Autumn Exploratory Jelly…

Alistair Bryce-CleggCreativity, Malleable Materials, Messy Play, Texture Kitchen19 Comments

It is time to get your Autumn Jelly ingredients ready! If you make some Autumn Jelly, don’t forget to share the results. This is a really simple activity that gives you lots of opportunities to explore many aspects of the EYFS. If you involve the children from the very beginning then not only will they be able to talk about and name the resources that they have collected, they will also be able to explore how the gelatine changes the water from a liquid to a solid. You can talk about how the mixture goes from hot to cold and what the final jelly feels like in their hands. There should be lots of opportunities for a variety of experiences, talking … Read More

Mid Week Make – Apple Shrunken Heads!

abc doesCreativity, Talk2 Comments

These weren’t my idea, I came across them on the internet and just had to have a go. Initially I made them as talk prompts as part of an activity for my next book about display. The whole concept of a severed head is wonderfully gorey, but also the process of the initial making and then the ensuing decay is fascinating. Not to mention the end results. I love them! They are dead easy to make (excuse the pun)! You need Apples (any sort will do) Apple peeler Play dough utenstils Blunt wooden skewers or sticks Lemon juice (optional) Water (optional) My boys loved making them. I obviously don’t condone the drinking of wine whilst working with children (unless they … Read More

Squeeze and Snap Dough Recipe

abc doesCreativity, Dough Gym, Nurseries11 Comments

It has been a busy old time here at ABC headquarters what with conferences, consultancy and book deadlines! I am also really chuffed to say that I have been shortlisted for not one, but three Nursery World Awards! This is very exciting news and I am keeping everything crossed that I might actually win one! I have also very much enjoyed trying out some new dough recipes with my gorgeous neice Mabel -who is a very willing, able and chatty helper! We had such fun making this one, I thought I would share it. It is really quick and easy. Squeeze and Snap Dough (It is called ‘Squeeze and Snap’ because you can squeeze it and snap it!)   What … Read More