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Upper & Lowercase Matching (with The Paw Patrol 🐾!!) • @theknowandplayspace

“No lowercase letter is too lonely, no Pup is too small 💪🏼” Mr 3 is forever asking me to play Paw Patrol, and sometimes I’m just not wanting to make more mishaps happen in Adventure Bay… but hey, I CAN turn pretty much any activity into one the pups can help with 😂😜

Mr 3 is secure with his first six letter sounds now - s,a,t,p,i,n. We’ve been practising using them in all sorts of different contexts for a good few weeks now and I feel confident in his confidence with them. Before we move onto any more sounds, I wanted to expose him to the uppercase versions of the sounds he knows.

We started off by reading a gorgeous book called ‘I spy Letters’, and this introduced how letters have names, and they make a sound. Eg. ‘My name is F (eff) and I say f (fff)’ We looked in other books to see some of these BIG letters and I talked to him about how each little letter has a big letter friend that has the same name and makes the same sound!

After the introduction to the activity, I set up this roll of paper on the floor and we drove Paw Patrol trucks from the little (lowercase) letter to its big (uppercase) friend. We talked about how some are the same shape, just larger, but others have a different shape and we just have to learn both of them.

After we finished, we revised again the sounds of lowercase letters we’ve learnt, just to go back to focusing on those as our ‘main way’ of making those sounds.

Whatever your child’s interest, think about HOW you can incorporate that interest into activities you do with them for maximum learning potential. The higher the engagement, the more your child will get out of the activity.

*Note: He’s had some previous exposure with capital letters, but ONLY for family members’ names and this would be the only reason I’d use them until properly writing around 5/6. Lowercase is always preferable over uppercase in early writing, however exposure is important for future reading. I personally wouldn’t introduce these at all until I know that the lowercase letter & the sound it makes is secured.*

#eyfsphonics #phonicsplay #phonicsfun #eyfsideas

Upper & Lowercase Matching (with The Paw Patrol 🐾!!) • @theknowandplayspace

“No lowercase letter is too lonely, no Pup is too small 💪🏼” Mr 3 is forever asking me to play Paw Patrol, and sometimes I’m just not wanting to make more mishaps happen in Adventure Bay… but hey, I CAN turn pretty much any activity into one the pups can help with 😂😜

Mr 3 is secure with his first six letter sounds now - s,a,t,p,i,n. We’ve been practising using them in all sorts of different contexts for a good few weeks now and I feel confident in his confidence with them. Before we move onto any more sounds, I wanted to expose him to the uppercase versions of the sounds he knows.

We started off by reading a gorgeous book called ‘I spy Letters’, and this introduced how letters have names, and they make a sound. Eg. ‘My name is F (eff) and I say f (fff)’ We looked in other books to see some of these BIG letters and I talked to him about how each little letter has a big letter friend that has the same name and makes the same sound!

After the introduction to the activity, I set up this roll of paper on the floor and we drove Paw Patrol trucks from the little (lowercase) letter to its big (uppercase) friend. We talked about how some are the same shape, just larger, but others have a different shape and we just have to learn both of them.

After we finished, we revised again the sounds of lowercase letters we’ve learnt, just to go back to focusing on those as our ‘main way’ of making those sounds.

Whatever your child’s interest, think about HOW you can incorporate that interest into activities you do with them for maximum learning potential. The higher the engagement, the more your child will get out of the activity.

*Note: He’s had some previous exposure with capital letters, but ONLY for family members’ names and this would be the only reason I’d use them until properly writing around 5/6. Lowercase is always preferable over uppercase in early writing, however exposure is important for future reading. I personally wouldn’t introduce these at all until I know that the lowercase letter & the sound it makes is secured.*

#eyfsphonics #phonicsplay #phonicsfun #eyfsideas

The 5-month-old play space 🌈 • @theknowandplayspace

It may only be a little corner in the shared play space, but it’s just enough for Baby R at the moment. At 5, nearly 6 months, he is rolling from back to front and can use his arms to move his body round in a circle whilst on his front. He can reach out for things and grab them, and is particularly into mouthing absolutely everything! The play gym mobile hanger has been packed away as he kept pulling it or knocking it over as he moved… it’s been so loved but we’re now onto our next phase of play!

Why Mirrors? - Mirrors are wonderful for developing a sense of self, as well as supporting coordination of movements as baby can watch themselves move in the mirror and make links between the feeling of movement and what they’re seeing.

Why Low Shelving & a Low Basket? - both of these allow for self-access of toys in order to develop sense of autonomy and independence from a young age. The shelving will be able to be pulled up on when Baby R is cruising, and will allow him to play on a heightened surface.

Why Safe Flooring? - The soft, wipe clean playmat allows for freedom of movement in an area that is a ‘yes space’ for Baby R to be independent (but watched). It’s a firm enough surface to allow for positive gross motor development and exploration, without being too hard to cause bumps if fallen upon.

I’m going to share all of the toys and resources he has available at the moment in an upcoming post ✨I just LOVE baby toys 🌈

#babyplay #babyplayideas #babyplayspace #babyplayarea #babyplayactivities #newbornsensory #sensoryplay #sensoryplayideas #playathome #montessorispace #montessori #montessoriathome #montessoribaby
#playroom #playroomdecor #playroomorganization #playroomideas

The 5-month-old play space 🌈 • @theknowandplayspace

It may only be a little corner in the shared play space, but it’s just enough for Baby R at the moment. At 5, nearly 6 months, he is rolling from back to front and can use his arms to move his body round in a circle whilst on his front. He can reach out for things and grab them, and is particularly into mouthing absolutely everything! The play gym mobile hanger has been packed away as he kept pulling it or knocking it over as he moved… it’s been so loved but we’re now onto our next phase of play!

Why Mirrors? - Mirrors are wonderful for developing a sense of self, as well as supporting coordination of movements as baby can watch themselves move in the mirror and make links between the feeling of movement and what they’re seeing.

Why Low Shelving & a Low Basket? - both of these allow for self-access of toys in order to develop sense of autonomy and independence from a young age. The shelving will be able to be pulled up on when Baby R is cruising, and will allow him to play on a heightened surface.

Why Safe Flooring? - The soft, wipe clean playmat allows for freedom of movement in an area that is a ‘yes space’ for Baby R to be independent (but watched). It’s a firm enough surface to allow for positive gross motor development and exploration, without being too hard to cause bumps if fallen upon.

I’m going to share all of the toys and resources he has available at the moment in an upcoming post ✨I just LOVE baby toys 🌈

#babyplay #babyplayideas #babyplayspace #babyplayarea #babyplayactivities #newbornsensory #sensoryplay #sensoryplayideas #playathome #montessorispace #montessori #montessoriathome #montessoribaby
#playroom #playroomdecor #playroomorganization #playroomideas

SPLAT IT 👀 • @theknowandplayspace

Whether your child is needing to practise their key words, recognition of sounds, numbers, shapes… SPLAT IT is a fun game to play that gets them moving and learning at the same time 🧠

Recognising key words by sight is an important part of learning to read, and family names are a great place to start as they’re so relevant to the child.

We started with just a few cards, and today eventually built up to splatting the majority of the family’s names! It was interesting to have two names beginning with the same initial letter eg. Mummy & Matt, or different endings eg. Nanna & Nanny as this meant he really had to look at the whole word rather than just the initial letter.

I’ve set this back up ready to play with our learnt graphemes (letters) next time. I’ll say the phoneme (sound) and he can splat the corresponding letter👂🏼

I picked up this fly swatter for super cheap, but you could just use hands, a fish slice / spatula or DIY a splatter with a stick and some card!

#eyfsphonics #phonicsplay #phonicsfun #eyfsideas #eyfsactivities #eyfsinspiration #eyfsteacher #preschool #homeschoolpreschool #learningthroughplay #playbasedlearning #playactivitiesforfun #playideas #preschoolplay #preschoolathome #preschoolactivities #homeschool #knowandplay

SPLAT IT 👀 • @theknowandplayspace

Whether your child is needing to practise their key words, recognition of sounds, numbers, shapes… SPLAT IT is a fun game to play that gets them moving and learning at the same time 🧠

Recognising key words by sight is an important part of learning to read, and family names are a great place to start as they’re so relevant to the child.

We started with just a few cards, and today eventually built up to splatting the majority of the family’s names! It was interesting to have two names beginning with the same initial letter eg. Mummy & Matt, or different endings eg. Nanna & Nanny as this meant he really had to look at the whole word rather than just the initial letter.

I’ve set this back up ready to play with our learnt graphemes (letters) next time. I’ll say the phoneme (sound) and he can splat the corresponding letter👂🏼

I picked up this fly swatter for super cheap, but you could just use hands, a fish slice / spatula or DIY a splatter with a stick and some card!

#eyfsphonics #phonicsplay #phonicsfun #eyfsideas #eyfsactivities #eyfsinspiration #eyfsteacher #preschool #homeschoolpreschool #learningthroughplay #playbasedlearning #playactivitiesforfun #playideas #preschoolplay #preschoolathome #preschoolactivities #homeschool #knowandplay

Sequencing Trains 🚂 • @theknowandplayspace

This week we’ve been focusing on sequencing, and I used Mr 3’s interest in trains at the moment to hook into this learning.

Yesterday I hid paper ‘carriages’ around the room and Mr 3 had to hunt and find them to put the trains’ carriages back in the right order. Today we repeated the same learning but we stamped this missing numbers on the carriages instead.

Before both we did PHYSICAL movement, jumping the sequence of numbers 1-5 and calling them out as we went. We talked about what number comes ‘next’ and ‘after’ and played games where I took numbers from the floor tiles away and he had to work out which one was missing. Active body = active brain = active learning. 🧠 This set him up for the follow on train activities!

NOTE: As I mentioned on stories yesterday, maths learning needs secure foundations in order for children to progress successfully and confidently within the subject. This means that it’s important to not rush through things and just bigger and bigger numbers to provide challenge. Being able to count to 100 might seem impressive, but is of no benefit to little people. Instead, when working with preschoolers, stick working with small numbers but deepening that understand through working with those numbers in different ways and contexts. We’ve done this with 1-3 until the new year, and now we’ve moved onto 1-5. We won’t go past 5 for a long time as there’s SO much learning and so many ‘building blocks’ that are crucial to a solid understanding first.

This activity could easily be tailored to your child’s interests if trains isnt one of them. Cars in a traffic jam, horses in a race, tractors on the farm… any outlines work!

#homeschool #homeschoolpreschool #preschoolathome #playathome #preschoolactivities #preschoolplay #preschoolideas #toddleractivities #toddlerplay #eyfsideas #eyfsplay #eyfsteacher #eyfsathome #eyfsmathsideas #eyfsmaths #eyfsactivities #playbasedlearning #learningthroughplay #learningathome #learningactivities #knowandplay #knowandplaypreschool

Sequencing Trains 🚂 • @theknowandplayspace

This week we’ve been focusing on sequencing, and I used Mr 3’s interest in trains at the moment to hook into this learning.

Yesterday I hid paper ‘carriages’ around the room and Mr 3 had to hunt and find them to put the trains’ carriages back in the right order. Today we repeated the same learning but we stamped this missing numbers on the carriages instead.

Before both we did PHYSICAL movement, jumping the sequence of numbers 1-5 and calling them out as we went. We talked about what number comes ‘next’ and ‘after’ and played games where I took numbers from the floor tiles away and he had to work out which one was missing. Active body = active brain = active learning. 🧠 This set him up for the follow on train activities!

NOTE: As I mentioned on stories yesterday, maths learning needs secure foundations in order for children to progress successfully and confidently within the subject. This means that it’s important to not rush through things and just bigger and bigger numbers to provide challenge. Being able to count to 100 might seem impressive, but is of no benefit to little people. Instead, when working with preschoolers, stick working with small numbers but deepening that understand through working with those numbers in different ways and contexts. We’ve done this with 1-3 until the new year, and now we’ve moved onto 1-5. We won’t go past 5 for a long time as there’s SO much learning and so many ‘building blocks’ that are crucial to a solid understanding first.

This activity could easily be tailored to your child’s interests if trains isnt one of them. Cars in a traffic jam, horses in a race, tractors on the farm… any outlines work!

#homeschool #homeschoolpreschool #preschoolathome #playathome #preschoolactivities #preschoolplay #preschoolideas #toddleractivities #toddlerplay #eyfsideas #eyfsplay #eyfsteacher #eyfsathome #eyfsmathsideas #eyfsmaths #eyfsactivities #playbasedlearning #learningthroughplay #learningathome #learningactivities #knowandplay #knowandplaypreschool

Our favourite books in February 📚 • @theknowandplayspace

Forgot I filmed this… so it’s nearly a month late but here goes with February’s favourite books!!

• Guess Who, What, Where, Why series by Pam Ayers - these are vintage and I got them all second hand. They’re BRILLIANT for demonstrating early comprehension skills as each page asks the reader a question about what’s happening on the page. They’re no challenge for Mr 3 anymore, but he adores them. We’re using them to develop language and sentence structure at ‘replying’ to the question instead of just pointing!

• Roadwork Series - if your child loves vehicles and construction, these books are a must. Rhyming and rhythmic text with amazing illustrations. These books have inspired tonnes of construction play with Mr 3, plus opened up many interesting discussions about what things are made from and how!

• Who Ate Steve - read for giggles 🤭

• Dear Zoo - a classic. Never gets old with Mr 3. We have a story box with cuddly characters to go alongside this. He loves storytelling with them!

• Duck in a Truck - the best book of the series! Brilliant for early introduction to rhyme and always gives a giggle!!

• Smartest Giant in Town/ Room on the Broom - these are because we went and saw both at the theatre this month 😍 They’re excellent for repetitive refrains and rhyme to support story retelling. Some of Julia Donaldson’s best!

• Jon Klassen’s Shape Books - a lovely way to see 2D shapes in stories and open interesting discussions about them.

• Kipper - Mr 3 just loves Kipper. Slow-paced and lovely.

• One Yellow Lion - a visual way of representing numbers to 10 in quantities of animals. Vintage! But amazing! I had this book as a 3 year old so it’s over 25 years old!!

I’ll add as many of these titles to our ‘monthly favourites’ books list on my Amazon storefront, but check out your local library, second hand book stores & charity shops of course too!

#readingforpleasure #childrensbooks #booksforchildren #seasonalbooks #bookplayhooray #bookishplayideas #booknook #readingcorner #eyfsreading #readalongplayalong #eyfsideas #earlyyearsideas #knowandplay #preschool #eyfs #earlyyears #toddlerplay

Our favourite books in February 📚 • @theknowandplayspace

Forgot I filmed this… so it’s nearly a month late but here goes with February’s favourite books!!

• Guess Who, What, Where, Why series by Pam Ayers - these are vintage and I got them all second hand. They’re BRILLIANT for demonstrating early comprehension skills as each page asks the reader a question about what’s happening on the page. They’re no challenge for Mr 3 anymore, but he adores them. We’re using them to develop language and sentence structure at ‘replying’ to the question instead of just pointing!

• Roadwork Series - if your child loves vehicles and construction, these books are a must. Rhyming and rhythmic text with amazing illustrations. These books have inspired tonnes of construction play with Mr 3, plus opened up many interesting discussions about what things are made from and how!

• Who Ate Steve - read for giggles 🤭

• Dear Zoo - a classic. Never gets old with Mr 3. We have a story box with cuddly characters to go alongside this. He loves storytelling with them!

• Duck in a Truck - the best book of the series! Brilliant for early introduction to rhyme and always gives a giggle!!

• Smartest Giant in Town/ Room on the Broom - these are because we went and saw both at the theatre this month 😍 They’re excellent for repetitive refrains and rhyme to support story retelling. Some of Julia Donaldson’s best!

• Jon Klassen’s Shape Books - a lovely way to see 2D shapes in stories and open interesting discussions about them.

• Kipper - Mr 3 just loves Kipper. Slow-paced and lovely.

• One Yellow Lion - a visual way of representing numbers to 10 in quantities of animals. Vintage! But amazing! I had this book as a 3 year old so it’s over 25 years old!!

I’ll add as many of these titles to our ‘monthly favourites’ books list on my Amazon storefront, but check out your local library, second hand book stores & charity shops of course too!

#readingforpleasure #childrensbooks #booksforchildren #seasonalbooks #bookplayhooray #bookishplayideas #booknook #readingcorner #eyfsreading #readalongplayalong #eyfsideas #earlyyearsideas #knowandplay #preschool #eyfs #earlyyears #toddlerplay

How can displaying photos help build independence? • @theknowandplayspace

Playing independently is something that many children can find tricky. Some just love that interaction and collaboration during play… BUT it isn’t always possible, especially when we as adults have other children, houses and ourselves to look after too!

A way that I’ve found has built up Mr 3’s independence when playing alone is to really VALUE what he has done when it’s been independent. This can be verbally of course, getting down on their level and engaging in conversation about what they’re up to and showing an invested interest… BUT, another way I’ve found is to display photos of things he’s made!

Building with blocks or magnets is something that I know he can easily do on his own, and so these are two resources I’m really encouraging some independent play time with. I wouldn’t want to give him anything that’s too challenging or frustration will cause a barrier to it. After he constructed something, I showed how proud I was of his concentration and resilience for having a go by himself, and then I took a photo of it. Straight away I removed the background just on iPhone photos, saved it and printed it! (I’ll put a demo on stories) He couldn’t believe it. His model on the wall! His little face was amazing 😍🥹

Since then I’ve done it of other things he’s made, for example animal pens with his plastic animals, or a little world he’s created for his Paw Patrols etc. It’s so easy to snap and print a photo. Even if it just goes into a little book, or stuck up with a magnet on the fridge, if you don’t want them on the wall. Small children LOVE to SEE themselves in photos and videos, and it’s a lovely way to show that you’re proud too… and what small person doesn’t want that interest shown by a parent?!🥰

Give this a try at home and see if it helps your child with independence!

#playbasedlearning #playathome #preschoolplay #learningthroughplay #toddlerplay #preschoolactivities #toddleractivities #eyfsideas #eyfsteacher #eyfsinspiration #childminder #childdevelopment #parenthacks #parentinghack #mumhacks #knowandplay

How can displaying photos help build independence? • @theknowandplayspace

Playing independently is something that many children can find tricky. Some just love that interaction and collaboration during play… BUT it isn’t always possible, especially when we as adults have other children, houses and ourselves to look after too!

A way that I’ve found has built up Mr 3’s independence when playing alone is to really VALUE what he has done when it’s been independent. This can be verbally of course, getting down on their level and engaging in conversation about what they’re up to and showing an invested interest… BUT, another way I’ve found is to display photos of things he’s made!

Building with blocks or magnets is something that I know he can easily do on his own, and so these are two resources I’m really encouraging some independent play time with. I wouldn’t want to give him anything that’s too challenging or frustration will cause a barrier to it. After he constructed something, I showed how proud I was of his concentration and resilience for having a go by himself, and then I took a photo of it. Straight away I removed the background just on iPhone photos, saved it and printed it! (I’ll put a demo on stories) He couldn’t believe it. His model on the wall! His little face was amazing 😍🥹

Since then I’ve done it of other things he’s made, for example animal pens with his plastic animals, or a little world he’s created for his Paw Patrols etc. It’s so easy to snap and print a photo. Even if it just goes into a little book, or stuck up with a magnet on the fridge, if you don’t want them on the wall. Small children LOVE to SEE themselves in photos and videos, and it’s a lovely way to show that you’re proud too… and what small person doesn’t want that interest shown by a parent?!🥰

Give this a try at home and see if it helps your child with independence!

#playbasedlearning #playathome #preschoolplay #learningthroughplay #toddlerplay #preschoolactivities #toddleractivities #eyfsideas #eyfsteacher #eyfsinspiration #childminder #childdevelopment #parenthacks #parentinghack #mumhacks #knowandplay

Pre-Writing Shapes ✍🏼 • @theknowandplayspace

Loads of you loved the superhero mark making that Mr 3 and I did yesterday ✨ We’ve been working our way through mastering pre-writing shapes, and are now slowly moving on to making patterns like repeated arches, curls or zigzags. All of these pre-writing and mark making skills are SO important to support with future letter formation and is an important step not to skip.

If you’d like a printable version of the pre-writing shapes, comment SHAPES and I’ll send you a link 🔗 so that you can download it from my website. I still use mine to remind myself of which to continue working on with Mr 3!

*The guidelines on the pre-writing shapes is suggestions of what age children can typically make them accurately, but remember every child is different. Focus on STAGE of learning not AGE.*

#preschool #homeschool #markmaking #eyfsideas #earlyyearsideas #homeschoolpreschool #preschoollearning #preschoolactivities #toddlerplay #toddlerplayideas #toddleractivities #preschoolplay #preschoolactivities #playathome #knowandplay #playbasedlearning #playathome #childmindingideas #childmindingactivities

Pre-Writing Shapes ✍🏼 • @theknowandplayspace

Loads of you loved the superhero mark making that Mr 3 and I did yesterday ✨ We’ve been working our way through mastering pre-writing shapes, and are now slowly moving on to making patterns like repeated arches, curls or zigzags. All of these pre-writing and mark making skills are SO important to support with future letter formation and is an important step not to skip.

If you’d like a printable version of the pre-writing shapes, comment SHAPES and I’ll send you a link 🔗 so that you can download it from my website. I still use mine to remind myself of which to continue working on with Mr 3!

*The guidelines on the pre-writing shapes is suggestions of what age children can typically make them accurately, but remember every child is different. Focus on STAGE of learning not AGE.*

#preschool #homeschool #markmaking #eyfsideas #earlyyearsideas #homeschoolpreschool #preschoollearning #preschoolactivities #toddlerplay #toddlerplayideas #toddleractivities #preschoolplay #preschoolactivities #playathome #knowandplay #playbasedlearning #playathome #childmindingideas #childmindingactivities

Superhero Mark Making 🦸🏼‍♂️ • @theknowandplayspace

Before children are ready to be practising letter formation, a lot of pattern and shape work needs to be done first, as these movements & the strength needed to do them are lead into what becomes letters in the future.

Using glitter glue, I created a tactile pattern board on some cardboard. This meant that Mr 3 was able to ‘feel’ how to make a pattern or shape before having a go. Touch and repetition helps build muscle memory.

We then used a tray of very fine (biodegradable) glitter to make our marks in. You can go straight in with fingers, or use a paintbrush if preferred. The glitter then transfers onto fingers too, giving ‘POWER’ from making the marks ✨🤩🦸🏼‍♂️

What’s wonderful about using a medium that can easily be ‘erased’, for example: wiping a whiteboard or shaking a tray of glitter, rather than mark making on paper, is that it can easily be removed if it goes ‘wrong’. Some children find this easier when beginning to give meanings to their marks or practise any type of formation as it therefore isn’t permanent.

You’ll notice that Mr 3 wore his cape and mask for this too 😍😉

I’ll talk more about mark making progression in tomorrow’s post and at what typical age children ‘should’ be able to make certain marks. *but every child is different!!!

#preschool #homeschool #markmaking #eyfsideas #earlyyearsideas #homeschoolpreschool #preschoollearning #preschoolactivities #toddlerplay #toddlerplayideas #toddleractivities #preschoolplay #preschoolactivities #playathome #knowandplay #playbasedlearning #playathome #childmindingideas #childmindingactivities

Superhero Mark Making 🦸🏼‍♂️ • @theknowandplayspace

Before children are ready to be practising letter formation, a lot of pattern and shape work needs to be done first, as these movements & the strength needed to do them are lead into what becomes letters in the future.

Using glitter glue, I created a tactile pattern board on some cardboard. This meant that Mr 3 was able to ‘feel’ how to make a pattern or shape before having a go. Touch and repetition helps build muscle memory.

We then used a tray of very fine (biodegradable) glitter to make our marks in. You can go straight in with fingers, or use a paintbrush if preferred. The glitter then transfers onto fingers too, giving ‘POWER’ from making the marks ✨🤩🦸🏼‍♂️

What’s wonderful about using a medium that can easily be ‘erased’, for example: wiping a whiteboard or shaking a tray of glitter, rather than mark making on paper, is that it can easily be removed if it goes ‘wrong’. Some children find this easier when beginning to give meanings to their marks or practise any type of formation as it therefore isn’t permanent.

You’ll notice that Mr 3 wore his cape and mask for this too 😍😉

I’ll talk more about mark making progression in tomorrow’s post and at what typical age children ‘should’ be able to make certain marks. *but every child is different!!!

#preschool #homeschool #markmaking #eyfsideas #earlyyearsideas #homeschoolpreschool #preschoollearning #preschoolactivities #toddlerplay #toddlerplayideas #toddleractivities #preschoolplay #preschoolactivities #playathome #knowandplay #playbasedlearning #playathome #childmindingideas #childmindingactivities

❌CLOSED❌

ROARSOME Giveaway with @jaquesoflondon 🦖🦕 • @theknowandplayspace

As one of our final dino-themed activities for this week, I set up an Invitation to Play AND PAINT for Mr 3. How cool are these? Painting your own dinosaurs that can then be used for small world play 😍 Mr 3 thought it was brilliant!

We’ve teamed up with @jaquesoflondon to bring this ROARSOME GIVEAWAY where you can win a Dinosaur Painting Set 🦖✨🦕

All you need to do is:
• Make sure you’re following @jaquesoflondon & @theknowandplayspace
• Like & save this post
• Tag some friends in the comments (each tag = 1 entry)
• Share to your stories and tag @theknowandplayspace so I can see!

Closing date will be 6pm on Tuesday 25th March. Giveaway is UK only 🇬🇧

I will announce the winner on my stories and @jaquesoflondon will contact you directly to arrange delivery of your prize 🏆

Good luck!🤩

#playbasedlearning #learningthroughplay #creativeplay #creativearea #kidsart #playideas #playactivitiesforfun #preschoolactivities #homeschoolpreschool

❌CLOSED❌

ROARSOME Giveaway with @jaquesoflondon 🦖🦕 • @theknowandplayspace

As one of our final dino-themed activities for this week, I set up an Invitation to Play AND PAINT for Mr 3. How cool are these? Painting your own dinosaurs that can then be used for small world play 😍 Mr 3 thought it was brilliant!

We’ve teamed up with @jaquesoflondon to bring this ROARSOME GIVEAWAY where you can win a Dinosaur Painting Set 🦖✨🦕

All you need to do is:
• Make sure you’re following @jaquesoflondon & @theknowandplayspace
• Like & save this post
• Tag some friends in the comments (each tag = 1 entry)
• Share to your stories and tag @theknowandplayspace so I can see!

Closing date will be 6pm on Tuesday 25th March. Giveaway is UK only 🇬🇧

I will announce the winner on my stories and @jaquesoflondon will contact you directly to arrange delivery of your prize 🏆

Good luck!🤩

#playbasedlearning #learningthroughplay #creativeplay #creativearea #kidsart #playideas #playactivitiesforfun #preschoolactivities #homeschoolpreschool

Cardboard Box Builds 📦 • @theknowandplayspace

We had our new bed delivered recently and it came in the most ginormous boxes I’ve ever seen. Mr 3 was determined to build with them, and who can blame him?!

We recently watched the Old Bear episode ‘The Castle’, and this inspired our family builds this past weekend. A huge boat we can all fit in, and a castle to play in and out of. We even dressed up in the dragon costumes I had from my teaching days… and oh how we laughed together 🐉 😂🥰

My teacher brain wanted to keep going and fully kit the boat and castle out and decorate them too… but Mr 3 was SO excited to have built them together that he wanted to get playing straight away 🥹

Seeking ways for more family time, that feeling of ‘togetherness’ and being more present has been a goal for 2025, and its weekends like this that really make me feel so lucky to have our little family ❤️

#cardboardcrafts #recyclemeplay #recycleandplay #learningthroughplay #playbasedlearning #playactivitiesforfun #playideas #playideasforkids #playathome #outdoorplay #eyfsplay #eyfsideas #preschoolplay #knowandplay

Cardboard Box Builds 📦 • @theknowandplayspace

We had our new bed delivered recently and it came in the most ginormous boxes I’ve ever seen. Mr 3 was determined to build with them, and who can blame him?!

We recently watched the Old Bear episode ‘The Castle’, and this inspired our family builds this past weekend. A huge boat we can all fit in, and a castle to play in and out of. We even dressed up in the dragon costumes I had from my teaching days… and oh how we laughed together 🐉 😂🥰

My teacher brain wanted to keep going and fully kit the boat and castle out and decorate them too… but Mr 3 was SO excited to have built them together that he wanted to get playing straight away 🥹

Seeking ways for more family time, that feeling of ‘togetherness’ and being more present has been a goal for 2025, and its weekends like this that really make me feel so lucky to have our little family ❤️

#cardboardcrafts #recyclemeplay #recycleandplay #learningthroughplay #playbasedlearning #playactivitiesforfun #playideas #playideasforkids #playathome #outdoorplay #eyfsplay #eyfsideas #preschoolplay #knowandplay

Magnetic Letter Fishing 🎣 • @theknowandplayspace

I’m all for making learning physical and engaging! It would’ve been so easy to just pop the magnetic letters into a bowl to sort (and sometimes I do!), but instead this time we added them into a tray of lentils and used magnetic fishing rods to hook them out. This added the opportunity to practise more skills alongside such as hand-eye coordination, bilateral coordination & concentration.

Mr 3 caught them on his magnet, determined which grapheme (letter) he’d picked out, and then placed it on the corresponding flashcards. To make this even more active, you could put the flashcards in another space around the room to run to when sorting, instead of having them right there!

Mr 3 is loving all of our sound games and I can’t wait to share everything else we’re getting up to phonics wise. I’m working away as quick as I can behind the scenes to get ‘Know & Play Phonics’ ready for you all. It’ll feature information, videos, activities, resources + more so that you feel best equipped to support your child on their reading journey, pre, during and post phonics!!📖
If you’re looking forward to Know & Play Phonics, let me know in the comments 🤩

#eyfsphonics #phonicsplay #phonicsfun #eyfsideas #eyfsactivities #eyfsinspiration #eyfsteacher #preschool #homeschoolpreschool #learningthroughplay #playbasedlearning #playactivitiesforfun #playideas #preschoolplay #preschoolathome #preschoolactivities #homeschool #knowandplay

Magnetic Letter Fishing 🎣 • @theknowandplayspace

I’m all for making learning physical and engaging! It would’ve been so easy to just pop the magnetic letters into a bowl to sort (and sometimes I do!), but instead this time we added them into a tray of lentils and used magnetic fishing rods to hook them out. This added the opportunity to practise more skills alongside such as hand-eye coordination, bilateral coordination & concentration.

Mr 3 caught them on his magnet, determined which grapheme (letter) he’d picked out, and then placed it on the corresponding flashcards. To make this even more active, you could put the flashcards in another space around the room to run to when sorting, instead of having them right there!

Mr 3 is loving all of our sound games and I can’t wait to share everything else we’re getting up to phonics wise. I’m working away as quick as I can behind the scenes to get ‘Know & Play Phonics’ ready for you all. It’ll feature information, videos, activities, resources + more so that you feel best equipped to support your child on their reading journey, pre, during and post phonics!!📖
If you’re looking forward to Know & Play Phonics, let me know in the comments 🤩

#eyfsphonics #phonicsplay #phonicsfun #eyfsideas #eyfsactivities #eyfsinspiration #eyfsteacher #preschool #homeschoolpreschool #learningthroughplay #playbasedlearning #playactivitiesforfun #playideas #preschoolplay #preschoolathome #preschoolactivities #homeschool #knowandplay

Simple maths activity? STICKERS 🐆 • @theknowandplayspace

As I was popping away our animal-y themed resources ready to rotate this month, I quickly whipped up a little maths activity for Mr 3. I simply stuck stickers in rows, and left space beside them.

Using number stamps or magnetic numbers, he counted how many stickers of each animal there were, and then put the corresponding next to them.

He isn’t yet ready to write the numbers himself, which is why using stamps/magnetic numbers is brilliant 🤩 I’ve found this stamp set that are all formed correctly, so I’ll link them in my stories 🔗 The magnetic numbers are Early Learning Centre on Vinted. Again I deliberately made sure that it included a straight 1, 4 and 9, as so many sets unfortunately don’t!

It doesn’t have to be themed stickers… just any you have at home! Even better… stickers of things you’d child loves! You bet we’ve repeated this with Paw Patrol stickers already 😜!!!

#eyfsmaths #mathsplay #eyfsmathsideas #eyfsideas #eyfsactivities #eyfsinspiration #eyfsteacher #preschool #homeschoolpreschool #learningthroughplay #playbasedlearning #playactivitiesforfun #playideas #preschoolplay #preschoolathome #preschoolactivities #homeschool #knowandplay

Simple maths activity? STICKERS 🐆 • @theknowandplayspace

As I was popping away our animal-y themed resources ready to rotate this month, I quickly whipped up a little maths activity for Mr 3. I simply stuck stickers in rows, and left space beside them.

Using number stamps or magnetic numbers, he counted how many stickers of each animal there were, and then put the corresponding next to them.

He isn’t yet ready to write the numbers himself, which is why using stamps/magnetic numbers is brilliant 🤩 I’ve found this stamp set that are all formed correctly, so I’ll link them in my stories 🔗 The magnetic numbers are Early Learning Centre on Vinted. Again I deliberately made sure that it included a straight 1, 4 and 9, as so many sets unfortunately don’t!

It doesn’t have to be themed stickers… just any you have at home! Even better… stickers of things you’d child loves! You bet we’ve repeated this with Paw Patrol stickers already 😜!!!

#eyfsmaths #mathsplay #eyfsmathsideas #eyfsideas #eyfsactivities #eyfsinspiration #eyfsteacher #preschool #homeschoolpreschool #learningthroughplay #playbasedlearning #playactivitiesforfun #playideas #preschoolplay #preschoolathome #preschoolactivities #homeschool #knowandplay

Initial Sound Hunt 👀 • @theknowandplayspace

I set up this quick phonics activity for Mr 3 this afternoon, as I try to do something everyday with him to practise the sounds we’ve already learnt.

Once you’ve learnt the first 6 sounds in phonics - s/a/t/p/i/n, then there are a small selection of words that can be spelt purely using these sounds only. They’re often called CVC words as they’re 3 letter words made up of consonant, vowel, consonant. I’d previously made some picture and word cards for these sounds (find them on my website to download!), and so I just used the pictures today. I wrote up the corresponding word but with the initial sound missing. These initial sounds I then wrote on pieces of card and hid them around the room.

Mr 3 had to determine what the picture was, decide what the initial sound was for that picture, and then hunt for that sound to stick on and complete the word. Once he’d completed the word, I then modelled its blending (the reading of the sounds into the word), as he isn’t ready to do this himself yet but it’s beneficial to hear it!

Mr 3 loves little activities like this. He liked this one so much we repeated it 4 times in a row 😅 He even set it up for me to do (also a great way to practise their learning is to ‘teach’ you how to do something) 🥰

If you’re loving all of the phonics-y bits we’re doing then stay tuned as a WHOLE phonics-based section is heading to The Know & Play Space website soon ✨

#eyfsphonics #phonicsplay #phonicsfun #eyfsideas #eyfsactivities #eyfsinspiration #eyfsteacher #preschool #homeschoolpreschool #learningthroughplay #playbasedlearning #playactivitiesforfun #playideas #preschoolplay #preschoolathome #preschoolactivities #homeschool #knowandplay

Initial Sound Hunt 👀 • @theknowandplayspace

I set up this quick phonics activity for Mr 3 this afternoon, as I try to do something everyday with him to practise the sounds we’ve already learnt.

Once you’ve learnt the first 6 sounds in phonics - s/a/t/p/i/n, then there are a small selection of words that can be spelt purely using these sounds only. They’re often called CVC words as they’re 3 letter words made up of consonant, vowel, consonant. I’d previously made some picture and word cards for these sounds (find them on my website to download!), and so I just used the pictures today. I wrote up the corresponding word but with the initial sound missing. These initial sounds I then wrote on pieces of card and hid them around the room.

Mr 3 had to determine what the picture was, decide what the initial sound was for that picture, and then hunt for that sound to stick on and complete the word. Once he’d completed the word, I then modelled its blending (the reading of the sounds into the word), as he isn’t ready to do this himself yet but it’s beneficial to hear it!

Mr 3 loves little activities like this. He liked this one so much we repeated it 4 times in a row 😅 He even set it up for me to do (also a great way to practise their learning is to ‘teach’ you how to do something) 🥰

If you’re loving all of the phonics-y bits we’re doing then stay tuned as a WHOLE phonics-based section is heading to The Know & Play Space website soon ✨

#eyfsphonics #phonicsplay #phonicsfun #eyfsideas #eyfsactivities #eyfsinspiration #eyfsteacher #preschool #homeschoolpreschool #learningthroughplay #playbasedlearning #playactivitiesforfun #playideas #preschoolplay #preschoolathome #preschoolactivities #homeschool #knowandplay

Dino Eggs 🦖🦕 • @theknowandplayspace

Mr 3 woke up this morning to some mysterious eggs on his tuff tray in the middle of the play space. Naturally it sparked some interesting discussion about what they could be, why they were there and where they came from. We then proceeded to crack them open together to see what was inside!

I made these DIY dino eggs as an exciting way to start some dinosaur-themed play whilst Mr 3 has rekindled his interest in them.

I like having some sort of theme to go with for activities I do with him, although it doesn’t mean everything is then dinosaurs only. I also observe carefully and think about schemas (big into connecting and positioning at the moment), the changing seasons, and ways for him to independently practise learning we’ve already done together.

To make the dino eggs I used:
• 1 cup sand
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup coffee granules (though you could probably get away with less)
• 1/2 cup salt
• 1 cup water (added slowly to see how much you need to use, add more/less depending if too dry or sticky)
Mix all the ingredients together to make a dough-like consistency, then shape the eggs round the little dinosaurs. I baked them in the oven for about 25 minutes at 200°C. This made enough for 4 eggs for small dinosaurs. You can obviously up the quantities to make more mixture for larger or more dinosaur eggs!
To break them apart I made an incision with a blunt knife so that Mr 3 could then hammer and pull them apart. Older children could probably figure out how to open them through exploring different methods! (They’re a different design to those that chisel like a fossil. These are sticky-ish inside instead so the eggs don’t disintegrate when broken apart.)

A fun activity to prepare for or with your child!🦖🦕 SAVE this post so you have the recipe for when you need it.

#diyplay #diyplayideas #learningthroughplay #playbasedlearning #eyfsteacher #eyfsplay #knowandplay #playathome #toddleractivities #preschoolathome #homeschoolpreschool #preschoollearning #preschoolactivities

Dino Eggs 🦖🦕 • @theknowandplayspace

Mr 3 woke up this morning to some mysterious eggs on his tuff tray in the middle of the play space. Naturally it sparked some interesting discussion about what they could be, why they were there and where they came from. We then proceeded to crack them open together to see what was inside!

I made these DIY dino eggs as an exciting way to start some dinosaur-themed play whilst Mr 3 has rekindled his interest in them.

I like having some sort of theme to go with for activities I do with him, although it doesn’t mean everything is then dinosaurs only. I also observe carefully and think about schemas (big into connecting and positioning at the moment), the changing seasons, and ways for him to independently practise learning we’ve already done together.

To make the dino eggs I used:
• 1 cup sand
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup coffee granules (though you could probably get away with less)
• 1/2 cup salt
• 1 cup water (added slowly to see how much you need to use, add more/less depending if too dry or sticky)
Mix all the ingredients together to make a dough-like consistency, then shape the eggs round the little dinosaurs. I baked them in the oven for about 25 minutes at 200°C. This made enough for 4 eggs for small dinosaurs. You can obviously up the quantities to make more mixture for larger or more dinosaur eggs!
To break them apart I made an incision with a blunt knife so that Mr 3 could then hammer and pull them apart. Older children could probably figure out how to open them through exploring different methods! (They’re a different design to those that chisel like a fossil. These are sticky-ish inside instead so the eggs don’t disintegrate when broken apart.)

A fun activity to prepare for or with your child!🦖🦕 SAVE this post so you have the recipe for when you need it.

#diyplay #diyplayideas #learningthroughplay #playbasedlearning #eyfsteacher #eyfsplay #knowandplay #playathome #toddleractivities #preschoolathome #homeschoolpreschool #preschoollearning #preschoolactivities

FURTHERING LEARNING THROUGH PLAY • @theknowandplayspace

Today Mr 3 started playing with his wooden bus whilst I was putting Baby R down for a nap. Once I joined in, we actually ended up spending a good half an hour playing together which allowed for SO many skills to be practised naturally through the play! It’s all because of HOW I played with him. Below I’ve outlined 4 things you can do when playing alongside your child to further their learning!

• SETTING UP RULES is a great way to get learning into games, and it’s all done in a fun way! For example, I might say “oooh no, only 3 people can wait at this bus stop” or “oops you have to wear colour top as me to wait at this bus stop”.

• ASKING QUESTIONS is an obvious way to get learning into play, but HOW you do it is important so that it doesn’t take away from the fun. You don’t just want to be drilling your child with questions such as ‘What colour is this?’ or ‘How many people do I have?’ An example of how I did this with the bus was saying things like “Hello Mr Bus Driver, I’m wondering if you have enough space for my friends and I to come aboard?” whilst playing with a little character. This meant that counting and deduction skills were practised whilst it still feeling like part of the game. With one question, Mr 3 had to work out how many people wanted to come on, work out how many spaces he had on his bus, AND then determine whether this was enough or not & how to solve the problem if there was one.

• CREATING PROBLEMS TO SOLVE is a brilliant way to encourage learning through play. I’d deliberately ensure there were too many people to fill all the spaces on the bus, so that Mr 3 would have to see how many people needed to get off at the stop (or decided that he could come back to the stop later!!)

• TAKING CONTROL OF THE PLAY can help further it. With the bus game, I added in elements involving experiences that Mr 3 has had like the characters heading to the library, the bakery, the swimming pool etc. This allowed him to draw on known knowledge to then continue his own storytelling - developing literacy skills.

Caption continued in the comments ⬇️⬇️

FURTHERING LEARNING THROUGH PLAY • @theknowandplayspace

Today Mr 3 started playing with his wooden bus whilst I was putting Baby R down for a nap. Once I joined in, we actually ended up spending a good half an hour playing together which allowed for SO many skills to be practised naturally through the play! It’s all because of HOW I played with him. Below I’ve outlined 4 things you can do when playing alongside your child to further their learning!

• SETTING UP RULES is a great way to get learning into games, and it’s all done in a fun way! For example, I might say “oooh no, only 3 people can wait at this bus stop” or “oops you have to wear colour top as me to wait at this bus stop”.

• ASKING QUESTIONS is an obvious way to get learning into play, but HOW you do it is important so that it doesn’t take away from the fun. You don’t just want to be drilling your child with questions such as ‘What colour is this?’ or ‘How many people do I have?’ An example of how I did this with the bus was saying things like “Hello Mr Bus Driver, I’m wondering if you have enough space for my friends and I to come aboard?” whilst playing with a little character. This meant that counting and deduction skills were practised whilst it still feeling like part of the game. With one question, Mr 3 had to work out how many people wanted to come on, work out how many spaces he had on his bus, AND then determine whether this was enough or not & how to solve the problem if there was one.

• CREATING PROBLEMS TO SOLVE is a brilliant way to encourage learning through play. I’d deliberately ensure there were too many people to fill all the spaces on the bus, so that Mr 3 would have to see how many people needed to get off at the stop (or decided that he could come back to the stop later!!)

• TAKING CONTROL OF THE PLAY can help further it. With the bus game, I added in elements involving experiences that Mr 3 has had like the characters heading to the library, the bakery, the swimming pool etc. This allowed him to draw on known knowledge to then continue his own storytelling - developing literacy skills.

Caption continued in the comments ⬇️⬇️

February Play Space Tour 🌈 • @theknowandplayspace

A full, walkthrough, talk through tour is uploading onto The Know & Play Space YouTube channel this evening, but here are some stills of how the playroom has been throughout February ✨

Baby R’s space has had mirrors added and is now more enclosed so that he has a safe space to move around in whilst his brother plays.

Mr 3 and I have been doing some animal themed activities over the past few weeks, so there’s a few toys and resources linking to this to enhance his play 🐅

Our animal learning has stemmed from his absolute love for the zoo! I’d actually prepped all the ideas back in August thinking we’d do it in September, but never got round to it with birthdays & Baby R nearly here. I’ve nearly finished the Animal Play Guide with all the amazing purposeful play we’ve been doing throughout the theme. I’ve seen a real jump in Mr 3’s learning from them 😍

As always, any questions, pop them in the comments or send me a DM!🥰

If you’re needing help with your own play space and toy rotations at home, do check out my Consultancy services on my The Know & Play Space website 💻

[Post contains prev pr|gifted items]

#playbasedlearning #eyfs #earlyyears #learningthroughplay #playinprovision #preschoolplay #toddlerplay #earlyyearsplay #playathome #playspace #outdoorplay #playideas #playroominspo #knowandplay

February Play Space Tour 🌈 • @theknowandplayspace

A full, walkthrough, talk through tour is uploading onto The Know & Play Space YouTube channel this evening, but here are some stills of how the playroom has been throughout February ✨

Baby R’s space has had mirrors added and is now more enclosed so that he has a safe space to move around in whilst his brother plays.

Mr 3 and I have been doing some animal themed activities over the past few weeks, so there’s a few toys and resources linking to this to enhance his play 🐅

Our animal learning has stemmed from his absolute love for the zoo! I’d actually prepped all the ideas back in August thinking we’d do it in September, but never got round to it with birthdays & Baby R nearly here. I’ve nearly finished the Animal Play Guide with all the amazing purposeful play we’ve been doing throughout the theme. I’ve seen a real jump in Mr 3’s learning from them 😍

As always, any questions, pop them in the comments or send me a DM!🥰

If you’re needing help with your own play space and toy rotations at home, do check out my Consultancy services on my The Know & Play Space website 💻

[Post contains prev pr|gifted items]

#playbasedlearning #eyfs #earlyyears #learningthroughplay #playinprovision #preschoolplay #toddlerplay #earlyyearsplay #playathome #playspace #outdoorplay #playideas #playroominspo #knowandplay

Elastic Ring Mobile • @theknowandplayspace

We’re nearly at the end of our mobile era I feel, after today Baby R spent his whole day practising rolling from his back to front. He’s 5 months tomorrow… I can’t quite believe it! Where has that time gone?

I’ve absolutely loved DIYing him mobiles as it wasn’t something I did last time. The baby stage of play is something that although I witnessed with Mr 3, I didn’t know half as much as I know about it now, and I definitely didn’t start making resources until much later on in his development. Mobiles can facilitate so much learning and exploration, even for a teeny newborn. It’s quite amazing really 🤩

I say it every time, but Baby R has absolutely loooved this mobile. I attached an old curtain ring to some elastic and then tied this onto a second horizontal ring - making sure that it balanced when strung up. I then gluegunned on some ribbons and bells to add the auditory element which supports the cause and effect learning. The importance of using elastic is because at this stage of development, babies begin to start bringing objects to their mouth to aid their exploration, but also start to move their bodies round and or roll over. The previous mobile wasn’t on as much elastic which meant that he kept getting frustrated as he couldn’t get it to his mouth, but with this one being stretchy and on a longer length it’s been just what he needed as he rolls about 😍

I’ll share some stories of it up close tomorrow if you’re wanting to have a go at making one and want to see the details!

Playmat @totterandtumble [creator club]
Playgym @jacobsmontessori [prev pr]

#babyplay #babyplayideas #babyplaytoday #babyplayhacks #reggiobaby #reggioinspired #montessoribaby #montessoriinspired #montessoriplay #babysensory #sensoryplay #sensoryplayideas #playhacks #playideas #diyplayideas #diyplayhacks #playathome #playathometoday #learningthroughplay #playbasedlearning #knowandplay

Elastic Ring Mobile • @theknowandplayspace

We’re nearly at the end of our mobile era I feel, after today Baby R spent his whole day practising rolling from his back to front. He’s 5 months tomorrow… I can’t quite believe it! Where has that time gone?

I’ve absolutely loved DIYing him mobiles as it wasn’t something I did last time. The baby stage of play is something that although I witnessed with Mr 3, I didn’t know half as much as I know about it now, and I definitely didn’t start making resources until much later on in his development. Mobiles can facilitate so much learning and exploration, even for a teeny newborn. It’s quite amazing really 🤩

I say it every time, but Baby R has absolutely loooved this mobile. I attached an old curtain ring to some elastic and then tied this onto a second horizontal ring - making sure that it balanced when strung up. I then gluegunned on some ribbons and bells to add the auditory element which supports the cause and effect learning. The importance of using elastic is because at this stage of development, babies begin to start bringing objects to their mouth to aid their exploration, but also start to move their bodies round and or roll over. The previous mobile wasn’t on as much elastic which meant that he kept getting frustrated as he couldn’t get it to his mouth, but with this one being stretchy and on a longer length it’s been just what he needed as he rolls about 😍

I’ll share some stories of it up close tomorrow if you’re wanting to have a go at making one and want to see the details!

Playmat @totterandtumble [creator club]
Playgym @jacobsmontessori [prev pr]

#babyplay #babyplayideas #babyplaytoday #babyplayhacks #reggiobaby #reggioinspired #montessoribaby #montessoriinspired #montessoriplay #babysensory #sensoryplay #sensoryplayideas #playhacks #playideas #diyplayideas #diyplayhacks #playathome #playathometoday #learningthroughplay #playbasedlearning #knowandplay

Mr 3’s Montessori-inspired bedroom 🛏️ • @theknowandplayspace

I take inspiration from many different pedagogies when it comes to raising my boys, but Montessori is the one that is most prevalent throughout the rooms in our home. Each space is carefully curated with ‘the child in mind’, meaning that when setting up the space, I think about their needs, interests, and developmental stage, and tailor the environment to suit these. I also set up each space to facilitate independence, a sense of belonging and autonomy as much as possible.

It doesn’t look too different from when he was a younger, nor older, toddler, but it definitely has more decor and ‘things’ in it now that really promote that it’s HIS room.

If you’ve got any questions, pop them in the comments or send me a DM ✨

One final thing… if you didn’t already know, I do offer consultancy services for many things - including setting up a Montessori-inspired home, so if you’re interested in that then let me know or check out the Consultancy section on my website 🌈💻🤩

Playmat - @totterandtumble [creator club]
Wallpaper - @minibeau_official [prev pr]
Rocker Arch - @goodevas [prev pr - use BECCA10 for ££ off]

#montessorihome #montessori #montessoriinspired #kidsinteriors #homespaces #homeinspo #kidsroominspo #kidsbedroom #learningthroughplay #montessoribedroom #montessoriathome #montessorispaces

Mr 3’s Montessori-inspired bedroom 🛏️ • @theknowandplayspace

I take inspiration from many different pedagogies when it comes to raising my boys, but Montessori is the one that is most prevalent throughout the rooms in our home. Each space is carefully curated with ‘the child in mind’, meaning that when setting up the space, I think about their needs, interests, and developmental stage, and tailor the environment to suit these. I also set up each space to facilitate independence, a sense of belonging and autonomy as much as possible.

It doesn’t look too different from when he was a younger, nor older, toddler, but it definitely has more decor and ‘things’ in it now that really promote that it’s HIS room.

If you’ve got any questions, pop them in the comments or send me a DM ✨

One final thing… if you didn’t already know, I do offer consultancy services for many things - including setting up a Montessori-inspired home, so if you’re interested in that then let me know or check out the Consultancy section on my website 🌈💻🤩

Playmat - @totterandtumble [creator club]
Wallpaper - @minibeau_official [prev pr]
Rocker Arch - @goodevas [prev pr - use BECCA10 for ££ off]

#montessorihome #montessori #montessoriinspired #kidsinteriors #homespaces #homeinspo #kidsroominspo #kidsbedroom #learningthroughplay #montessoribedroom #montessoriathome #montessorispaces

2 Step Initial Sound Matching 👀 • @theknowandplayspace

Over the past few weeks we’ve been learning our first set of letters & the sounds they make. Before moving onto anymore, I’ve been revising them with Mr 3 and playing lots of different games using a mixture of the letters we’ve already learnt.

In a baking tray I first hid matching pairs of magnetic letters underneath magnetic tiles (2 stacked otherwise you can see through!). We took it in turns to find the pairs, practising the sounds as we found them. As the second step, I instead hid a picture and its corresponding intial sound eg. ‘p’ and a picture of a pig. We again took it in turns to find the matching pairs! (To know if your child is ready for this second step, they need to be able to HEAR the initial sound at the beginning of the word. For example, hearing that the word ‘sock’ starts with the ‘s’ sound, and then making the link from that sound to the letter that represents it.)

Games are a great way to practise known knowledge and apply it to different contexts. I’ll share some more of what we’ve been up to soon!

Tonnes of you have asked for more information on early phonics and reading… it’s COMING! I’ve got phonics guides and videos in production at the moment and I hope they’ll be of great help to you all 🤩

PS. So many of you said you liked photo posts over reels, so I’ll start sharing more of these instead 🥰 Thanks for letting me know!

#eyfsphonics #eyfs #earlyyears #phonics #phonicsfun #phonicsgames #eyfsideas #eyfsinspiration #preschool #preschoolactivities #homeschoolpreschool #preschoolathome #homeschool #homeschoolinspiration #playideas #playactivities #preschoolplay #playbasedlearning #learningthroughplay #knowandplay #knowandplaypreschool

2 Step Initial Sound Matching 👀 • @theknowandplayspace

Over the past few weeks we’ve been learning our first set of letters & the sounds they make. Before moving onto anymore, I’ve been revising them with Mr 3 and playing lots of different games using a mixture of the letters we’ve already learnt.

In a baking tray I first hid matching pairs of magnetic letters underneath magnetic tiles (2 stacked otherwise you can see through!). We took it in turns to find the pairs, practising the sounds as we found them. As the second step, I instead hid a picture and its corresponding intial sound eg. ‘p’ and a picture of a pig. We again took it in turns to find the matching pairs! (To know if your child is ready for this second step, they need to be able to HEAR the initial sound at the beginning of the word. For example, hearing that the word ‘sock’ starts with the ‘s’ sound, and then making the link from that sound to the letter that represents it.)

Games are a great way to practise known knowledge and apply it to different contexts. I’ll share some more of what we’ve been up to soon!

Tonnes of you have asked for more information on early phonics and reading… it’s COMING! I’ve got phonics guides and videos in production at the moment and I hope they’ll be of great help to you all 🤩

PS. So many of you said you liked photo posts over reels, so I’ll start sharing more of these instead 🥰 Thanks for letting me know!

#eyfsphonics #eyfs #earlyyears #phonics #phonicsfun #phonicsgames #eyfsideas #eyfsinspiration #preschool #preschoolactivities #homeschoolpreschool #preschoolathome #homeschool #homeschoolinspiration #playideas #playactivities #preschoolplay #playbasedlearning #learningthroughplay #knowandplay #knowandplaypreschool

Simple Play Enhancement - Adding a cereal packet ➕• @theknowandplayspace

Baby R has been obsessed with the Oball, just like his brother was! It’s one of my top recommended baby toys as it’s so light, easy to grasp and makes a lovely gentle noise. It’s great for 3+ months and has a great longevity as a toy. Mr 3 still enjoys throwing and catching it now!

Sometimes, changing something slightly about a favourite can add an element of fun to re-investigate and explore! This week, I added a cereal packet inside the Oball and Baby R has spent many play time being curious about how to now grasp it and the different noise it makes. There’s also a different weight to it now of course!

Play enhancements can be SO simple. They don’t need to be fancy set ups full of tonnes of resources to engage children in rich learning opportunities. Using what you have can provide brilliance ❤️

#babyplay #babyplayideas #babyplaytoday #babyplayhacks #reggiobaby #reggioinspired #montessoribaby #montessoriinspired #montessoriplay #babysensory #sensoryplay #sensoryplayideas #playhacks #playideas #diyplayideas #diyplayhacks #playathome #playathometoday #learningthroughplay #playbasedlearning #knowandplay

Simple Play Enhancement - Adding a cereal packet ➕• @theknowandplayspace

Baby R has been obsessed with the Oball, just like his brother was! It’s one of my top recommended baby toys as it’s so light, easy to grasp and makes a lovely gentle noise. It’s great for 3+ months and has a great longevity as a toy. Mr 3 still enjoys throwing and catching it now!

Sometimes, changing something slightly about a favourite can add an element of fun to re-investigate and explore! This week, I added a cereal packet inside the Oball and Baby R has spent many play time being curious about how to now grasp it and the different noise it makes. There’s also a different weight to it now of course!

Play enhancements can be SO simple. They don’t need to be fancy set ups full of tonnes of resources to engage children in rich learning opportunities. Using what you have can provide brilliance ❤️

#babyplay #babyplayideas #babyplaytoday #babyplayhacks #reggiobaby #reggioinspired #montessoribaby #montessoriinspired #montessoriplay #babysensory #sensoryplay #sensoryplayideas #playhacks #playideas #diyplayideas #diyplayhacks #playathome #playathometoday #learningthroughplay #playbasedlearning #knowandplay

Our favourite reads in January 📚 • @theknowandplayspace

Books hold a very important place in our home and I’ll never say no to reading with either of my boys ❤️

Fresh for the new year I rotated our Christmas and wintery books for some core classics and high enjoyment books, and these have been the ones we’ve read most over January 😍 I thought I’d share incase there are titles you haven’t yet read with your child(ren)!

January’s featured titles:
• HOLEY MOLEY - a laugh out loud book that’s great for exploring rhyme
• TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA - a must read classic
• THERE’S A DRAGON IN YOUR BOOK - Mr 3 has asked this to be read so many times. It’s verbally and physically interactive in how it’s written and is definitely the best one of this series!
• THE WAY BACK HOME - by the brilliant Oliver Jeffers, one of my favourite authors/illustrators
• MOVE IT! BUILDERS & GARAGE - great for little people who love vehicles & has moving parts in the book
• MONKEY PUZZLE - a Julia Donaldson wonder, great for discussing how descriptions need to be detailed and a lovely way in to exploring a caterpillar lifecycle
• YOU CHOOSE - a must have at home, brilliant for communication and language skills
• OI DOG! - the second in the Oi Frog series that continues to explore the joy of words and rhyming
• THE LEAF THIEF & THE SNOW THIEF - Mr 3’s top picks this month. Wonderful books for explaining the changing seasons in a fun and easy to understand way. We’ve just bought book 3 (That’s my Flower!) which helps explain the transition of Winter to Spring 🤩

I’ll add them all to a ‘Monthly Favourites’ list on my Amazon Storefront, which you can find from a link in my bio, or comment READS and I’ll send you the direct link 🔗

#readingforpleasure #childrensbooks #booksforchildren #seasonalbooks #bookplayhooray #bookishplayideas #booknook #readingcorner #eyfsreading #readalongplayalong #eyfsideas #earlyyearsideas #knowandplay #preschool #eyfs #earlyyears #toddlerplay

Our favourite reads in January 📚 • @theknowandplayspace

Books hold a very important place in our home and I’ll never say no to reading with either of my boys ❤️

Fresh for the new year I rotated our Christmas and wintery books for some core classics and high enjoyment books, and these have been the ones we’ve read most over January 😍 I thought I’d share incase there are titles you haven’t yet read with your child(ren)!

January’s featured titles:
• HOLEY MOLEY - a laugh out loud book that’s great for exploring rhyme
• TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA - a must read classic
• THERE’S A DRAGON IN YOUR BOOK - Mr 3 has asked this to be read so many times. It’s verbally and physically interactive in how it’s written and is definitely the best one of this series!
• THE WAY BACK HOME - by the brilliant Oliver Jeffers, one of my favourite authors/illustrators
• MOVE IT! BUILDERS & GARAGE - great for little people who love vehicles & has moving parts in the book
• MONKEY PUZZLE - a Julia Donaldson wonder, great for discussing how descriptions need to be detailed and a lovely way in to exploring a caterpillar lifecycle
• YOU CHOOSE - a must have at home, brilliant for communication and language skills
• OI DOG! - the second in the Oi Frog series that continues to explore the joy of words and rhyming
• THE LEAF THIEF & THE SNOW THIEF - Mr 3’s top picks this month. Wonderful books for explaining the changing seasons in a fun and easy to understand way. We’ve just bought book 3 (That’s my Flower!) which helps explain the transition of Winter to Spring 🤩

I’ll add them all to a ‘Monthly Favourites’ list on my Amazon Storefront, which you can find from a link in my bio, or comment READS and I’ll send you the direct link 🔗

#readingforpleasure #childrensbooks #booksforchildren #seasonalbooks #bookplayhooray #bookishplayideas #booknook #readingcorner #eyfsreading #readalongplayalong #eyfsideas #earlyyearsideas #knowandplay #preschool #eyfs #earlyyears #toddlerplay

Primary Colours Bell Scarves 🔔 • @theknowandplayspace

Baby R has absolutely loved these for a couple of weeks now. With the scarves being so visually engaging and easy to grab, he grasps them and can hold onto them whilst wiggling around - making an almighty sound with the bells which he thinks is brilliant!

(This could easily be done with any pieces of fabric or even just regular scarves if you don’t have these silk scarves!)

#babyplay #babyplayideas #babyplaytoday #babyplayhacks #reggiobaby #reggioinspired #montessoribaby #montessoriinspired #montessoriplay #babysensory #sensoryplay #sensoryplayideas #playhacks #playideas #diyplayideas #diyplayhacks #playathome #playathometoday #learningthroughplay #playbasedlearning #knowandplay

Primary Colours Bell Scarves 🔔 • @theknowandplayspace

Baby R has absolutely loved these for a couple of weeks now. With the scarves being so visually engaging and easy to grab, he grasps them and can hold onto them whilst wiggling around - making an almighty sound with the bells which he thinks is brilliant!

(This could easily be done with any pieces of fabric or even just regular scarves if you don’t have these silk scarves!)

#babyplay #babyplayideas #babyplaytoday #babyplayhacks #reggiobaby #reggioinspired #montessoribaby #montessoriinspired #montessoriplay #babysensory #sensoryplay #sensoryplayideas #playhacks #playideas #diyplayideas #diyplayhacks #playathome #playathometoday #learningthroughplay #playbasedlearning #knowandplay

Sibling Play - Sensory Bottles 👶🏻👦🏻 • @theknowandplayspace

Mr 3 loves to interact with and help his little brother to play! After making the high contrast sensory cards, I have found other little DIYs that we can do together that gives him ownership over creating play set ups for Baby R. The sense of pride and joy is gorgeous 🥹🥰

This time we made sensory bottles together. These are bottles I bought that we reuse over and over with different fillings, but you could easily just use an empty water bottle!! The clear glue worked best with the beads as it really suspended them in the solution where they’re so light, but it does also make the heavier gems and bigger pom poms float slower so that Baby R can track them as they sink.

A lovely way to get siblings involved with baby play as they can do every stage of the creation!🤩

#siblingplay #babysensory #babysensoryplay #babyplayideas #babysensoryideas #babyplay #toddlerplay #preschoolplay #toddlerplayideas #creativeplay #sensoryplay #diyplayhacks #diyplay #diyplayideas #playathome #playathomemummy #montessoribaby #montessoritoddler #reggioinspired #playroom #playspace #playroomideas #babyplayspace #newbornplay #babyplayhacks #playhacksbymoms

Sibling Play - Sensory Bottles 👶🏻👦🏻 • @theknowandplayspace

Mr 3 loves to interact with and help his little brother to play! After making the high contrast sensory cards, I have found other little DIYs that we can do together that gives him ownership over creating play set ups for Baby R. The sense of pride and joy is gorgeous 🥹🥰

This time we made sensory bottles together. These are bottles I bought that we reuse over and over with different fillings, but you could easily just use an empty water bottle!! The clear glue worked best with the beads as it really suspended them in the solution where they’re so light, but it does also make the heavier gems and bigger pom poms float slower so that Baby R can track them as they sink.

A lovely way to get siblings involved with baby play as they can do every stage of the creation!🤩

#siblingplay #babysensory #babysensoryplay #babyplayideas #babysensoryideas #babyplay #toddlerplay #preschoolplay #toddlerplayideas #creativeplay #sensoryplay #diyplayhacks #diyplay #diyplayideas #playathome #playathomemummy #montessoribaby #montessoritoddler #reggioinspired #playroom #playspace #playroomideas #babyplayspace #newbornplay #babyplayhacks #playhacksbymoms

Valentines ‘Dough Ready’ Box 💗 • @theknowandplayspace

Here’s our ‘dough ready’ box all prepped for these first few weeks of February. Mr 3 loves to see what surprises are inside the box, ready to play with, after I’ve changed it up. He’s particularly been enjoying the milk bottle tops as he’s realised these can do so many different things in play dough! It just shows that recycled materials are just as enjoyed in play as shop-bought loose parts!

If you want the links to think we have in our playdough boxes, then head to my Amazon storefront 😍 or comment READY and I’ll send a direct link to you 🩷

What’s in your playdough kit this month?

#preschool #homeschool #sensoryplay #sensoryplayideas #stem #eyfsstem #stemplay #homeschoolpreschool #preschoollearning #preschoolactivities #playroomtour #playroom #playroomorganization #playspace #montessoriplayroom #montessoriathome #montessoriinspired #toddlerplay #toddlerplayideas #toddleractivities #preschoolplay #preschoolactivities #playathome #knowandplay #playbasedlearning #playathome #childmindingideas #childmindingactivities

Valentines ‘Dough Ready’ Box 💗 • @theknowandplayspace

Here’s our ‘dough ready’ box all prepped for these first few weeks of February. Mr 3 loves to see what surprises are inside the box, ready to play with, after I’ve changed it up. He’s particularly been enjoying the milk bottle tops as he’s realised these can do so many different things in play dough! It just shows that recycled materials are just as enjoyed in play as shop-bought loose parts!

If you want the links to think we have in our playdough boxes, then head to my Amazon storefront 😍 or comment READY and I’ll send a direct link to you 🩷

What’s in your playdough kit this month?

#preschool #homeschool #sensoryplay #sensoryplayideas #stem #eyfsstem #stemplay #homeschoolpreschool #preschoollearning #preschoolactivities #playroomtour #playroom #playroomorganization #playspace #montessoriplayroom #montessoriathome #montessoriinspired #toddlerplay #toddlerplayideas #toddleractivities #preschoolplay #preschoolactivities #playathome #knowandplay #playbasedlearning #playathome #childmindingideas #childmindingactivities

Some of my favourite Know & Play stills from the past few years 🌈 • @theknowandplayspace

I created The Know & Play Space on all its platforms as a place ‘where all can play & grow, learn & know’ 🌿, and this still feels so true. Not only do I love sharing everything I do and learn with all of you, and getting to see how it impacts you and your child(ren), but I also love what this space allows me to do and how it fuels my passion for play in so many ways.

#playbasedlearning #eyfs #earlyyears #learningthroughplay #playinprovision #preschoolplay #toddlerplay #earlyyearsplay #playathome #playspace #outdoorplay #playideas #playroominspo

Some of my favourite Know & Play stills from the past few years 🌈 • @theknowandplayspace

I created The Know & Play Space on all its platforms as a place ‘where all can play & grow, learn & know’ 🌿, and this still feels so true. Not only do I love sharing everything I do and learn with all of you, and getting to see how it impacts you and your child(ren), but I also love what this space allows me to do and how it fuels my passion for play in so many ways.

#playbasedlearning #eyfs #earlyyears #learningthroughplay #playinprovision #preschoolplay #toddlerplay #earlyyearsplay #playathome #playspace #outdoorplay #playideas #playroominspo

Bell & Ribbons Ring on Elastic 🔔 • @theknowandplayspace

As Baby R is reaching 4 months, he’s beginning to have more coordination of his arms and hands, meaning he’s now trying hard to reach, grasp and hold onto things.

I made this tactile mobile by tying scraps of ribbon onto an old curtain ring, and then using elastic to first attach a bell, then attach the ring so that it hung from the play gym. The elastic means that Baby R can move with the ring in his hands, but also will allow him to bring it to his mouth to explore over the next few weeks, as I’m anticipating this to start happening more around 4-5 months.

Adding the bell onto the ring is also facilitating his learning about cause and effect - wiggling the ring causes the bell to make a noise, and therefore he’ll repeat his movements to try and make it happen again. This learning often begins around the 3-4 month mark and is fascinating to see how it continues to develop from this early stage, all the way then through childhood + beyond!

For more baby play ideas, head to ‘The Play Space’ on my website, follow me on here, and also check out my YouTube Channel!✨🌈 So much more Know & Play goodness to explore!

#babyplay #babyplayideas #babyplaytoday #babyplayhacks #reggiobaby #reggioinspired #montessoribaby #montessoriinspired #montessoriplay #babysensory #sensoryplay #sensoryplayideas #playhacks #playideas #diyplayideas #diyplayhacks #playathome #playathometoday #learningthroughplay #playbasedlearning #knowandplay

Bell & Ribbons Ring on Elastic 🔔 • @theknowandplayspace

As Baby R is reaching 4 months, he’s beginning to have more coordination of his arms and hands, meaning he’s now trying hard to reach, grasp and hold onto things.

I made this tactile mobile by tying scraps of ribbon onto an old curtain ring, and then using elastic to first attach a bell, then attach the ring so that it hung from the play gym. The elastic means that Baby R can move with the ring in his hands, but also will allow him to bring it to his mouth to explore over the next few weeks, as I’m anticipating this to start happening more around 4-5 months.

Adding the bell onto the ring is also facilitating his learning about cause and effect - wiggling the ring causes the bell to make a noise, and therefore he’ll repeat his movements to try and make it happen again. This learning often begins around the 3-4 month mark and is fascinating to see how it continues to develop from this early stage, all the way then through childhood + beyond!

For more baby play ideas, head to ‘The Play Space’ on my website, follow me on here, and also check out my YouTube Channel!✨🌈 So much more Know & Play goodness to explore!

#babyplay #babyplayideas #babyplaytoday #babyplayhacks #reggiobaby #reggioinspired #montessoribaby #montessoriinspired #montessoriplay #babysensory #sensoryplay #sensoryplayideas #playhacks #playideas #diyplayideas #diyplayhacks #playathome #playathometoday #learningthroughplay #playbasedlearning #knowandplay

Musical Bear Hunt Story with @inswan_documentcamera 📹👂🏼🐻 • @theknowandplayspace

We used our new visualiser (kindly gifted) to create our own musical ‘We’re going on a Bear Hunt’ story 🤩 Technology exploration is an important part of early years development, and this was something so simple for Mr 3 to take part in.

We made our own stick puppets of the characters, searched round the house for props we could use whilst recalling the story, and then thought carefully about which instruments suited the noise of different parts. This was all before we even turned the visualiser on! So many learning opportunities and experiences from one activity together.

Mr 3 learnt how to press record, worked out how to get the props and puppets in the right place, and it was also a great learning discussion about how we need to tell the story ‘flat’ so the camera can see, rather than upright like we would usually use puppets.

His pride when watching back his finished video was so precious 🥹❤️

Thank you to @inswan_documentcamera for providing us with a simple, effective tool to get creative and explorative with technology!

#eyfs #eyfsideas #eyfstechnology #earlyyears #earlyyearsideas preschool #homeschool #homeschoolpreschool #preschoollearning #preschoolactivities #toddlerplay #toddlerplayideas #toddleractivities #preschoolplay #preschoolactivities #playathome #knowandplay #playbasedlearning #playathome #childmindingideas #childmindingactivities

Musical Bear Hunt Story with @inswan_documentcamera 📹👂🏼🐻 • @theknowandplayspace

We used our new visualiser (kindly gifted) to create our own musical ‘We’re going on a Bear Hunt’ story 🤩 Technology exploration is an important part of early years development, and this was something so simple for Mr 3 to take part in.

We made our own stick puppets of the characters, searched round the house for props we could use whilst recalling the story, and then thought carefully about which instruments suited the noise of different parts. This was all before we even turned the visualiser on! So many learning opportunities and experiences from one activity together.

Mr 3 learnt how to press record, worked out how to get the props and puppets in the right place, and it was also a great learning discussion about how we need to tell the story ‘flat’ so the camera can see, rather than upright like we would usually use puppets.

His pride when watching back his finished video was so precious 🥹❤️

Thank you to @inswan_documentcamera for providing us with a simple, effective tool to get creative and explorative with technology!

#eyfs #eyfsideas #eyfstechnology #earlyyears #earlyyearsideas preschool #homeschool #homeschoolpreschool #preschoollearning #preschoolactivities #toddlerplay #toddlerplayideas #toddleractivities #preschoolplay #preschoolactivities #playathome #knowandplay #playbasedlearning #playathome #childmindingideas #childmindingactivities

DIY Indoor Air Hockey 🏑 • @theknowandplayspace

We’re all about active play over here, and Mr 3 NEEDS to get out his energy during the day. Usually we’d be outside as much as possible, but the cold, wet and stormy weather is meaning it’s a bit more challenging when we have a teeny tot in tow too! So… we’re finding ways to use big energy and movements indoors!

This was SO much fun. We laughed and laughed and laughed together!!
Using @connetix_tiles we made two barriers and ‘goal’ ends, then grabbed a plastic lid and two toilet rolls to make our own air hockey style game 😂🏑
You could substitute all parts for other things that work eg. Wooden blocks or Duplo edges, a stuffed sock to bat with, a cardboard circle to hit… whatever you have & find works.

For older children, you may want to add a line of masking/painters tape across the middle of the play zone to give ‘halves’, but this wasn’t necessary for us to have fun!🤩

LOVE THIS? Follow me for more play ideas and also head to my website to find over 250 purposeful play activities on ‘The Play Space’ 🌈

#preschool #activeplay #grossmotorplay #homeschoolpreschool #preschoollearning #preschoolactivities #playroomtour #playroom #playspace #montessoriplayroom #toddlerplay #toddlerplayideas #toddleractivities #preschoolplay #preschoolactivities #playathome #knowandplay #playbasedlearning #playathome #childmindingideas #childmindingactivities

DIY Indoor Air Hockey 🏑 • @theknowandplayspace

We’re all about active play over here, and Mr 3 NEEDS to get out his energy during the day. Usually we’d be outside as much as possible, but the cold, wet and stormy weather is meaning it’s a bit more challenging when we have a teeny tot in tow too! So… we’re finding ways to use big energy and movements indoors!

This was SO much fun. We laughed and laughed and laughed together!!
Using @connetix_tiles we made two barriers and ‘goal’ ends, then grabbed a plastic lid and two toilet rolls to make our own air hockey style game 😂🏑
You could substitute all parts for other things that work eg. Wooden blocks or Duplo edges, a stuffed sock to bat with, a cardboard circle to hit… whatever you have & find works.

For older children, you may want to add a line of masking/painters tape across the middle of the play zone to give ‘halves’, but this wasn’t necessary for us to have fun!🤩

LOVE THIS? Follow me for more play ideas and also head to my website to find over 250 purposeful play activities on ‘The Play Space’ 🌈

#preschool #activeplay #grossmotorplay #homeschoolpreschool #preschoollearning #preschoolactivities #playroomtour #playroom #playspace #montessoriplayroom #toddlerplay #toddlerplayideas #toddleractivities #preschoolplay #preschoolactivities #playathome #knowandplay #playbasedlearning #playathome #childmindingideas #childmindingactivities

High Contrast Cards 👀 • @theknowandplayspace

High-contrast, monochrome patterns are so beneficial for young babies as the starkness in difference between the colours sends the strongest of signals to their brain. These signals help brain connections to continue to form and strengthen, as they aren’t complete at birth.

I could’ve bought a pack from the shop, or printed off ones I’ve made on the computer… BUT instead, I got Mr 3 involved and he was SO proud to have made an activity for his baby brother. I showed him how I’d used a black paint stick to make different patterns on the card, and then let him choose which pattern he’d like to create. He chose to do lots of his favourite marks to make at the moment - his own letter and crosses! What was even more lovely was that Baby R really did spend a good amount of time on his tummy looking at the card his brother had made for him, and Mr 3 realised this 🥹😍

For more ideas in involving siblings with baby play, make sure you’re following me here and also check out ‘Sibling Play’ - a new section on ‘The Play Space’ at www.theknowandplayspace.com 👶🏻👦🏻 CUTE 😍🥰

Both boys are lying on our ‘Grey’ Snug Rug by @thesnugrugcompany * prev pr gift | USE: KNOWANDPLAY for ££ off ❤️

#siblingplay #babysensory #babysensoryplay #babyplayideas #babysensoryideas #babyplay #toddlerplay #preschoolplay #toddlerplayideas #creativeplay #sensoryplay #diyplayhacks #diyplay #diyplayideas #playathome #playathomemummy #montessoribaby #montessoritoddler #reggioinspired #playroom #playspace #playroomideas #babyplayspace #newbornplay #babyplayhacks #playhacksbymoms

High Contrast Cards 👀 • @theknowandplayspace

High-contrast, monochrome patterns are so beneficial for young babies as the starkness in difference between the colours sends the strongest of signals to their brain. These signals help brain connections to continue to form and strengthen, as they aren’t complete at birth.

I could’ve bought a pack from the shop, or printed off ones I’ve made on the computer… BUT instead, I got Mr 3 involved and he was SO proud to have made an activity for his baby brother. I showed him how I’d used a black paint stick to make different patterns on the card, and then let him choose which pattern he’d like to create. He chose to do lots of his favourite marks to make at the moment - his own letter and crosses! What was even more lovely was that Baby R really did spend a good amount of time on his tummy looking at the card his brother had made for him, and Mr 3 realised this 🥹😍

For more ideas in involving siblings with baby play, make sure you’re following me here and also check out ‘Sibling Play’ - a new section on ‘The Play Space’ at www.theknowandplayspace.com 👶🏻👦🏻 CUTE 😍🥰

Both boys are lying on our ‘Grey’ Snug Rug by @thesnugrugcompany * prev pr gift | USE: KNOWANDPLAY for ££ off ❤️

#siblingplay #babysensory #babysensoryplay #babyplayideas #babysensoryideas #babyplay #toddlerplay #preschoolplay #toddlerplayideas #creativeplay #sensoryplay #diyplayhacks #diyplay #diyplayideas #playathome #playathomemummy #montessoribaby #montessoritoddler #reggioinspired #playroom #playspace #playroomideas #babyplayspace #newbornplay #babyplayhacks #playhacksbymoms

@connetix_tiles Ball Maze ♾️ • @theknowandplayspace

We’re always thinking of new ways to play with our magnetic @connetix_tiles , and I suddenly had a wave of inspiration today to make a maze for the balls instead of just a ball run. We found out it worked well on our @goodevas slide board as we could tip it to move the ball.

Mr 3 loved this so much! After I did the first one, he very quickly worked out how to design his own mazes, and investigated with the ball coming out at different places. He particularly liked us both working together to move the ball to me and then all the way back to him! A nice way to work on teamwork, communication and coordination!

Next time we’ll try putting a football or similar underneath the board for more challenge as you’d have to keep it balanced then too!🤩

For more play ideas, follow me here @theknowandplayspace but also head on over to my website where ‘The Play Space’ has over 250 purposeful play ideas that’re added to regularly!🌈

Love this activity? SAVE and SHARE it too🥰

Playmat @totterandtumble [creator club]
Slide Board @goodevas [pr discount - USE BECCA10 for ££ off]

#stemplay #eyfsstem #connetix #stemforkids #connetixtiles #preschool #homeschool #homeschoolpreschool #preschoollearning #preschoolactivities #playroomtour #playroom #playspace #montessoriplayroom #toddlerplay #toddlerplayideas #toddleractivities #preschoolplay #preschoolactivities #playathome #knowandplay #playbasedlearning #playathome #childmindingideas #childmindingactivities

@connetix_tiles Ball Maze ♾️ • @theknowandplayspace

We’re always thinking of new ways to play with our magnetic @connetix_tiles , and I suddenly had a wave of inspiration today to make a maze for the balls instead of just a ball run. We found out it worked well on our @goodevas slide board as we could tip it to move the ball.

Mr 3 loved this so much! After I did the first one, he very quickly worked out how to design his own mazes, and investigated with the ball coming out at different places. He particularly liked us both working together to move the ball to me and then all the way back to him! A nice way to work on teamwork, communication and coordination!

Next time we’ll try putting a football or similar underneath the board for more challenge as you’d have to keep it balanced then too!🤩

For more play ideas, follow me here @theknowandplayspace but also head on over to my website where ‘The Play Space’ has over 250 purposeful play ideas that’re added to regularly!🌈

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Playmat @totterandtumble [creator club]
Slide Board @goodevas [pr discount - USE BECCA10 for ££ off]

#stemplay #eyfsstem #connetix #stemforkids #connetixtiles #preschool #homeschool #homeschoolpreschool #preschoollearning #preschoolactivities #playroomtour #playroom #playspace #montessoriplayroom #toddlerplay #toddlerplayideas #toddleractivities #preschoolplay #preschoolactivities #playathome #knowandplay #playbasedlearning #playathome #childmindingideas #childmindingactivities

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