A Learning Journey Approach to Display.

abc doesEnvironment, Nurseries14 Comments

This week I am revisiting a blog post from way back in 2013 that focussed on a method of taking children’s learning journeys into display. It was a really popular post and since then I have seen the display replicated in many different ways on my travels all over the world. Thanks to Ladybrook Primary  for being the initial inspiration! At Ladybrook they had a version of this in both Nursery and Reception This is Reception. A large display board has been divided up so that each child gets a large(ish) square. The whole thing was really well thought out from the backing paper to the mounts that the photographs were on. The display starts with a photo of the … Read More

Self Service Dough Area!

Alistair Bryce-CleggBoys Learning, Child Initiated Learning, Continuous Provision, Creativity, Dough Gym, Environment57 Comments

Every Tuesday on my Instagram account (abcdoes) I invite an Early Years Practitioner or setting to take over my page for #TakeOverTuesday. I have had takeovers from all over the World that have shown a huge range of Early Years provision. Pop over any Tuesday and have a look for a bit of interest and inspiration! This week on #TakeOverTuesday, it was the turn of  Laura and her team from Yarm School in the North East of England. As part of her takeover she posted some photos of their self service dough station, which she had made after reading one of my blog post. Her takeover photos got a lot of likes and interest, so I thought I would share … Read More

Transition to Year One – A Practitioner’s Story

Alistair Bryce-CleggTransition, Uncategorized9 Comments

As Reception and Year One staff will be beginning to move into the final phase of their transition I am pleased to welcome Alison Hutchison as a guest blogger to talk about transition! Qualifying 20 years ago Alison has worked as a class teacher, nursery manager, local authority under 3’s development officer and nursery advisory teacher. Following a yearning to be back in class she became a principal teacher in a small rural school.  She has just returned to work following a career break to spend time with her children and has just completed her second book for the Bloomsbury ’50 Fantastic’ series. Today, she is sharing a transition idea that proved to be a great success for her and her children. … Read More

Ice Cream Dough

Alistair Bryce-CleggDough Gym, Malleable Materials, Texture Kitchen9 Comments

Here is a nice weekend project that will really get you in the mood for summer! Once you have got the hang of it, it is really easy to do. It took me a couple of attempts to get it just how I wanted it so I would have a practice at home before I did it with the children. ‘Ice Cream Play Dough’. It doesn’t have any ice cream in it, but it looks like ice cream, smells like ice cream and you can even put it in the fridge/freezer so that it feels like ice cream. But, it is dough so stays solid! This is how you make it… You need  1 1/2 cups of cornflour 3/4 cup … Read More