I'll start with my favourite play schema - transporting. In a busy nursery setting this was the one I dreaded. Transporters like to gather up objects and take them elsewhere, so when a piece of jigsaw is suddenly missing, or another child's shoe (just one!), the transporter may need to be questioned, not that they'll remember because they will have been busy transporting things all morning, quietly creating mayhem. Sometimes they have impressive abilities to hold several unrelated objects in their hands. Their pockets bulge with their stash of bits and bobs. Often the object is of little importance although later on it can have symbolic meaning e.g. a wooden brick may be a loaf of bread (preferably in a...
A schema is a pattern of play in young children which can be observed as they explore their world and make sense of it. Some children have several schemas while others have a very dominant preferred one. If your pre school child regularly does something distinctive in their play, the chances are you can think of it as an uncontrollable play urge, also known as a dominant schema. When you understand how these are manifested in their play, its fascinating to see how your child is learning about their world and processing it. Here as some of the most commonly seen schemas: Trajectory Rotation Enclosing Enveloping Transporting Positioning Connecting Positioning Orientation Transformation I'll discuss each of these in a separate...
Over the years I've come to the conclusion that teachers teach very little. Children have an innate ability and desire to learn and good educators develop the children's skills by providing the right opportunities at the right time.
With this being our third baby there's really not much we actually need at all. We even get a baby box this time as we're in Scotland so I've bought very little so far. However, I have had a few little splurges because I just couldn’t resist and here they are: Car seat cosy - I love these and have never had one for our previous babies. So handy to not have to be bundling your baby into a big snowsuit and also can be pulled open if you get home with a sleepy baby who's overheating. How amazing is this woodland animal print. It's handmade in the UK by Auchineden Crafts, and you can choose from a wide selection...
We have a new baby arriving this autumn so this is a topical subject in our house. Here are a few ideas to help an older child to be able to adjust to a new sibling
Consider the timing of when you tell them about the baby. For younger children 9 months is an incredibly long time to wait etc
New baby books - age and stage appropriate
Play more with dolls, premmie nappies, discuss
Meet some babies etc
Plan nursery together
Emphasise big brother sister importance
Prepare box of little activities
