Self-regulation in the EYFS: Unfit for Purpose. I have been writing and talking about the fundamental importance of understanding self-regulation (SR) and the neuroscience of early brain development for well over a decade and in this time, I am disappointed to have not seen it feature in early years (EY) qualifications or training as mandatory practice. However, recently, things have changed and SR (which simply put, is the individual’s ability to manage big emotions and their resulting behaviours and to return to a state of calm) has become the ‘’buzzword’’ in the EY sector. ‘What’s the problem?’ you may well ask. Based on my observations, a few key issues come to mind including the proliferation of unscrupulous consultants who have … Read More
Common Play Behaviours – A Continuous Provision Tool.
I talk about Common Play Behaviours in my Excellence in Early Years training. Lots for people say that they find it really helpful when it comes to establishing their Continuous Provision. It takes a bit of thinking about, but is well worth the effort! Have a read and see what you think… Good Continuous Provision can be tricky – all too often children will just visit in an area of provision that they like, where they will choose a resources that they are familiar with and then engage in low level tasks, often for a considerable period of time. This is great for their levels of engagement, but not so much for their levels of progress or attainment. Of course, we … Read More
Autumn Eggs with Onion Skins…
I used to do this with my Great Granny Long when I was a little boy, only ours weren’t quite as fancy…. Now that Autumn is really upon us in the UK you will be talking about all of the gorgeous colours you can see and textures you can crunch. This is a nice adult focus that involves lots of processes and opportunities for talk, change, cause and effect and lots more. I have done it loads of times and I never cease to be amazed by the results at the end of the process! You will need A few of pairs of tights – (you only need the legs and feet so you can do something else the gussets)! The skin … Read More
Supporting Child Bereavement – When Children Suffer Loss.
One of the stand out stories from Series Two of Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds is that of Scarlet, whose mother died of cancer not long before the filming began, and the relationship that she formed with Lark Hill resident Beryl. It was a great pleasure to get to know both Scarlet and Beryl and watch that relationship develop throughout the experiment. Scarlet’s dad, Tim, said that he wanted her to take part in the experiment as it would give her (and her family) something else to focus on other than their grief. We also hoped that the relationships that Scarlet made with her peers and the older adults would give her lots of opportunities to process and … Read More