Mindstretchers

Curiosity and Wonder

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Karen has authored early care and education books and is a frequent contributor to Exchange. "Helping children learn to satisfy curiosity through exploration is one of the best skills you'll ever nurture."

Motivational Maths

Fri, 09 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Some people view mathematics as a precise, right and wrong situation, and yet pure mathematicians talk about a new language, a creative, experimental way of thinking. This attitude of exuberance should be developed in our youngest children so that they are not scared to have a go, to try out a new method without fear of failure.

Bike Zone - Taking Role Play Outside

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Bikes are an integral part of playing outside. The bag system in this case provides the detail to the larger resources such as bikes, taxis and wagons.

Talking and Thinking Floorbooks

Fri, 31 Mar 2006 00:00:00 +0000

For many practitioners the involvement of children has been an integral part of their practice for many years. Many regions across Scotland are now focussing on this aspect of their practice and trying to create strategies that can be embedded in practice.

Dancing with Leaves

Mon, 05 Dec 2005 00:00:00 +0000

All around us the trees are changing. In many outside areas these changes cannot be easily observed. This article is designed to support people who have rather "underdeveloped" spaces for children to explore.

Peering out at Foggy days

Thu, 27 Jan 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Gloomy fog bound days seem to prevent outdoor play rather then inspire staff to go outside. This article shares some exciting opportunities for that foggy day.

Get ready to respond to a Windy Day

Thu, 30 Sep 2004 00:00:00 +0000

A windy day can teach us about how the mass of an object affects the way it flies, how bag kites fly, and the music of wind chimes.

Physical Features

Fri, 04 Jun 2004 00:00:00 +0000

The environment you experience with children may be a wood, seashore, park, or tarmac playground. All of the outdoor spaces have the potential for learning.

The Potential of a Puddle

Wed, 05 May 2004 00:00:00 +0000

As adults we look at a pile of leaves and we think of clearing and preparing, when a young child sees them they see the opportunity to sing and dance in a shower of leaves.

Take a Look

Wed, 05 May 2004 00:00:00 +0000

They ran through deep piles of leaves, danced in the leaves falling silently around them like confetti, hugged trees and looked up the trunk to get a squirrels view. We played drums with a couple of old sticks on a fallen tree trunk and gave a great rendition of familiar nursery rhymes, a couple of reggae beats and a celtic tune or two.