻⠀ ⠀ Do you use timers? Does it work for your kids? Let me know! 👇🏼⠀share, like and save for later (with the bookmark icon on the bottom right of the post) ❤️ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ • ⠀ #sharing #takingturns #timers #visualtimer #toddlertantrums #parentingishard #parenting101 #parentadvice #toddlerlife #parentingtips #parentingadvice #positiveparenting #parentproblems #parentinglife #positiveparentingtips #toddlertime #toddlermum #toddlermumlife #toddlertrouble #settingboundaries #settinglimits #parentsupport

✂️ SCISSOR SKILLS ✂️⠀ ⠀ My favourite way to practise cutting skills is by cutting PLAYDOUGH! It is such a fun texture to cut, and for beginners there isn’t that absolute frustration of the paper not snipping with safety scissors. Even with safety scissors your little ones can easily snip through the dough! ⠀ ⠀ Have you tried cutting playdough before? Try it and let me know! ⠀ ⠀ Our scissors are Maped Kidi Cut safety scissors and I have put them in my amazon shop under “essential tools”. ⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ #scissorskills #finemotorskills #finemotor #parentadvice #playdough #learningthroughplay #toddlerlife #learningisfun #playislearning #montessori #montessoriathome #montessoritoddler #funathomewithkids #creativeideasforkids #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #toddleractivities #babysensory #sensoryplay #practicallife #teachermum #earlylearning #babyactivities #independentchild #toddleractivitiesathome #playathome #babylearning #messyplay #eyfs

🎒STARTING NURSERY/SCHOOL - The first few days 👍🏻⠀ ⠀ When your child starts nursery or school, it is a very exciting time for you and them, but with this comes a lot of nerves and feelings of apprehension, especially after such a long time at home! Please go easy on yourselves and your children and take it slow. 👍🏻⠀ ⠀ Here are 10 of my top tips to help you get through those first few days.⠀ In my stories/highlights you will find more details for each of these points. Good luck! ⠀ ⠀ Any questions drop them below or DM me 😊 Any other tips to share? ⠀ *⠀ *⠀ *⠀ *⠀ *⠀ *⠀ #startingschool #septemberstart #startingnursery #backtoschool⠀ #playbasedlearning #everydayplayhacks #diymum #oursensorykids #earlylearning101 #sensorybin #partyideasforkids #sensoryplay #babysensory #babysensoryplay #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #learningisfun #eyfs #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #earlyyearseducation #finemotorskills #eyfsideas #montessori #montessoritoddler #reggioinspired #openendedplay #teachermum #playmatters #playislearning

🎒STARTING NURSERY/SCHOOL - tips for before the start in September 🎒⠀ ⠀ The start of nursery or school is a really exciting and special time for you and your little ones, but also can be quite an emotional and anxious time. ⠀ ⠀ Over the years as a nursery head, I have learned that one of the best ways to prepare your child for the start of nursery is by getting them familiar with the concept through my tips outlined in the post. I also believe that by the parents proactively talking about it and getting everything ready (labels, filling out forms, sending your child’s photo etc), this mentally prepares us too for this big new step! See my highlights “Starting Nursery Tips” for more details about each point above ! ⠀ ⠀ I will post further tips on how to help with those very emotional first few days (usually more emotional for parents than children 🤣) in the coming few days so stay tuned ! ⠀ ⠀ How are you feeling about the start of term? Let me know below! 👇🏼 ⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ • ⠀ ⠀ #startingschool #startingnursery #backtoschool #schoolreadiness #septemberstart⠀ #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #toddlerlife #learningisfun #playislearning #montessori #montessoriathome #montessoritoddler #funathomewithkids #creativeideasforkids #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #toddleractivities #babysensory #sensoryplay #practicallife #teachermum #earlylearning #babyactivities #independentchild #toddleractivitiesathome #playathome #babylearning #messyplay #eyfs

📚BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS 📚 - starting school ⠀ ⠀ With nursery and school starting in September, now is a really great time to help prepare your child for the transition by reading books. ⠀ ⠀ Books are an excellent resource for children to make sense of the world around them and to help make situations more relatable by seeing them through the eyes of other children. ⠀ ⠀ I’ve compiled a few of my favourites, ranging in ages from 12 months to about 3-4 years old (the ages are a rough guide, these can all be read and enjoyed by all the ages). I bought them all for my 2.3year old and she enjoys reading them all (they are all in my amazon shop, link in bio). ⠀ ⠀ 📚 Spot Goes To School - 12months+ ⠀ 📚 Princess Polly: I’m Starting Nursery - 12-24months+⠀ 📚 I’m Starting Nursery - 2-3 years+ ⠀ 📚 Lulu Loves Nursery - 3years+⠀ 📚 The Colour Monster Goes to School - 3-4years+ ⠀ 📚Starting School - 4years+ ⠀ 📚The Invisible String - 4years+ (story about love and how even when someone you love isn’t there, they are always with us through the invisible string of love). ⠀ ⠀ Do you have any other favourites? Share them below! 👇🏼 ⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ ⠀ #startingschool #startingnursery #backtoschool #booksforkids #storytime⠀ #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #toddlerlife #learningisfun #playislearning #montessori #montessoriathome #montessoritoddler #funathomewithkids #creativeideasforkids #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #toddleractivities #babysensory #sensoryplay #practicallife #teachermum #earlylearning #babyactivities #independentchild #toddleractivitiesathome #playathome #babylearning #messyplay #eyfs

DOUGH-NATE TO BEIRUT 🇱🇧 - we need your help! ⠀ ⠀ On the 4th August 2020, a huge explosion devastated my hometown of Beirut. Already struggling before the blast, there are now hundreds of dead, thousands of injured, hundreds of thousands displaced, and countless others who’s lives have changed forever. My heart breaks for every single Lebanese: those who lost their homes, businesses, livelihoods, but worst of all, their loved ones. Every person whether adults, children or the elderly have been deeply wounded by this explosion, if not physically, then emotionally and mentally. Beirut needs all the help they can get right now. ⠀ ⠀ The Baby Scoop has created a special edition Lebanon themed playdough pack in order to raise money for @himayaleb. @himayaleb is a well established, fantastic NGO working on the ground helping children and their families every day. Prior to the blast they focused their efforts on helping combat child abuse. Now they are directing their efforts on the psychosocial (mental and emotional) support that is so needed after such a traumatic experience, through activities for children and by offering their much needed aid in order to help families cope with their trauma. They are also going above and beyond this by providing medical kits, food, shelter, home equipment and financial support to those affected by the blast. ⠀ ⠀ Each playdough pack contains 3 pots of our homemade, taste-safe, super soft playdough inspired by the Lebanese flag in red and green with the national emblem of Lebanon: the cedar tree as a playdough cutter. All lovingly wrapped in a white ribbon, ready for your little ones to play! ⠀ ⠀ For the next month, we will be donating 100% of proceeds of each and every sale of our playdough packs. Each pack costs £25 with the option to donate larger amounts if you wish and are able. We will also be offering FREE shipping in the UK (we are only able to deliver in the UK). ⠀ ⠀ To order, please visit www.thebabyscoop.co.uk (link in bio) and head to ‘Shop’.⠀ ⠀ Please help the beautiful people of Beirut and purchase a playdough pack, donate what you can and please please share! Thank you for your support! ❤️🇱🇧

👌🏼MATCHSTICK PUSH 👌🏼⠀ ⠀ This activity was made for my niece (22months) when she broke her leg to keep her busy and to help her practise her fine motor skills. ⠀ ⠀ Such a simple activity, all you need is a spice jar or similar (a jar that has a lid with holes) and matchsticks. You can make this more challenging by putting a colour around each hole to turn it into a colour matching activity. We used coloured matchsticks that are thin enough to fit through the holes. ⠀ ⠀ If you’re in need of a quick set up to keep your little one busy for a while, try this out! ⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ ⠀ #diyfun #finemotorskills #practicallife #montessori #montessoripracticallife #montessoriathome #toddlerfun #parentadvice #montessoritoddler #montessoriideas #toddleractivities #learningthroughplay #earlylearning #eyfs #learningisfun #earlychildhood #earlylearning101 #grossmotorskills #independenttoddler #funathomewithkids #teachermum #creativeideasforkids #playathome #toddleractivitiesathome #diyactivity #playislearning #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyearsideas #mumsofinsta #montessorikids

FUSSY EATING⠀ ⠀ I never thought I would see the day where my 2 year old is eating raw salmon sushi for lunch! She was a super fussy eater and would literally meltdown at the first sight of whatever I made her. Mealtimes were hell for me, I dreaded them and would end up frantically trying to make her alternative meals in the hopes she would just eat something! Even blueberries and cheese for the millionth time! sound familiar?⠀ ⠀ These are my top tips that worked for us: ⠀ * Exposure to texture through sensory and messy play activities - this is a GAME CHANGER: fussy eating is sensitivity to texture, plain and simple. Through exposing them to different types of textures through play, they are becoming desensitised which in turn increases their tolerance to different textures (see previous posts for ideas) ⠀ * Division of responsibility: this is a tried and tested technique and it works! You decide what, when and where to feed your child, they decide how much to eat (if at all). ⠀ * Eat together when possible - when they see you eat they will be more likely to eat too. It’s also an important time to role model positive, healthy eating habits. ⠀ * Food is about control for them so give them small choices that you would be happy with (eg: apple or banana)⠀ * PLAY IT COOL - don’t congratulate them for eating and don’t beg them to take "just one bite". The more attention you give, the more they’ll fight to get. ⠀ * Trust that they know how much is enough for them. We want to be educating them to listen to their bodies and when it is saying it’s full. ⠀ * Serve the whole meal on one plate: yes that means the fruits/dessert with the rest. When you don’t put a certain food (sugar) up on a pedestal, kids don’t obsess over it.⠀ * Introduce new foods over and over again. It takes up to 15 times for a child to even touch a new food and up to 100 times for them to eat it and like it! Even if it's a tiny bit on the edge of the plate. ⠀ * Always serve a SAFE food with every meal. This is a food you know they eat and like. Don’t serve a totally new meal with no safe food, it won’t go well.⠀ ⠀ I know it's hard but the investment into it is WORTH IT!⠀ Any other tips work for you?

❤️ CUSTOMER REVIEW ❤️⠀ ⠀ Feedback like this is really amazing to receive, thank you so much to my lovely customers for taking the time to tell me you love the playdough! ⠀ ⠀ All our playdough is homemade using natural ingredients which are taste safe (but not made for consumption!). If your little one has a little taste it’s ok, just don’t let them eat it for dinner as it contains a lot of salt 🤣. Salt crystals forming on the top of the playdough is completely normal. The playdough will dry out if it’s left out of the jar for a while, but don’t throw it out. Just add a few drops of water and mould it - it will go back to new! The more playdough is worked with, the softer it becomes, so get your little one’s hands to work! When stored in their jars, the playdough can last up to 6 months. ⠀ ⠀ At The Baby Scoop we pride ourselves in making creative, beautifully presented kits that are designed to foster young children’s imagination while improving their fine motor skills. All our kits can be personalised and sent as gifts, making it a great original idea and alternative to a toy. ⠀ ⠀ I love to hear of any theme ideas you might like to see, so drop them in comments below and I might make it happen for the next theme! 👇🏼⠀ ⠀ I hope you love our kits as much as we do! ❤️⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ • ⠀ ⠀ #homemadeplaydough #playdough #playdoughkit #playdoughfun #imaginativeplay #toddlerfun #parentadvice #toddleractivities #learningthroughplay #earlylearning #eyfs #learningisfun #earlychildhood #earlylearning101 #grossmotorskills #independenttoddler #funathomewithkids #teachermum #creativeideasforkids #playathome #toddleractivitiesathome #diyactivity #playislearning #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyearsideas #mumsofinsta #montessorikids #sensorykids #sensorybin

🚜CONSTRUCTION PLAYDOUGH KIT 🚜⠀ ⠀ Calling all construction and diggers lovers!! This one is for you! ⠀ ⠀ This handmade kit comes complete with diggers, rolling pin, pebbles for the diggers to pick up, logs and wooden sticks, construction road signs and of course, 3 jars of homemade, all natural ingredients playdough in brown, green and yellow. It all comes in a really handy storage container to keep all the bits together!⠀ ⠀ Playdough is an excellent material for strengthening fine motor skills needed for early writing, and it’s lots of fun! Encourage them to roll, pinch, squeeze, poke, cut the playdough to get those fingers and hand muscles nice and developed. If it keeps your little ones busy for a while and gives you the chance to finally have a hot cup of coffee, it’s a winner!!⠀ ⠀ To order this kit or any of our other themes, check out our website (www.thebabyscoop.co.uk) or click on the link in my bio. ⠀ ⠀ Themes include: under the sea, farm, cars, birthday, unicorn and rainbows and our new construction kit! ⠀ ⠀ Any questions drop them below or send a DM! ⠀ ⠀ ⚠️ For children aged 3 years and over due to small parts⚠️⠀ • ⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ • ⠀ ⠀ #homemadeplaydough #playdough #playdoughkit #playdoughfun #tagfromtheheart #imaginativeplay #toddlerfun #parentadvice #toddleractivities #learningthroughplay #earlylearning #eyfs #learningisfun #earlychildhood #earlylearning101 #grossmotorskills #independenttoddler #funathomewithkids #teachermum #creativeideasforkids #playathome #toddleractivitiesathome #diyactivity #playislearning #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyearsideas #mumsofinsta #montessorikids #sensorykids #sensorybin

🎨MESS FREE PAINTS🎨⠀ ⠀ You guys are going to love these paints! This is not an ad, I just discovered these paints and absolutely love them for a less messy way to paint so I needed to share them with you guys. ⠀ ⠀ They’re called ‘Squeeze ‘n’ Brush’ by @galttoys and the paint is already in the tube, with a brush on the end. All your little one needs to do is squeeze and paint! And you can refill them with any paint once they run out!! No need to buy them again 👏🏼 Much easier that a pot of paints and multiple brushes. We even took ours outside and it was extremely easy to set up and clean. Of course my little one puts her hands in everything but so fun and all wipes off easily! ⠀ ⠀ I’ve added them to my amazon shop, link in bio, under “arts and crafts”. You’ll love them! ⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ #toddlerpainting #paintingwithkids #messfreepainting #paintpens #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #toddlerlife #learningisfun #playislearning #montessori #montessoriathome #montessoritoddler #funathomewithkids #creativeideasforkids #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #toddleractivities #babysensory #sensoryplay #practicallife #teachermum #earlylearning #babyactivities #independentchild #toddleractivitiesathome #playathome #babylearning #messyplay #eyfs

🚽 POTTY TRAINING PART 1 - signs to look for 🚽⠀ ⠀ A few signs to look out for that your child MAY be ready to start potty training are in the post above, but always keep in mind children need to be mentally and emotionally ready for this milestone. Even As parents I think it's individual when you think your child might be able to grasp this concept, and even then, we may get it wrong. ⠀ ⠀ Ages vary a lot for readiness, but between ages 2 to 3 years is usually a good time to tackle this! ⠀ ⠀ When you begin to see the signs, you can start doing the following which will help easing into it without the pressure: ⠀ ⠀ * Switch them to pull up nappies so they begin getting used to pulling their own pants/trousers up. ⠀ * Get books about potty training and start reading them with your child (suggestions can be found in my amazon shop, under "Potty Training" ⠀ * Get a potty to leave in the bathroom and slowly and gradually allow them to begin getting used to it. ⠀ ⠀ The key is to not rush the process and certainly not put pressure on them. Children will not pee or poo on demand, so don't try to make that happen! It will only stress you both out. When you start, just be relaxed, show them where the potty is, encourage them to use the potty and always point out WETNESS when they have accidents rather than say "uh oh you had an accident", so they make the link and start to understand the aim is to stay DRY. ⠀ ⠀ More tips can be found in my highlights under "Potty Training" and more to come in future posts! ⠀ ⠀ Any other tips that worked for you? Share them below!⠀ *⠀ *⠀ *⠀ *⠀ *⠀ *⠀ ⠀ *⠀ *⠀ *⠀ *⠀ *⠀ #pottytraining #pottytrainingideas #pottytrainingtips #potty #pottytime #parentingishard⠀ #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #toddlerlife #learningisfun #playislearning #montessori #montessoriathome #montessoritoddler #funathomewithkids #creativeideasforkids #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #toddleractivities #babysensory #practicallife #teachermum #earlylearning #babyactivities #independentchild #toddleractivitiesathome #playathome #babylearning #eyfs

🧗🏻‍♀️ RISKY PLAY 🛠⠀ ⠀ Does the idea of letting your child climb up a tree freak you out? Do you allow your child to boulder (climb up a small rock) or walk along a log? How about simply climbing up the slide or using real tools like a hammer and nails to build something?⠀ ⠀ Risky play can be defined as a thrilling and exciting activity that involves a risk of physical injury, and play that provides opportunities for challenge, testing limits, exploring boundaries and learning about injury risk (Sandseter 2007; Little & Wyver, 2008). ⠀ ⠀ Risk taking is a huge part of child development and helps children learn their strengths and weaknesses and become more aware of their limitations so that they can learn to take care of themselves.⠀ ⠀ Daily small manageable risks add up to big gains in a child’s self-esteem and self-confidence over time. ⠀ Risky play benefits the following: ⠀ ⠀ ❇️Building resilience and persistence⠀ ❇️Balance and coordination⠀ ❇️Mental and physical strength ⠀ ❇️Gross motor skills and spatial awareness⠀ ❇️Awareness of the capabilities and limits of their own bodies⠀ ❇️The ability to assess and make judgement about risk⠀ ❇️Handling tools safely and with purpose⠀ ❇️Understanding consequence to action⠀ ❇️Self-confidence and independence⠀ ❇️Resourcefulness⠀ ❇️Creativity and inventiveness⠀ ❇️Curiosity and wonder⠀ ❇️Problem solving⠀ ⠀ ⚠️ Risky play should always be done under adult supervision and in age appropriate ways. Please always use your best judgement ⚠️⠀ ⠀ How do you feel about risky play? Tell me below! 👇🏼 ⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ ⠀ #riskyplay #takingrisks #outdoorplay #riskyplaymatters #riskyplaybenefits #treeclimbing ⠀ #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #toddlerlife #learningisfun #playislearning #montessori #montessoriathome #montessoritoddler #funathomewithkids #creativeideasforkids #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #toddleractivities #practicallife #teachermum #earlylearning #independentchild #toddleractivitiesathome #playathome #eyfs

🐛GROW YOUR OWN BUTTERFLIES 🦋⠀ ⠀ This is a magical experience for your child that introduces them to the lifecycle of a butterfly in the most concrete way! @insectloreeu send you a container of 5 LIVE caterpillars and everything you need to house them as cocoons until they emerge as butterflies. ⠀ ⠀ We watched in amazement as the 5 tiny caterpillars grew and grew, built cocoons over the course of a few days before we transferred them to the net (this was very eventful in itself!!! Check my previous IGTV video to see what I mean!). It’s definitely worth it for the experience although I must admit it was the most awful part of the whole thing. ⠀ ⠀ Once in the net, it took a few days for the butterflies to emerge. We then fed them oranges and nectar water, enjoyed watching them a couple more days before releasing them into the garden. Swipe to see ⬅️ Tip: read “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” book (linked in my amazon shop in “grow your own butterflies”) while observing the caterpillars and discuss what they think will happen next! Even from a young age children will enjoy observing and experiencing the changing features of the insects even if they’re younger and don’t yet fully “understand” the concept of life cycles yet. Exposure is so beneficial!! ⠀ I highly recommend doing this with your children! To order, you can either go directly onto the insect lore website or from my amazon shop (link in bio). Any questions let me know below or DM me! ⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ #butterflykit #growyourownbutterflies #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #toddlerlife #learningisfun #insectlore #playislearning #montessori #montessoriathome #montessoritoddler #funathomewithkids #creativeideasforkids #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #toddleractivities #babysensory #sensoryplay #practicallife #teachermum #earlylearning #babyactivities #independentchild #toddleractivitiesathome #playathome #babylearning #messyplay #eyfs

✏️PRE-WRITING ACTIVITY - JUICING AN ORANGE 🍊⠀ ⠀ Did you know that preparing your child for writing can be done in MANY ways other than handing them a pencil and asking them to hold it and trace? Holding a pencil is actually one of the final steps before writing, so before reaching that point, children need to practise the following:⠀ ⠀ ❇️ developing wrist movement ⠀ ❇️ strengthening hand-eye coordination ⠀ ❇️ building hand and finger strength needed for the pincer grip (three finger pencil grip) ⠀ ❇️ improving manipulation of objects and precision of fine motor movements ⠀ ⠀ All of these need to be developed and strengthened BEFORE children should be expected to hold a pencil with the correct grip and write. This is one of the reasons why fine motor skills are so important and should be highly regarded in preparing your child for writing. ⠀ ⠀ Juicing an orange is an example of how to do this which may not be so obvious. The action required to juice the orange provides your child with the hand strength, wrist control, and coordination building that are all prerequisites for writing. ⠀ ⠀ It also provides them with practical life skills that are invaluable for their development. ⠀ ⠀ So maybe you’ll see this fun activity as really great practise for a lot more than just making orange juice! 🍊 ⠀ ⠀ What other activities do you enjoy doing to prepare your children for pre writing?👇🏼⠀ ⠀ (You can find the glass jug and the juicer in “practical life” in my amazon shop! Link is in bio)⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ • ⠀ ⠀ #practicallife #finemotorskills #earlywritingskills #prewritingskills #orangejuice #lifeskills #cognitivedevelopment #oursensorykids #earlylearning101 #sensorybin #partyideasforkids #sensoryplay #babysensory #babysensoryplay #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #learningisfun #eyfs #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #earlyyearseducation #grossmotorskills #eyfsideas #montessori #montessoritoddler #reggioinspired #openendedplay #teachermum #londonmums

Here’s a less than perfect attempt at making a pizza for lunch! She pretty much ate all the ingredients throughout but this is always a great way to get fussy eaters to try new foods! Just don’t make my lazy mistake, put an apron on them! • • • • • • #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #toddlerlife #learningisfun #ikeakitchen #ikeakitchenhack #playislearning #montessori #montessoriathome #montessoritoddler #funathomewithkids #creativeideasforkids #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #toddleractivities #babysensory #cookingwithkids #practicallife #teachermum #earlylearning #babyactivities #independentchild #probelms #toddleractivitiesathome #playathome #cookingwithtoddlers #messyplay #eyfs

✨ EDIBLE SLIME ✨⠀ ⠀ Want to make a non toxic, taste safe, totally chemical and borax free slime? Try this one out from our messy play class a few months ago which is surprisingly very easy to make and only requires one ingredient! ⠀ ⠀ Food colouring optional but without it the psyllium husk gives a slightly orange hue. ⠀ ⠀ You’ll need:⠀ ⠀ Psyllium Husk (a plant based, all natural fibre) ⠀ Water ⠀ Stove or microwave ⠀ ⠀ Mix 1 tsp psyllium husk to 1 cup water. Place in a large bowl in microwave or in a pot and cook over a stove for 5mins. Keep an eye on it. When it gets gooey and slimy, sticking to the sides, remove and allow to cool down. If using food colouring, mix this in prior to cooking. ⠀ ⠀ Recipe and videos in highlights under ‘edible slime recipe’. If you make it and try it out with your kids, tag us! 👇🏼👇🏼 ⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀⠀ #messyplay #messyplayideas #edibleslime #londontoddler #chelseamums #oursensorykids #earlylearning101 #sensorybin #partyideasforkids #sensoryplay #babysensory #babysensoryplay #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #learningisfun #eyfs #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #earlyyearseducation #finemotorskills #grossmotorskills #eyfsideas #montessori #montessoritoddler #reggioinspired #openendedplay #teachermum #londonmums #tufftray

Sensory bottles using slow moving objects (glitter/sequins in oil or glue) that have calming effects on babies and toddlers. This helps tremendously with tantrums and fiery tempers and should be encouraged to be used in those heated moments as a way to calm down and collect thoughts. ⠀ ⠀ Here is a demonstration of how to make one using my daughter (25months) and my niece (22months) as a fun, interactive activity! Involve them as much as possible and enable them to practise their fine motor skills, pouring through a funnel, opening and closing the bottle, mixing the colour in the water etc. So many learning opportunities and such fun! ⠀ ⠀ Try it out! All you need is:⠀ ⠀ • Empty bottle (can be any water bottle) ⠀ • baby oil or clear glue ⠀ • water ⠀ • food colouring ⠀ • glitter/sequins or any other small objects to float around ⠀ ⠀ Enjoy! Any questions post them below 👇🏼⠀ •⠀ •⠀ • ⠀ #sensorybottles⠀ #playbasedlearning #everydayplayhacks #diymum #oursensorykids #earlylearning101 #partyideasforkids #sensoryplay #babysensory #babysensoryplay #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #learningisfun #eyfs #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #earlyyearseducation #finemotorskills #eyfsideas #montessori #montessoritoddler #reggioinspired #openendedplay #teachermum #playmatters #playislearning #messyplay #messyplayideas #quarantineideas #homeschool

CORNFLOUR GOOP ⠀ ⠀ This is one of my favourite messy play materials - cornflour goop! It is both a solid and a liquid, depending on how you play with it (it’s called a non-Newtonian fluid). Solid when you squeeze it into a ball, liquid when you release! It’s amazing, try it!! ⠀ ⠀ It’s also non-toxic and taste safe, so it’s perfect for babies from 6 months old 😊⠀ ⠀ I would have made another 2 batches to fill this container nicely but ran out of cornflour! Use a smaller tray for one batch or make more if needed but keep to this ratio: ⠀ ⠀ ❇️ 2 cups cornflour to 1 cup water ⠀ ❇️Add more food colouring for a brighter colour ⠀ ❇️ theme it with small world toys (under the sea, jungle, dinosaurs etc) ⠀ ❇️ add utensils and props like scoops, scrapers, spoons, ice cube tray, colander etc. ⠀ ❇️ put a mat underneath or take it outside⠀ ❇️ one piece waterproof suits optional but amazing! ⠀ ❇️ small bucket of water nearby and towel helps extend the playtime as they can clean their hands off and keep playing. ⠀ ❇️ easy to clean: just scrape it into the bin and rince the rest out with warm water ⠀ ⠀ Enjoy! DM with any questions below 👍🏻😊 ⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ #cornflourgoop⠀ #playbasedlearning #everydayplayhacks #diymum #oursensorykids #earlylearning101 #sensorybin #partyideasforkids #sensoryplay #babysensory #babysensoryplay #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #learningisfun #eyfs #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #earlyyearseducation #finemotorskills #eyfsideas #montessori #montessoritoddler #reggioinspired #openendedplay #teachermum #playmatters #playislearning #messyplay #messyplayideas #quarantineideas

This video is a hilarious demo of how to transfer the caterpillar cocoons into the butterfly net! Sienna was terrified and I was so stressed but trying to keep a cool face! It went from bad to worse but we managed in the end 🥵#insectlore #caterpillars #kidsactivities

GIVEAWAY CLOSED! PLAYDOUGH KIT ⠀ ⠀ To celebrate the summer officially having begun, I am giving away one of my Under the Sea themed playdough kits to a lucky winner! Perhaps we won’t be able to go away on holiday this summer so bring the ocean to your kids with this homemade, non-toxic playdough kit. ⠀ ⠀ There are two options available for this theme, the under 3’s and the over 3’s (swipe to see pics) so whoever wins can choose which one you would like! ⠀ ⠀ Each kit comes in a large divided container with 3 jars of homemade playdough in ocean blue, sand and coral pink colours. These are taste safe but not made for eating as they contain a lot of salt. The kits have all the props you could possibly need to make the most gorgeous ocean scenes! ⠀ ⠀ TO ENTER:⠀ ⠀ 1) Follow @thebaby__scoop⠀ 2) Like this post ⠀ 3) Tag a friend in comments below (one tag per comment and each tag counts as an extra entry) ⠀ 4) Share to your stories for an extra entry⠀ ⠀ Make sure all steps above are completed and good luck!! ⠀ ⠀ The giveaway ends at 10pm on Saturday 27th June 2020 and open to UK residents only. The winner will be announced within 48 hours of the competition closing. Exact items may vary slightly from photos shown. ⠀ -⠀ -⠀ As per Instagram rules, entrants must be 18 years or older. This promotion is in no way sponsored or endorsed by Instagram. By entering you confirm that you are over 18 years of age and agree with Instagram’s Terms of Use. ⠀

FATHER’S DAY HANDPRINT CLAY TIDY TRAY ⠀ ⠀ Over the weekend we celebrated Father’s Day and Sienna made her dad a very sweet little tidy tray for his coins, keys, cufflinks out of clay. ⠀ ⠀ Here is how we did it:⠀ ⠀ 1) We rolled the clay flat (@das_fila), and then pinched the edges upwards to make it into a bowl/raised plate shape. ⠀ ⠀ 2) I pressed her hand into the clay as hard as possible ⠀ ⠀ 3) made two thumb prints into a heart shape⠀ ⠀ 4) wrote DADA underneath her handprint ⠀ ⠀ 5) I put her name and date at the back too just for memory ⠀ ⠀ 6) left to air dry for 24-48 hours ⠀ ⠀ 7) painted using regular kids acrylic paints and left to dry ⠀ ⠀ The handprint didn’t show up as well in the pictures once painted but in real it was better and overall it turned out really cute 🥰⠀ ⠀ Did you make anything for Father’s Day? 👇🏼❤️⠀

Happy Father’s Day to the best of the best since day one! We love you! ❤️❤️❤️ and missing my daddy in heaven ❤️❤️ #fathersday #happyfathersday2020

OPEN ENDED TOYS⠀ ⠀ These beautiful @grimmswoodentoys rainbow stacking toy and peg dolls were a birthday gift for Sienna’s 2nd birthday and we absolutely love them!! ⠀ ⠀ I am a huge fan of open-ended toys that grow with your child, and this is exactly that. Open-ended toys are like a blank canvas that allow your child to use and manipulate them in any way they like in order to bring them to life. There is no end goal with open-ended toys which therefore encourages imagination, creativity and problem solving skills. For this reason, there is no ‘expiry date’ on these toys because the older your child gets, the more they will be able to use them in new and different ways. Win win! (Swipe to see some of the ways we have used them) ⬅️. Looking forward to seeing all the new ways she will play with them! ⠀ ⠀ The @grimmswoodentoys toys are wooden and beautifully made, very high quality and I couldn’t recommend them more if you’re looking for something that will last. They can be found in my amazon shop in “toy recommendations” (link in bio). ⠀ Do you have any other open-ended toys your child loves? Suggest them here! 👇🏼 ⠀

CHIA SEED SLIME ⠀ ⠀ Wanna make a frog pond or dinosaur swamp?! Look no further than this ultra gooey, super sensory chia seed slime! ⠀ ⠀ So easy to make and totally taste safe for little ones, this is the ultimate messy play base for your kids! ⠀ ⠀ Here is the video tutorial on how to make it, you’ll need:⠀ ⠀ 1/4 cup chia seeds (white or black) ⠀ 1 cup water ⠀ Food colouring ⠀ ⠀ Don’t forget to use a waterproof mat or take this into the tub/outside as the seeds are quite sticky. Be brave and try it out! ❤️❤️

DIY UTENSILS MATCHING GAME ⠀ ⠀ Here is a super simple and quick activity to encourage: ⠀ ⠀ ✅ matching an object with its outline ⠀ ✅ naming objects ⠀ ✅ learning the purpose and use of different objects ⠀ ✅ learning new vocabulary ⠀ ✅ colouring in the shapes ⠀ ✅ for older ones: drawing the outline themselves ⠀ ⠀ I drew around each of these kitchen utensils (but you can use anything!!) and asked Sienna to match them. I showed her one and she did the rest. We then named each of them (potato masher, tongs, whisk etc) and discussed what each one is used for. This is great for learning new vocabulary like mixing, mashing, stirring etc. ⠀ ⠀ To make this more challenging, hide the objects around the house and go on a scavenger hunt to find the matching objects to the outline! ⠀ ⠀ Matching shapes in this way is great for: ⠀ ⠀ ✅ increasing attention to detail⠀ ✅ encouraging visual discrimination and visual perception which is key for later reading and writing (being able to distinguish between b and d for example). ⠀ ⠀ I hope you try it and if you do, don’t forget to tag us! Drop your questions or comments below ❤️ ⠀

Here is how to make cloud dough for an under the sea themed activity! Colouring is optional - To colour it you can use powder paint or grated chalk (not taste safe) or to make it safe for little ones you can use powder food like turmeric or cocoa or powder food colouring. The powder paint I used is @bakerrossltd and so are the glass shells. Try it out and don’t forget to tag us if you do!! ❤️👇🏼

5 SIMPLE ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE MESSY AND SENSORY PLAY AT HOME⠀ ⠀ Last month I discussed the importance of messy and sensory play for babies and toddlers and explained the benefits for early childhood development in a guest article on @missfarahtutorials website. You can find that article in the link in my bio to learn more. ⠀ ⠀ Here are the 5 activities I listed as an easy way to start incorporating sensory play at home with taste safe ingredients suitable for babies from 6 months old. (Swipe for photos in order from our Messy and Sensory play classes). ⠀ ⠀ 1) cornflour goop ⠀ 2) cloud dough⠀ 3) coloured rice (or pasta, oats, lentils etc.) ⠀ 4) chia seeds slime ⠀ 5) citrus water play ⠀ ⠀ Need ideas of how to play with these? Check out the blog (link in my bio). Have you tried any of these yet? Tag us if you do! 👇🏼⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ • ⠀ ⠀ #playbasedlearning #everydayplayhacks #diymum #oursensorykids #earlylearning101 #sensorybin #partyideasforkids #sensoryplay #babysensory #babysensoryplay #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #learningisfun #eyfs #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #earlyyearseducation #finemotorskills #eyfsideas #montessori #montessoritoddler #reggioinspired #openendedplay #teachermum #playmatters #playislearning #messyplay #messyplayideas #quarantineideas #homeschool

🔢NUMBER RECOGNITION AND MATCHING 🔢⠀ ⠀ This activity encourages number recognition and more importantly, matching quantities to their written numeral (one to one correspondence). I also always love to promote fine motor skills in activities as it creates a strong foundation for all other areas of development, and this one definitely does with poking the straws into the holes! 👌🏼⠀ ⠀ I used toilet roll tubes and cut up paper straws for this and added the element of colour to help the process of matching. ⠀ ⠀ It’s really easy to set up and is a fun introduction to early maths skills. I always model to show how the activity works, so I do one and then Sienna continues. My little one wasn’t interested in putting in more than one or two straws before deciding to play with the straws in other ways - that’s where she’s at and that’s ok. I’ll leave it a few days and try again. ⠀ ⠀ Try it out and tag us if you do! ⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ • ⠀ #earlymaths #earlymathsskills #earlynumeracy⠀ #playbasedlearning #everydayplayhacks #diymum #earlylearning101 #sensorybin #partyideasforkids #sensoryplay #babysensory #babysensoryplay #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #learningisfun #eyfs #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #earlyyearseducation #finemotorskills #eyfsideas #montessori #montessoritoddler #reggioinspired #openendedplay #teachermum #playmatters #playislearning #quarantineideas #homeschool

FOAM SOAP⠀ ⠀ This is such a fun base for a messy play activity - foam soap! ⠀ ⠀ So easy to make, all you need is:⠀ ⠀ 6 large squirts of Tear free shampoo ⠀ Electric (or hand) whisk ⠀ A few drops of food colouring or paint ⠀ 1 cup water ⠀ ⠀ (I did 3 batches in 3 colours)⠀ ⠀ Whisk until it becomes completely foamy and the foam stands in peaks. Throw it in a large container and give your child a whisk, silicone cupcake cases, ice tray, spatula etc. ⠀ ⠀ We also wore a one piece waterproof suit to protect her clothes (not necessary but if your kid usually ends up soaked this is a great solution! Linked in my amazon shop, under “messy play”). ⠀ ⠀ Try it out! ⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ • ⠀ #foamsoap⠀ #playbasedlearning #everydayplayhacks #diymum #oursensorykids #earlylearning101 #sensorybin #partyideasforkids #sensoryplay #babysensory #babysensoryplay #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #learningisfun #eyfs #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #earlyyearseducation #finemotorskills #eyfsideas #montessori #montessoritoddler #reggioinspired #openendedplay #teachermum #playmatters #playislearning #messyplay #messyplayideas #quarantineideas

Like many parents out there, I am determined to make sure I raise a child who is not only accepting of all races, cultures, religions and special needs but one who actively stands up against racism in all its forms. ⠀ ⠀ While I myself admit that I have a lot to learn, I really believe that this all starts with us, the adults and parents at home. It is not about educating our children that "we are all the same", it's about educating them that "we are all different but should be treated the same".⠀ ⠀ I do have some valuable tips I would like to share, based on my 12 years of experience working in a nursery as a teacher and Headmistress. Part of the UK curriculum, the Early Years Foundation Stage, places a strong emphasis on promoting cultural diversity and something I am very familiar with as we did this in our classrooms in a number of ways. While this may not be enough to ensure our children will stand up against racism, it certainly is a good start to educating our children on diversity and placing value on our differences. This is something we all can start doing in our homes. ⠀ ⠀ 1️⃣ Provide multicultural toys such as dolls of different races and skin colours, preferably with realistic features and hair. ⠀ 2️⃣ Have puzzles that depict differences in race, cultures, religious beliefs and special needs. ⠀ 3️⃣ Talk about different festivals and celebrations such as Diwali, Ramadan, Hannukah, Easter etc. ⠀ 4️⃣ Have a diverse collection of books that show real life pictures as well as illustrations of people of different races in stories. These can be books about emphasising our differences but also in stories not related to race, but where the characters are of different race (eg: Handa's Surprise). ⠀ 5️⃣ Books in different languages - even if you cannot read them. Seeing different print in other languages is good exposure to diversity. ⠀ 6️⃣ Dressing up clothes for pretend play, provide them with clothes from other cultures (Indian sari, kimono, African dress etc). ⠀ 7️⃣ Paints and crayons in different skin tones.⠀ 8️⃣ Providing them with feeding utensils such as chopsticks and play food (or real food) from other cultures.⠀ ⠀ Any other suggestions? Pls share👇

📚BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS - DIVERSITY 📚⠀ ⠀ Books are a wonderful way to give your child exposure to different people, cultures, races and special needs. Children are able to relate to characters in stories and can gain understanding of differences in people and environments around them. ⠀ ⠀ In light of everything happening in the world right now, I would invite you to take a look at your children’s book selection and be honest with yourself whether there are enough books available depicting children and adults of different skin colour, ethnicity, special needs and anything else that is different than what you are. I personally did this and realised that while I had a few books reflecting diversity, the selection was by no means sufficient. ⠀ ⠀ I have taken the time to research some good books for all ages that encourage inclusion and celebrate diversity which I am sharing here (ages are simply a guide). ⠀ ⠀ 1. Whose Toes Are Those? by Jabari Asim - Ages 0-3 ⠀ ⠀ 2. Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox and Helen Oxenbury - Ages 0-3⠀ ⠀ 3. Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer - Ages 2-4 ⠀ ⠀ 4. Shades of People by Shelley Rotner and Sheila M. Kelly - All ages (pictures of real life people of all races and colours)⠀ ⠀ 5. All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman - Ages 2-5⠀ ⠀ 6. We’re All Wonders by P.J Palacio - Ages 2-5⠀ ⠀ 7. Amazing by Steve Antony - Ages 3-6 ⠀ ⠀ 8. I Am Human: A Book of Empathy by Susan Verde - Ages 4-7 ⠀ ⠀ You can find all of these in my amazon shop, link in bio, under “multicultural resources”. ⠀ ⠀ There are tons more! What’s your favourite? please share in comments if you have other great recommendations! We can all use it 😊

Black Lives Matter 🤚🏿🤚🏾🤚🏽🤚🏼🤚🏻🖤 #blackouttuesday

I, as many others, have been deeply impacted by the devastating video of the brutal murder of an innocent man at the hands of the police, simply because of the colour of his skin. Not just #Georgefloyd but the countless others who have lost their lives because of the colour of their skin, and the millions who live in fear of being next. As a parent, I cannot begin to imagine living in such fear for my child and I can’t quite believe in 2020 this is still such an issue. ⠀ ⠀ For there to be change, we cannot be silent in the face of racism. We need to stop turning the other cheek, or thinking that being non-racist is enough. It’s not. We need to speak up and be role models for our children - they are our most important audience and they are watching what we do and what we don’t do. We simply cannot be silent on this any longer - let’s educate them that racism and inequity is out there and to actively use their voice to be ANTI-RACISM.⠀ ⠀ As a parent I will be making the active, conscious decision to speak openly and honestly with my daughter as she grows up about race, racism, privilege and hate. It’s never too early to start the conversation - at age 2 she is already noticing differences in people’s skin colour and race and will begin to make her own assumptions based on what she sees in society. I’ll be sharing books and other resources I find useful and age appropriate to begin the conversation around this topic. If you have any suggestions leave them in the comments below👇🏼⠀ ⠀ *For change to happen, those who are not directly affected by this need to be as outraged as those who are* • • • • •⠀ ⠀ #antiracism #enoughisenough #blacklivesmatter #saynotoracism #antiracism #speakup #silentnomore #blacklivesmatter #georgefloyd #educateourchildren #equalityforeveryone

TODDLERS WHO HIT/BITE ⠀ ⠀ So your child hits, bites, scratches another child or you - what do you do?! how do you handle it? The message we want to get across is that the feeling behind the behaviour is OK, but the behaviour is NOT. ⠀ ⠀ Here are a few things you can do when your child hits/bites you or another person: ⠀ 1. STAY CALM - take a deep breath. ⠀ ⠀ 2. ACKNOWLEDGE & ACCEPT THE FEELING - "you are really upset. It is ok to be upset" ⠀ ⠀ 3. SET THE LIMITS - "But it is not ok to hit" ⠀ ⠀ 4. PHYSICALLY STOP THE BEHAVIOUR - "I am going to gently stop you from hitting (gently hold their hands down) / "I am going to move you/baby brother/myself away to keep us safe" ⠀ ⠀ 5. LATER WHEN CALM, TEACH THE LESSON AND ASK THEM TO THINK OF ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS TO HITTING - do not bother trying to reason with a child in the middle of a hitting incident - it is not the time to teach the lesson, it is time to respond and prevent the incident from happening/escalating and for setting the boundaries. In a calm moment later, discuss what happened and try to come up with an alternative together "It made you so mad when your brother took your toy. What do you think you could have done instead of hitting to show you were upset?". ⠀ ⠀ 6. ENCOURAGE THEM TO THINK OF A WAY TO MAKE IT BETTER FOR THE OTHER PERSON - asking your child to "say sorry" doesn't mean much to them. You'll often either be faced with a point blank refusal, or a robotic "sorryyyy" just to give you what you want so they can get back to playing 🙄. What we want to try to do here is have them think of ways to make the other person FEEL better. You will be surprised what they come up with and if they don't come up with anything, make suggestions, like giving the hurt child another toy, writing a card, giving them a hug, etc. If you want them to say sorry then you can suggest it here and say "sometimes saying sorry makes the other person feel better if they're upset by something we did". Eventually they will use it as a meaningful way to make others feel better rather than a robotic response to get us off their backs! ⠀ ⠀ Try it out! Do you have any other suggestions in dealing with this? 👇

🎈BIRTHDAY PLAYDOUGH KIT 🎂⠀ ⠀ It was Sienna’s 2nd birthday last week and it wouldn’t be a birthday without her own personalised The Baby Scoop birthday themed playdough kit! She always watches me make playdough kits for other children and is never allowed to touch them so she was thrilled to finally have her very own one!! ⠀ ⠀ This kit contains: ⠀ • 3 jars of homemade, taste safe playdough in bright colours ⠀ • 1 wooden textured rolling pin ⠀ • 2 playdough knives ⠀ • 6 cutters in a variety of shapes and sizes ⠀ • 10 candles ⠀ • 4 silicone cupcake cases ⠀ • 6 coloured lollysticks ⠀ • 10 multi coloured pipe cleaners ⠀ • 1 divided large box to keep everything ⠀ ⠀ I ran a poll to ask you whether you would want to have this theme included on our website and 94% of you voted yes! So, great news: it is now available to order on my website and makes the perfect birthday gift for 2years+! ⠀ ⠀ Head to the link in my bio to order yours and drop any questions below! 🎈🎂⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ #homemadeplaydough #playdough #playdoughkit #playdoughfun #smallbusiness #imaginativeplay #toddlerfun #parentadvice #toddleractivities #learningthroughplay #earlylearning #eyfs #learningisfun #earlychildhood #earlylearning101 #grossmotorskills #independenttoddler #funathomewithkids #teachermum #creativeideasforkids #playathome #toddleractivitiesathome #diyactivity #playislearning #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyearsideas #mumsofinsta #montessorikids #sensorykids #sensorybin

🎂BIRTHDAY WIPEABLE BOARD 🎈⠀ ⠀ I saw this wipeable board on @mothercould and thought Sienna would enjoy decorating her own cake as an activity for her 2nd Birthday. ⠀ ⠀ The great thing about this board is that it is so easy to make using cardboard and tape, can be used with paints or pens and wipes off so easily with regular wipes! They can repeat this so many times and you can draw any pattern you like. ⠀ ⠀ To make: ⠀ ⠀ 1) Draw your images on a cardboard using a black marker (we made a cake with number 2, 2 candles and 2 balloons) ⠀ 2) using packing tape, cover the board entirely, not leaving any gaps between each piece of tape (fold over at the back) ⠀ 3) paint or colour in with markers ⠀ 4) wipe and repeat! ⠀ Try it out and tag us! Any questions, pop them below! 😊⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ • ⠀ #recycleandplay @recycleandplay #diyactivities #kidsart #montessoriathome #kidscrafts #diytoys #birthdayactivity #toddleractivities #everydayplayhacks #toddlerfun #kidsactivities #preschoolactivities

TWO TODAY!! 🎈🎉 They tell you they grow up fast, this one is apparently 20 today! Arghhhh 😭😭😭😭 happy birthday my sweet angel ❤️🧿

🐛SIENNA’S 1st BDAY 🦋⠀ ⠀ Sienna will turn 2 years old on Monday so here is a Flashback Friday to her 1st bday last year (can’t believe it’s already been another year!) ⠀ ⠀ It was The Very Hungry Caterpillar themed and I decorated most of it myself (except the cakes as I’m terrible at that) 😄 I wanted it to be special for her although she obviously didn’t even notice most of it haha. ⠀ ⠀ Here are some ideas in case you have a birthday coming up and feel inspired to do some of it yourself. ⠀ ⠀ 1) Caterpillar balloon arch (green ballons in 2 shades, giant 3ft red balloon for head, cut out eyes and ears and stick to head) ⠀ ⠀ 2) number 1 photo collage - draw a number 1 onto a board and stick photos of their first year with family and friends ⠀ ⠀ 3) caterpillar monthly milestone garland - I bought a milestone garland and stuck green circles to make the body and a red head at the front. Cut out little black feet and stick those) ⠀ ⠀ 4) Sienna milestone board - @etsy is amazing for this - find the style you like and tell them what you want the board to say and they will send you the digital file. All you need to do is have it printed at your local print shop. ⠀ ⠀ 5) ONE caterpillar word - this was bought on @Etsy and was cute decoration on the table ⠀ ⠀ 6) goodie bags - the bags were colourful and I made little caterpillars on the front (sticking round circles for body and head) and personalising with names. Each child got The Very Hungry Caterpillar Board Book, a light up sensory ball and a fruit balloon. ⠀ ⠀ 7) caterpillar pop cakes so delicious from @popbakery (I made the stands myself using artificial grass on foam) ⠀ 8) the cake was so gorgeous but tasted horrible (I would not recommend the place we had it made as they were expensive and awful customer service)⠀ ⠀ 9) caterpillar and fruits biscuits were so cute and yummy - @eatmycakelondon they make all types of bespoke biscuits ⠀ ⠀ 10) entertainment used was @hartbeepswestlondon who were great! They provided a really interactive and sensory experience that are perfect for this age group - we loved them. ⠀ ⠀ Any questions at all pop them below! What’s your favourite of all these?

We had to try it! Her face!!! Poor thing I left her for ages 😄 #patiencechallenge #marshmallowchallenge

🍊MAKING ORANGE JUICE🍊 ⠀ ⠀ This morning we made orange juice and I think it’s her new favourite thing to do! ⠀ ⠀ This is such a simple practical life skill that develops:⠀ ⠀ ✅ wrist control ⠀ ✅ hand strengthening⠀ ✅ hand eye coordination ⠀ ✅ independence ⠀ ✅ healthy relationship with foods ⠀ ⠀ We used a hand squeezing juicer which is quite difficult to use but it’s all I have. To make this easier you can use a mini citrus juicer which I have linked on amazon in my bio under “practical life skills”. ⠀ ⠀ (Yes her mouth is pink, she paints her face and limbs on a daily basis! 🙄) ⠀ ⠀ Try it out and let me know how it goes! ⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ • ⠀ #montessoripracticallife #practicallifeskills #montessoritoddleractivities #promoteindependence⠀ #playbasedlearning #everydayplayhacks #diymum #oursensorykids #earlylearning101 #sensorybin #partyideasforkids #sensoryplay #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #learningisfun #eyfs #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #earlyyearseducation #finemotorskills #eyfsideas #montessori #montessoritoddler #reggioinspired #openendedplay #teachermum #playmatters #playislearning #quarantineideas #homeschool

🦖DINOSAUR HEADBAND 🦕⠀ ⠀ So my daughter spotted those really cool dinosaur helmets on one of our neighbour’s son a couple of weeks ago and has been nagging me for a dinosaur helmet ever since. She has a helmet already so I’m certainly not buying her another one, but I figured I could make one instead! ⠀ ⠀ It’s surprisingly quite easy and uses recycled materials you have at home! You can make this a fun project with your children if slightly older or your little ones can do the decorating! They can then use it in their role playing as a Dino headband 🦕⠀ ⠀ Do you want the steps on how to do this in an IGTV video? Let me know with a comment below! 👇🏼👇🏼⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ • ⠀ @recycleandplay @craft.and.play.your.way @theamazingartcart @minimadthings @get.creative.with ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #eggcartoncraft #dinosaurcraft #recycleandplay #recycledcrafts #recycleandreuse #repurposed #artsandcraftsforkids #animalcrafts #cardboardcrafts #kidsart #creativekids #recycledart #diytoys #learningthroughplay #kidscrafts101 #playandlearn #montessoriactivity #earlylearning101 #toddlerplayideas #toddleractivities #playathome #earlychildhoodeducation #kidcrafts #preschoolactivities #preschoolart #makecreateplay #getcreativewith #makelearningfun #quarantineplayideas #invitationtocreate

🐊EDIBLE MUD AND ANIMAL WASH 🧽⠀ ⠀ This super easy to set up activity is a great way to engage in messy and sensory play. ⠀ ⠀ To learn about the benefits of messy and sensory play for babies and toddlers, I have just written a blog (link in my bio) as a guest on @missfarah.tutorials website. It’s a must read to really understand why we do sensory play and how you can help your child at home. ⠀ ⠀ Swipe for the tutorial on how to make this, it literally takes a couple of minutes and will engage your child for ages! Turn it into a farm, construction pit with diggers and tractors, a swamp for dinosaurs or a muddy puddle for Peppa pig! The ideas are endless. ⠀ ⠀ The activity was not just a mud scene for the animals, but it was also a washing station which is always well received by young kids!! Dirty the animals in the mud and wash them on repeat! 👏🏼 ⠀ ⠀ What’s your favourite messy play activity? Try this out and tag us if you do! ⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ • ⠀ ⠀ #stayhome #learningthroughplay #ediblemud #toddleractivities #playbasedlearning #diyplay #playathome #playideas #messyplay #quarantineplayideas #preschoolathome #invitationtoplay #toddlerlearning #handsonlearning #earlylearning #playandlearn #earlyyearsideas #eyfs #kidsatplay #toddlerplay #makelearningfun #steamkids #stemkids #homeschooling #homeschool #playmatters

👅🎨TASTE SAFE PAINT🎨👅⠀ ⠀ It’s impossible to find paints anywhere online at the moment (if you find any let me know!!) so I made my own for this birthday banner. ⠀ ⠀ I’m preparing for Sienna’s 2nd birthday next week and needed paint to decorate her birthday banner. This paint recipe couldn’t be easier and the good news is, it’s the perfect paint to use with babies as it’s totally safe to be eaten! Check my highlights “birthday preps” for details on how to create the banner. ⠀ ⠀ You’ll need: ⠀ ⠀ Flour ⠀ Water⠀ Food colouring ⠀ ⠀ We did two shades of pink and yellow for her banner and it turned out really vibrant and nice! ⠀ ⠀ Have you tried taste safe paint before? If you try it, tag us!⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ • ⠀ ⠀ #stayhome #learningthroughplay #kidscrafts101 #toddleractivities #playbasedlearning #diyplay #playathome #playideas #preschoolactivities #quarantineplayideas #preschoolathome #invitationtoplay #toddlerlearning #handsonlearning #earlylearning #playandlearn #earlyyearsideas #eyfs #kidsatplay #toddlerplay #makelearningfun #steamkids #stemkids #homeschooling #homeschool #playmatters

WALKING ALONG A LINE ⠀ ⠀ Between the ages of 3-6 years, children have a need to practice, perfect and consolidate the body’s movements. For this reason, Dr Maria Montessori began using “walking along a line” as a practical life exercise. ⠀ ⠀ This exercise helps children: ⠀ ✅ control their body⠀ ✅ develop balance and perfect equilibrium ⠀ ✅ strengthen the mind's control of its body's movements.⠀ ⠀ There are several levels to this activity which range in difficulty depending on their skills and abilities. Once they master walking on a straight line (heel to toe and on the line one foot in front of the other) variations can include holding objects such as: ⠀ 🔸a bell ⠀ 🔹beads in a small dish ⠀ 🔸a spoon with a bead on it⠀ 🔹a cup of water ⠀ 🔸beanbag to balance on their head ⠀ ⠀ To make this more challenging, they can practise walking on a curved or zig zag line. You can also vary this to suit your child’s age by: ⠀ ⠀ • Making it a colour matching activity (match objects to the coloured tape - walk across it and leave in a coloured bowl) ⠀ • putting a number at the end of the line and asking them to transport the corresponding quantity of objects to the other side ⠀ • have the lines cross over each other making it a challenge to remain focused on their line ⠀ • create other patterns ⠀ Have you seen this before? Would you try it out? If you do, don’t forget to tag us! •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ ⠀ #playbasedlearning #everydayplayhacks #diymum #oursensorykids #earlylearning101 #sensorybin #partyideasforkids #sensoryplay #babysensory #babysensoryplay #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #learningisfun #eyfs #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #earlyyearseducation #finemotorskills #eyfsideas #montessori #montessoritoddler #reggioinspired #openendedplay #teachermum #playmatters #playislearning #messyplay #messyplayideas #quarantineideas #homeschool

💦COLOUR MIXING & POURING 🌈⠀ ⠀ We’ve been a bit quiet with posting activities the last few days as things have just been really hectic at home and I just couldn’t find the time or energy! 🤣⠀ ⠀ But I’m back with a really simple one that we really enjoyed! ⠀ ⠀ We looked at colour mixing using water and food colouring. I presented her with 3 jugs of water in primary colours and some empty jugs, ice cube trays, pipettes and cups and encouraged her to mix them together into the empty containers to see what happens. It was really fun to see her amazement at the colour change and also how she explored capacity: with the cups and jugs of different sizes, she was noticing that she was pouring far too much into the shot glass. And of course it turned into water play at the end with a very dark green/brown final colour! 💦😆⠀ ⠀ This activity is great for: ⠀ ⠀ ✅ early maths skills: colour mixing, exploring capacity, problem solving skills ⠀ ✅ trial and error ⠀ ✅ sensory play which develops cognitive ability ⠀ ✅ improve pouring skills ⠀ ⠀ You can do this on a smaller scale using small cups or glasses on a tray. I would advise going easy on the food colouring as a little goes a long way, and it won’t stain if it’s very diluted! 🙌🏼 ⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ #colourmixing⠀ #playbasedlearning #everydayplayhacks #diymum #oursensorykids #earlylearning101 #sensorybin #partyideasforkids #sensoryplay #babysensory #babysensoryplay #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #learningisfun #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #earlyyearseducation #finemotorskills #eyfsideas #montessori #montessoritoddler #reggioinspired #openendedplay #teachermum #playmatters #playislearning #messyplay #messyplayideas #quarantineideas #homeschool

🎶 FREE LIVE BABY MUSIC AND MOVEMENT CLASS 🎶⠀ ⠀ The lovely Miss Pippa of Pippa’s Poppets is offering babies from 4-15 months a free live music and movement class on Monday 4th May at 10:30am. ⠀ ⠀ Miss Pippa and I have worked for many many years together while I was at Miss Daisy’s and she ran all the music classes for us, wrote all our songs for our countless Nativity Plays and Summer Shows and I couldn’t recommend her more! ⠀ ⠀ It’s a really important time to support small businesses at the moment and I hope some of you will be able to sign your little ones up for the free class! ⠀ ⠀ To sign up, go to www.pippaspoppets.co.uk/classes or head to @pippaspoppets and click on the link in their bio. ⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ • ⠀ #supportsmallbusiness #womeninbusiness #freeclass #musicandmovement #babyclasses #onlinebabyclass

🎙PODCAST! 🎙⠀ ⠀ Thank you so much @yasminawrites for having me on your wonderful podcast, The Human Experience - Coronavirus, to discuss how to balance life with toddlers in quarantine! 🎉I am so honoured to shed some of my experience and advice and really hope this helps mothers out there who are trying to keep it together during this mad time! You are all heroes! ⠀ ⠀ To listen, the link is in my bio or search “coronavirus human experience” in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud or Podbean. ⠀ Be sure to subscribe and rate their wonderful podcast, which delves into the human experiences behind coronavirus each week. ⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ #mumsinquarantine #kidsinlockdown #kidsathome #lockdownideas #quarantineideasfortoddlers #quarantineideasforkids #quarantineideas #coronavirus #parentadvice

📚BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS 📚 Feelings ⠀ ⠀ A while ago I did a book recommendation post on books about feelings for a range of ages. It seems an appropriate time to repost those recommendations as this is a great time to discuss feelings with your children. ⠀ ⠀ Perhaps they are feeling more clingy, worried, anxious than normal and this is showing in their behaviour? Are they having more tantrums, being more attention seeking, struggling with some big emotions? Books are an excellent way to help them make sense of some of these emotions and attach the language that goes with these feelings. ⠀ ⠀ All the ones pictured can be found in my amazon shop (link in bio). These books are specifically to look at different emotions and to discuss feelings, but there are a ton of other excellent books that are set as stories and incorporate feelings through characters. ⠀ ⠀ 1. Baby Faces by Margaret Miller - Age: 6months + ⠀ 2. Happy, Grumpy, Loved: A Little Book of Feelings by Ruth Austin - Age: 12months+⠀ 3. In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek - Age: 2-3years+ ⠀ 4. Find Out About Feelings: A Lift-the-Flap Book of Emotions by Pat-A-Cake - Age: 2-3years +⠀ 5. How Are You Feeling Today? By Molly Potter - Age: 4years +⠀ 6. How Do YOU Feel? By Anthony Browne - Age: 2 years + ⠀ ⠀ Which books about feelings do you love and recommend? Share them below! ⠀ •⠀⠀ •⠀⠀ •⠀⠀ •⠀⠀ •⠀⠀ •⠀ ⠀ #booksaboutfeelings #booksforchildren⠀ #playbasedlearning #kidsbookstagram #diymum #oursensorykids #earlylearning101 #sensorybin #partyideasforkids #sensoryplay #babysensory #babysensoryplay #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #learningisfun #eyfs #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #earlyyearseducation #finemotorskills #eyfsideas #montessori #montessoritoddler #reggioinspired #openendedplay #teachermum #playmatters #playislearning #quarantineideas #homeschool

This is a healthy alternative to ice cream that is super easy and super fun to do with your kids. I got the recipe from @fitfoodiefinds and you’ll need: 2 bananas 1/4 nut butter (we used peanut) 4 tbsp milk (we used coconut) Chocolate chips (we didn’t have any but 100% would have used if we did!) Blender (we used our @nutribullet) Double up on the quantities If you want a batch to keep in the freezer. Cooking is really fun to do with your children and this healthy recipe will be the perfect dessert on a warm day! The knife she is using to slice the banana is @kuhnrikonuk and can be found in my amazon shop (link in bio under “practical life”). What’s your favourite ice cream flavour? • • • • • • #cookingwithkids #nicecream #playbasedlearning #everydayplayhacks #diymum #oursensorykids #earlylearning101 #sensorybin #partyideasforkids #sensoryplay #babysensory #babysensoryplay #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #learningisfun #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #earlyyearseducation #finemotorskills #eyfsideas #montessori #montessoritoddler #reggioinspired #openendedplay #teachermum #playmatters #playislearning #messyplay #quarantineideas #homeschool

Thank you @bydaycompany for asking me to write a piece for your blog (my first!) and for supporting our small business. It really means a lot to be able to share a bit of positivity amidst all the chaos that is happening! Click on the link in my bio to read it 🥰 #Repost @bydaycompany with @make_repost ・・・ Working with some amazing companies in a variety of different sectors makes what we do even more enjoyable. A recent client of ours @thebaby__scoop has launched her new brand and website at the beginning of this year, just as #covid-19 hit the UK. This however hasn't stopped them growing into a successful business. The founder of @thebaby__scoop Cerine kindly shared her story of starting a new business during these difficult times.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ Full blog on our website 'LINK IN BIO'⁠ ⁠ #businesssupport #adaptability #businessconsulting #newbusiness #smallbusinesssupport #growyourbusiness #gamechangers #consultancy #growingbusinesses #businessneeds #smallbusiness #corporatebusiness #consultancyservices #workdifferently #efficientworking #leadingtheway #costsaving #matchingprojects #consultancyservices #workbetter #betterwork #byday

🟣 POMPOM DROP 🟡⠀ ⠀ Still have some kitchen roll tubes saved?👇🏼⠀ ⠀ This is a popular activity that I’ve seen so many variations of online and decided to try myself. I’ve read a lot of people mention it didn’t last long because their babies pull the rolls off the walls. Well, I’ve found a solution for you! DOUBLE SIDED TAPE! Works a charm, it’s so strong it’s very difficult to pull off. I would just note to be careful on painted walls as they may pull off paint if left on too long. If you use double sided tape, consider doing this activity against a glass window, mirror, shower door, glossy door etc. ⠀ ⠀ It was a hit with my daughter, she played for ages. We tried smaller pompoms You can put bowls or cups to catch the falling pompoms, and she checked what happens if you put lots in at once! You can give older kids tongs to pick up the pompoms with, you can make it a counting number activity by adding a number on the outside of the roll and they need to drop the corresponding amount of pompoms into the tube and into the bowl.⠀ ⠀ Benefits:⠀⠀ ✅ learn about cause and effect⠀ ✅ experiment with different objects, sizes and weights to see which go faster, slower, get stuck etc. ⠀ ✅ develop hand eye coordination ⠀ ✅ improve gross motor skills ⠀ ✅ practise colour matching and sorting⠀ ✅ develop number recognition and matching quantities to written numbers ⠀ ⠀ You’ll need:⠀ • Kitchen or toilet roll tubes ⠀ • Pompoms or marbles (choking hazards please be careful) - we got extra large pom-poms found in my amazon shop⠀ • double sided tape - this will make the difference between your baby pulling them off easily versus not being able to! ⠀ • optional coloured tape or paint if you want to make it a colour matching activity⠀ ⠀ Try it out and don’t forget to tag us! ⠀

✍🏻COLOURING BLANKET✍🏻⠀ ⠀ This is an activity that you will love as it needs zero prep, can be used over and over and is fun indoors and out! This is the ‘Jungle Fever’ colouring picnic blanket by @petiotes and we couldn’t love it more! They are the fab company that made the monogrammed picnic blanket that I use for all of our messy play activities at home and that we swear by. The generous size, waterproof and durable quality and easy to wash aspects are all perfect! This colouring in one is a great activity to take out with us to the garden as all you need is the blanket and washable pens and this will keep them busy for ages! Best part, you pop it in the machine and start all over again 🙌🏼⠀ • ⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ • ⠀ #picnicblanket #lockdownideas⠀ #playbasedlearning #everydayplayhacks #diymum #oursensorykids #earlylearning101 #sensorybin #partyideasforkids #sensoryplay #babysensory #babysensoryplay #learningthroughplay #learningisfun #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #earlyyearseducation #finemotorskills #eyfsideas #montessori #montessoritoddler #reggioinspired #openendedplay #teachermum #playmatters #playislearning #messyplay #messyplayideas #quarantineideas #homeschool

🔐 LOCKS AND KEYS 🔐 ⠀ ⠀ My child is obsessed with opening the door when we arrive home, she always has to be the one who puts the key in the hole! There have been tantrums, meltdowns, real toddler frustrations about getting the key into the hole. I don’t mind waiting a few additional minutes at the front door to allow her to practise this skill and to allow her to deal with her frustrations as I believe it’s all important for her growth and resilience. She has now 95% mastered opening our front door. ⠀ ⠀ I decided to get her her own set of padlocks and keys so she can continue to practise and repeat this action, as children not only love repetition but they need it to perfect their skills. ⠀ ⠀ This activity can lead to frustration in children as this can be quite the challenge and test of perseverance getting the keys into their corresponding locks. ⠀ ⠀ The good news is, by overcoming the challenge through their own process of trial and error, your child is developing not only the practical life skill of how to use various locks and keys but is also finding the independence and resilience to work through a struggle diligently.⠀ ⠀ By mastering something difficult, children find confidence in themselves. This activity is a real test of patience! ⠀ ⠀ We got this set of colourful padlocks and keys from amazon, I’ll link them in my amazon shop under “practical life skills”. You can make this more challenging by having various padlocks and keys of different shapes and sizes, or even different types of locks for some of the older children (bicycle locks, padlocks with codes etc) ⠀ ⠀ I modelled how to do the first one and then I let her try. I step back and leave her to do it herself - she attempted 3 different padlocks before getting it on the 4th (the purple one as seen in the video). ⠀ ⠀ Try it out and if you have any questions at all, drop them in comments or DM me!

🎨MESS FREE PAINTING 🎨⠀ ⠀ Want to paint at home but just don't want to deal with the mess? Here's a mess free painting activity for you! ⠀ ⠀ Get a piece of paper (any size works) and squirt some paint on it. Your child can do this depending on their age. Place a large piece of bubble wrap or clear plastic over it and tape it down on the floor or table on all edges to prevent paint coming out. This can also be done by placing a piece of paper inside a ziplock sandwich bag! Doesn't have to be fancy, you can use whatever you have at home to make this work! ⠀ ⠀ If you do use bubble wrap on the floor, it's very fun to walk, stomp and pop the bubbles with their feet. Or how about giving them rollers to squish the paint with and listen to that popping sound.⠀ ⠀ Will you give it a try? if you do, don't forget to tag us! ⠀ *⠀ *⠀ *⠀ *⠀ *⠀ *⠀ ⠀ *⠀ *⠀ *⠀ *⠀ *⠀#messfreepainting #bubblewrapart #everydayplayhacks #playislearning #teachermum #playmatters #reggiokids #diymum #childhoodunplugged #playbasedlearning #toddleractivitiesathome #sensoryplayideas #toddlerplay #preschoolplay #babyplayideas #playathome #stayathomemum #preparedplay #montessoriathome #followthechild #babyplay #montessoribaby #instamum #reggioinspired #playbased #diybabytoys #babyplayspace #babysensory #babyplayhacks #babyactivitiesathome

☁️🟣WATER BEADS IN SHAVING FOAM 🟢☁️⠀ ⠀ There are so many ways to play with water beads and adding shaving foam to them is such a fun, sensory experience! Really takes it to the next level of play. ⠀ ⠀ We used @kidsstuffcrazy Crazy Soap as it is mild on the skin and also moulds in really fun ways but you could use regular shaving foam for this. ⠀ ⠀ You can hide the water beads in the foam and ask your child to find them with their hands or dip their feet in and see how that feels. You can encourage them to find the different colours, use different tools like ice cream cones or silicone cupcake cases for pretend playing. ⠀ ⠀ Tip for making the play last longer: add a small bucket of water and towel next to the sensory container so they can clean their hands throughout the play. Being able to clean their hands allows them to restart and helps them feel more comfortable with the level of mess/sensory output. Any questions let me know! ⠀ ⠀ ⚠️Water beads are not safe for children who are still putting things in their mouths as they are dangerous if swallowed. Always use these with caution and always supervise your child ⚠️ ⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ • ⠀ #waterbeads⠀ #playbasedlearning #everydayplayhacks #diymum #oursensorykids #earlylearning101 #sensorybin #partyideasforkids #sensoryplay #babysensory #babysensoryplay #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #learningisfun #eyfs #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #earlyyearseducation #finemotorskills #grossmotorskills #eyfsideas #montessori #montessoritoddler #reggioinspired #openendedplay #teachermum #playmatters #playislearning #messyplay #messyplayideas

🥗 HELPING TO PREPARE LUNCH 🥗⠀ ⠀ Kids love helping out and cooking/meal prep is a really great place to start. Cooking with your child has a wealth of benefits such as: ⠀ • fostering positive relationships with food⠀ • learning life skills⠀ • increasing early maths skills ⠀ • developing language ⠀ • being helpful⠀ • contributing to the household ⠀ ⠀ Today Sienna was my helper at preparing the kale to roast in the oven for lunch. She helped with all the steps from emptying the bag into the salad spinner, washing the kale, spinning it to dry the leaves, placing it on the baking tray and seasoning with olive oil, garlic salt and sesame seeds. ⠀ ⠀ When you get your child involved in cooking or meal prep they are more likely to try the food they have helped make - this is a great place to start if you have a fussy eater! ⠀ ⠀ What does your child enjoy helping to make in the kitchen? ⠀ #thekidscandoit ⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ • ⠀ #parentadvice #independentchild⠀ #playbasedlearning #everydayplayhacks #diymum #oursensorykids #earlylearning101 #sensorybin #partyideasforkids #sensoryplay #babysensory #babysensoryplay #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #learningisfun #eyfs #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #earlyyearseducation #finemotorskills #grossmotorskills #eyfsideas #montessori #montessoritoddler #reggioinspired #openendedplay #teachermum #playmatters #playislearning

🥗“YUMMY” and “YUCKY” 🥘⠀ ⠀ I remember when Sienna was about 4.5 months old and we started weaning her onto solids, I read something somewhere that I thought was great advice so I started to implement it with her. Although initially it didn’t have much impact as she was so young, it has really helped long term with us at mealtimes and hopefully it will help you too. ⠀ ⠀ It was the simple tip to use descriptive words when you offer food to your child or when you ask them about how they like their meal. Using words like SPICY, SOUR, CRUNCHY, LUMPY, SWEET, SALTY, MUSHY, actually gives them the vocabulary to describe what they’re tasting and will eventually enable them to tell you WHY they don’t like something rather than just say “YUCKY”. I don’t know about you, but I really dislike using the word yucky to describe food and have always discouraged it by saying “it’s ok if you don’t like it but it’s not yucky, some people really like this food”. Also, it’s quite infuriating when you’ve just cooked a delicious meal and they take a bite and say “yucky!” 🤣⠀ ⠀ Sienna will be turning 2 next month and I am now starting to see the impact of this piece of advice I followed. She can now tell me that her fruit is too sour or that she finds the pasta too salty (granted she’s doesn’t always get the words right) but the idea is that she’s communicating her opinion on the food and why she doesn’t want to eat it. This also reduces mealtime battles because when your child tells you the bread is too crunchy, instead of getting annoyed they’re not eating it, maybe you’ll help make it softer or remove the hard bits etc. ⠀ ⠀ I don’t believe it’s ever too late to start implementing this (or any advice with kids for that matter) and I would suggest you start today! During your next meal, instead of just saying “here’s your orange it’s so yummy” try saying “here’s your orange, it’s juicy and sweet and sometimes a little sour too!”. ⠀ ⠀ Do you use these sorts of descriptive words at mealtimes? Share your thoughts and let me know below! 👇🏼

👌🏼TAPE PEEL 👌🏼⠀ ⠀ So a couple of posts back we did an animal rescue activity using tape (check it out) - this was better suited to the 12-18month olds and slightly too easy for my little one, so I’ve done an extension on that activity to make it more of a challenge. ⠀ ⠀ Here I stuck tape one on top of the other in different directions - the goal is the peel the tape off the table from totally flat. This is more challenging for their little hands and needs quite a bit of fine motor skill to peel the tape back. Perfect for 2-3 year olds. ➡️ swipe for the ‘how to’. ⠀ ⠀ This activity works on strengthening that pincer grip needed to hold a pencil. I love these types activities as they prepare the child for early writing skills by building the foundations they need to be able to hold a pencil (which is the last step!).⠀ ⠀ For older children (3-5 years) I would suggest showing them how to trace over the tape with your finger before peeling. This will give them the extra challenge of working out which piece of tape needs to come off first. Wanna make this even harder? Use tape that is all the same colour! ⠀ ⠀ Don’t forget to hit the like button if you’re into this! The only way you’ll be able to see more of these posts on your feed is by liking them! ❤️⠀ ⠀ Did you try the animal rescue tape activity? Will you try this as an extra challenge? Let me know! ⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ • ⠀ #playbasedlearning #everydayplayhacks #diymum #oursensorykids #finemotorskills #earlylearning101 #sensorybin #partyideasforkids #sensoryplay #babysensory #babysensoryplay #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #learningisfun #eyfs #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #earlyyearseducation #finemotorskills #grossmotorskills #eyfsideas #montessori #montessoritoddler #reggioinspired #openendedplay #teachermum #playmatters #playislearning #messyplay #messyplayideas

🌼FROZEN SPRING FLOWERS🌼 ⠀ ⠀ Take 2 on my frozen pom-poms rescue activity - frozen spring flowers! This activity was such a hit with my little one and it was the most saved post I’ve put out so far so I’m glad to see it was a hit with all of you too! ⠀ ⠀ Here is another version of it, this time I’m showing you how you can create these using balloons to make an egg shape (Easter inspired) but also perfect for freezing chicks, dinosaurs, or any other animals that hatch out of eggs! ⠀ ⠀ If you haven’t already tried our frozen rescue activity go and try it, and if you’ve already done it, do it again! The ice takes so long to melt that it’s an activity to keep them busy for AGES. Also, don’t forget to tag us so I can reshare - I love seeing all your kids busy doing our activities 😍 ⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ • ⠀ ⠀ #toddlerscienceexperiment #diyfun #scienceexperiment #iceplay #messyplay #messyplayideas #oursensorykids #earlylearning101 #sensorybin #partyideasforkids #sensoryplay #babysensory #babysensoryplay #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #learningisfun #eyfs #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #earlyyearseducation #finemotorskills #grossmotorskills #eyfsideas #montessori #montessoritoddler #reggioinspired #openendedplay #teachermum #londonmums #tufftray

Sensory balls are great for little ones to experience a new texture and also to help strengthen those wrist muscles when squeezing. You can make these for babies and toddlers alike. Play fun games like guessing what’s inside the balls and matching to the contents or simply use as a stress ball! Definitely much needed for grownups if you’re home all day with your children 🤣 I am more of a ‘behind the scenes’ kind of person but let me know if you like these sorts of tutorials and I’ll do some more! #sensoryballs #stressballs #everydayplayhacks #playislearning #teachermum #playmatters #reggiokids #diymum #childhoodunplugged #playbasedlearning #toddleractivitiesathome #sensoryplayideas #toddlerplay #preschoolplay #babyplayideas #playathome #stayathomemum #playathomemummy #preparedplay #montessoriathome #followthechild #babyplay #montessoribaby #reggioinspired #playbased #diybabytoys #babyplayspace #babysensory #babyplayhacks #babyactivitiesathome

👩🏻‍🎨SPIN ART - EASTER EGGS🥚 ⠀ ⠀ Happy Easter from us at The Baby Scoop!⠀ ⠀ We made some fun Easter eggs to hang on our house plant at home. Really easy to make and lots of fun! ⠀ ⠀ You’ll need:⠀ ⠀ Salad spinner⠀ Card or paper (I prefer card) cut into egg shapes ⠀ Paints ⠀ ⠀ Try spin art with your child! It’s a really fun and interactive way to explore a new way to paint. ⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ • ⠀ #spinart⠀ #playbasedlearning #everydayplayhacks #diymum #oursensorykids #earlylearning101 #sensorybin #partyideasforkids #sensoryplay #babysensory #babysensoryplay #parentadvice #learningthroughplay #learningisfun #eyfs #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #earlyyearseducation #finemotorskills #grossmotorskills #eyfsideas #montessori #montessoritoddler #reggioinspired #openendedplay #teachermum #playmatters #playislearning #messyplay #messyplayideas