A childminder\’s perspective We have always had a big emphasis on imaginative play in our setting. I love to see the children\’s imagination running free. Imagination is such a vital part of faith. God asks us to use our imagination. He told Abraham to go outside at night and count the stars – that\’s how
Imagination and Outside Play Read More »
It\’s great fun to make art that can be moved or changed; by children, adults or even the wind and rain! Transient art is non-permanent, constantly changing and focused on the process of creativity in action. When children work on transient art projects they manipulate, explore and experiment as they work individually or collaboratively, on either
There are lots of insects and bugs to discover in your garden, even if it is very small. A minibeast hunt is a great way for children to get up close to nature. It gets them out in the fresh air, encourages them to use their observation skills, and it gives them a chance to
Did you clap for the NHS ? Have you put a rainbow in your window to show your support. How about weaving a rainbow as well? Add some rainbow bright colour to your home with this fun rainbow weaving. It’s not hard to make and it’s a good project to use up yarn scraps if
How do you fancy making some dandelion honey? If you have a lawn dotted with dandelions and where you are sure there haven\’t been any chemicals applied, you can forage for the flowers. The tender greens are also good for salads. If spring has sprung but the bees aren\’t yet buzzing enough to make honey,
We are all born storytellers. Story defines our identity both as individuals as well as a society. It comes so naturally to invent stories. We may altogether ignore the propensity in children or we may provoke, support, record and celebrate children\’s stories. Provocations can be immensely effective and one example is the use of a
Story telling – Playing with Parables Read More »
A model for Christian early education. The reader is invited to consider the whole work of early years and take in the full scope of what is happening in the life of a little person. \”To climb a new tree means to the boy the discovery of a new world.\” (Froebel) Trees have had an important place
The tree of learning and development Read More »
A couple of months ago, I travelled to Barcelona with our daughter for a few days away. It was a trip we had talked about doing for many years, but the time never seemed to be right. Last year we decided we need to set a date and go. What a wonderful time of sightseeing
Created to be creative Read More »
Nurturing creativity Rebecca Isbell and Sonia Akiko Yoshizawa (20:1.6), National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) The NAEYC offers us a well organised and, at a basic level, comprehensive account of creativity in young child\’s learning. The book is generously illustrated with photographs, diagrams and lists, and stories from nurseries. The chapters are
Nurturing Creativity book reviews Read More »
Intelligence and creativity should not be considered as opposing alternatives , and imagination and learning are nurtured together. Albert Einstein supposedly once said: \”creativity is intelligence having fun\”. What a wonderful statement – and yet we often see a rivalry between \’art\’ and \’science \’. We can probably all name some distinctively imaginative people who
Creativity and Intellect by Anna Martin Read More »
