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Whether you're looking for the very first storybook to read to your child, or are an avid reader looking for new recommendations as you've re-read the same story 10 times. We've got you covered! Wolfboy - by Andy Harkness Little Owl’s Bedtime - by Debi Gliori Good Night I Love You – by Caroline Church The Way I Feel – by Janan Cain The Lion and the Mouse - by Jerry Pinkney Blanche Hates the Night - by Sibylle Delacroix The Way Home in the Night - by Akiko Miyakoshi The Gruffalo – by Julia Donaldson Rapunzel – by Catherine McCafferty Can't you Sleep, Little Bear? - by Martin Waddell Child of the Universe - by Ray Jayawardhana And, if you are looking for dreamy tales to help you drift off, check out the ones below! Most are available on mobile apps such as Audible and Spotify. Nothing Much Happens: Cozy and Calming Stories to Soothe Your Mind and Help You Sleep - by Kathryn Nicolai Slouching Towards Bethlehem – by Joan Didion To The Lighthouse – by Virginia Woolf The Lord of the Rings - by J. R. R. Tolkien The Architect's Apprentice - by Elif Shafak Ducklings also offers some fantastic resources you can access for FREE to aid in reading! https://www.ducklingspreschool.co.uk/readers From our own stories written by the wonderful Joana Ribokaite ranging from Timmy the Turtle, the Penny the Penguin, Bailey the Bumblebee, Emily the Elephant, and Leo the Snow Leopard. We also have Ducklings StoryTime videos, in which our wonderful staff have recorded themselves reading some of the stories listen above and many many more, along with Dance and Sing-along videos, and numerous activities which will help test your child's reading and writing skills - Alphabet writing practice, The Missing Letter Task, Naming things, Days of the Week worksheets, Spot the Letter worksheets and more! Please feel free to check them out here, https://www.ducklingspreschool.co.uk/readers , and let us know if you'd love to see more!

POTTY TRAINING! Those two words will bring up a wide range of emotions to every parent. Luckily for us, with the aid of the internet, there are a ton of resources available to use online. From articles to videos to forums where fellow parents ask for help. We’ve searched for hours to find the best tips, and have put together a compilation of them so you don’t have to! Firstly, the NHS offers an article titled “How to potty train” which can be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/babys-development/potty-training-and-bedwetting/how-to-potty-train/ “It’s best to take it slowly and go at your child’s pace. Being patient with them will help them get it right, even if you sometimes feel frustrated.” (NHS.com) In terms of their age; By age 1, most babies have stopped doing poos at night By age 2, some children will be dry during the day, but this is still quite early. By age 3, 9 out of 10 children are dry most days - even then, all children have the odd accident, especially when excited, upset, or absorbed in something else. By age 4, most children are reliably dry during the day. When to start potty training? Most children will not want to go to school in nappies, so between 2 and 2 and a half, is the most common time to start. Some parents will find it easier to start potty training in the summer (as there are fewer clothes to take off and wash, and clothes dry quicker). Try potty training when life is consistent with no distractions, to avoid confusion. Getting ready for potty training? Start changing nappies in the bathroom at home, so your child begins to associate the bathroom as the place to go when they need to use the toilet. Another tip is to ask your child to flush the toilet and wash their hands with you, so they begin to learn those skills too after using the bathroom. Leave the potty in a visible place, so your child is not fearful of the new object. Another tip is to leave the potty in the downstairs bathroom, so your child can use it easier whenever they wish. You may even wish to leave toys or a book by the potty, so your child has something to look at to help them sit still on the potty, to begin with. How to start potty training? If your child regularly goes at the same time each day, leave their nappy off around at this time, and suggest they use the potty. If this suggestion upsets your child, put their nappy back on and leave it for a few more weeks and try again. Use the potty for everything (not just for poos) as this will help build your child's confidence using it. If your child does have an accident, don’t make a huge fuss. This may lead to your child becoming anxious and worried about using it. Additionally, praise your child for using the potty. The NHS recommends not giving sweets as a reward, instead of using stickers on a chart that can be kept in the bathroom to praise and reward your child for doing well. Using washable potty training pants can help teach your child how to swap into “grown-up” pants when they’re ready. Encourage your child to keep their training pants dry, and to use the potty. Night-time potty training tips? Focus on potty training during the day. Once they have that down, then they may be ready for night-time potty training. Get your child to use the potty right before bed. Using waterproof sheets may be a good idea to protect the bed mattress. Like day training, praise your child for success but don't overdo it. If accidents happen regularly, continue to use nappies at night for a few weeks and then try again. Potty training with a disabled child? It may be more difficult to learn to use the potty or toilet for children with a long-term illness or disability. These links below will provide a parent’s guide on potty training with a disabled child, along with a contact website for further support. https://contact.org.uk/help-for-families/information-advice-services/ http://www.cafamily.org.uk/media/379936/potty_toilet_training.pdf https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/babys-development/potty-training-and-bedwetting/how-to-potty-train/ Toilet or the potty? Some children may prefer to use the toilet over the potty. This is fine, and a child’s trainer seat may help! These seats clip onto the toilet and can help make your child feel safer and more confident on the toilet. Getting a child’s trainer seat along with a mini step will help, as it will allow your child to rest their feet on the ground, get in a good position to use the bathroom, and help them remain more comfortable. If you'd like to use a Potty Training Chart we have designed 3 different layouts - so let your child pick out which one they prefer to make the training more enjoyable and interactive for your child! Feel free to download these here If you’d prefer to watch a video check out the latest WhatsUpMoms video; Potty Training! (Ep.21) which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eob-lYnfx68 . There are a ton of useful videos on YouTube, however, this video provides a ton of unique tips and tricks that may help (Including using whiteboard markers on the potty to allow your children to draw over their potty to get more familiar and less scared about it) If you'd prefer to use music, Cocomelon Nursery Rhymes published "Potty Training Song", which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH2Sm0Wj3Dw . Toddler Fun Learning also published "Princess Polly's Potty" another Potty Training Video for Toddlers you may find helpful, which can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwJ8SFDFEP0. In summary, patience and praise are key elements to having a successful journey into potty training your child. We wish you the best of luck, and hope this article has helped. If you are still struggling, please don’t hesitate to ask a member of our staff, or send us a message either in the comments below or privately using our Contact Us Page (https://www.ducklingspreschool.co.uk/contact) and we’d be more than happy to help however we can!

Reading is a common struggle for students of all ages, including pre-schoolers. Although a dislike to reading may simply be due to boredom - which is discussed in our other article ‘Easy ways to encourage your child's love of reading' - reading difficulties should not be ignored as they can hold back your child from becoming their best in future years. Some red flags for reading difficulties are: A below-average reading level Difficulty sounding out words Difficulty recognising words A lack of fluency when reading Problems understanding what was just read Problems connecting what is read to previous knowledge Anxiety about reading Avoiding reading altogether Difficulty with spelling and writing Tasks involving reading or writing take an unusually long time to complete Easily distracted when reading All these red flags are discussed more in-depth by Oxford Learning (https://www.oxfordlearning.com/signs-of-reading-disability/) so if any of these red flags stand out, this article provides information on what signs to watch for, and how to help change them. The British Dyslexia Association furthermore goes in-depth of signs of dyslexia in the Early Years. The ‘red flags’ or indicators they’ve chosen for early years children are: Difficulty learning nursery rhymes Difficulty paying attention, sitting still, listening to stories Likes listening to stories but shows no interest in letters or words Difficulty learning to sing or recite the alphabet A history of slow speech development Muddles words Difficulty keeping simple rhythm Finds it hard to carry out two or more instructions at one time Forgets names of friends, teachers, colours etc. Difficulty cutting, sticking, and colouring in comparison with their peer group Difficulty in dressing (shoelaces and buttons) Difficulty with catching, kicking, or throwing a ball Often trips, bumps into things, falls over and finds it difficult to skip and hop If you are worried about your child’s reading and language development, we recommend speaking to your GP or health practitioner. You may also find it helpful to discuss these concerns with your child’s teachers and with the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo). Ducklings is proud that each of our sites has a named SENCo (Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator), as well as TWO company SENCo Managers, Michelle and Becky, who further supports all the sites. Together, these Coordinators and Managers play vital roles in supporting to ensure that a child’s individual needs are met. References Oxford Learning (2018). 11 Characteristics of struggling readers. Accessed on 12th April 2021. [Online] https://www.oxfordlearning.com/signs-of-reading-disability/. The British Dyslexia Association (2021). Signs of dyslexia (Early Years). Accessed on 12th April 2021 [Online] https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/advice/children/is-my-child-dyslexic/signs-of-dyslexia-early-years .

Reading is one of the most fundamental skills anyone can have to be successful. Reading not only helps academically but is needed in everyday life. Reading develops our vocabulary, it improves our creativity, increases our attention spans, and improves our analytical thinking… while also being fun! Now we know all the benefits, let’s learn about ways we can actually start doing it! Whether you’ve tried reading with your child but they’re simply not enjoying it, or you’re not sure how to start reading at home, why not try some of these steps below. Start reading yourself. Children learn by watching, so let your child see you reading! Trust me I know it’s easier to turn on your TV, but why not set aside one night a week where you read for an hour? Another idea, maybe read a short story book together, and then once you’ve finished the book, watch the movie rendition. Not only will this increase your child’s love for storytelling, but they’re also learning to love reading. Let your child pick the book. Your child is definitely going to be more interested in reading if it’s a story they’ve selected to read! I’d suggest introducing different options of different genres, so your child doesn’t become bored, and if you don’t have several books at home, a trip to the local library or asking for book recommendations by the staff at Ducklings may help! Encourage your child to read and write every day. Making reading fun is KEY to making your child enjoy it! One way to do this is by writing exciting stories together, or writing letters to their friends and family, or promote that they keep a diary/journal where they can write about anything they want. If your child loves storybooks or writing practice sheets, or playing games check out ducklings readers which has a ton of free material you can use at home to additionally help make reading become fun! Talk about reading with your child. Finally, after your child’s completed some reading activities, talk about it! Oppenheimer said “The best way to learn is to teach”, so ask your child questions about what they’ve just done and allow them to teach you. What happened to the main character? What was their favourite part? What did they wish had happened instead? This will help enhance your child’s comprehension skills, along with improving their love for reading! Support your child, especially if they find reading difficult. If you’re trying over and over to get your child to read but they’re struggling, I’d recommend taking a step back and examining the areas where they’re struggling. Reading difficulties is nothing to be embarrassed about, and shouldn’t be ignored as students who have difficulty reading can fall behind quickly, if not helped. One of the most common reading disability that affects everyone is dyslexia, with about 15-20% of people struggling with some level of dyslexia. But there are so many resources that can help you - Ducklings has published 'Characteristics of children who struggle with reading', which provides a list of potential red flags to look out for. This blog can be found here. If you are concerned that your child is finding reading difficult, ask your child’s teachers if they’ve noticed this too! You are not alone. I hope these steps will help boost your child’s love for reading, as it’s truly an amazing skill to have! And remember, reading should be fun! So go have some fun. #earlyyears #reading #preschool

“The mind that opens to a new idea never returns to its original size” – Albert Einstein. Despite the myth that we use only 10% of our brain, it is still believed that most of us are still struggling to use our mind to their full capacity. It is said that at the age of three, a children’s brain is twice as active as an adult’s brain and at the age of five their brain is able to administer the development process. This being said, there are ways in which their capacity and mental growth can be amplified. In this article, I will discuss activities that can help with brain training, and then explain the reasoning behind this. The Memory Game: This game is perfect as an introduction to brain training exercises. It can also be used for those who have developed brain damage through an accident, for example. You can make the activity yourself by cutting an A4 piece of paper into decent-sized shapes and adding a design of your choice. If your child loves cars then perhaps drawing illustrations of cars would be appropriate and as it is their prime interest, they will engage in the activity a lot sooner. You could even make it a little more educational by using colours, letters and/or numbers on the cards. As long as it is simple enough for them to understand and clear to visualise, the child will be able to grasp the concept of the game. Tip: If you are not the arty type, you could always print images off of the internet and glue them onto the squares or even cut them out of magazines. It’s all about imagination and ensuring your child will engage to the best of their ability. Once the cards have successfully been created, it is simply then a case of mixing them up and placing the images face down onto a table or clear floor space. Some children feel much happier when the game becomes inclusive, and this is definitely one in which you can partake in too. So, why not get involved and take turns to match the pairs? Who knows, they may end up becoming competitive and before you know it, you’re going head-to-head! This activity helps with: Ability to sort and classify particular objects. Recognising patterns. Improves their focus and determination to find the pair. Attention to detail. Improves hand-eye coordination when the cards are turned over. Problem-solving: understanding which card creates the pair. Social skills: especially in head-to-head matches. Enhances cognitive abilities: faster-thinking skills. The sensation of satisfaction when all the cards have been successfully paired. For more games check out this article; https://childhood101.com/short-term-memory-games/ Dot-to-Dot: This activity appears to be quite simple and although it is, there are still a heap of benefits attached to it. Here at Ducklings we have several free resources online you can download and use at home which can be found at https://www.ducklingspreschool.co.uk/artists. There are other free printable versions online, via https://www.allkidsnetwork.com/dot-to-dot/ and https://www.education.com/worksheets/dot-to-dots/. The latter has the option to choose the printable by their educational grade and/or subject. Tip: If you are unable to access the internet or in the absence of a printer, you could draw your own and let them colour and connect the dots. Some bargain stores stock the books in the stationary section too! Why not purchase an adult book of your own or print out a selection of your choice? Together you can connect dots, create pictures and even colour them in! This activity helps with: Counting: Starting from 1 and progressing until the final digit. Hand-eye coordination: finding the next number in the sequence and physically connecting the dots together to create a pattern. Improves concentration: creating the lines that reveal the correct image. Develops their fine motor skills: holding a pencil. Helps those with developmental disabilities. Cultivates their mathematic and language skills. Aids spatial awareness. Creativity and imagination: creating the image and working out what the picture is of. Sense of fulfilment when the image is completed and even coloured. Tracing: This creative technique provides similar benefits to the dot-to-dot activity. The specialised paper can be purchased from a bargain stationery shop as well as the books which usually involve the alphabet. Sometimes the pre-made books have designated lines below the letter and placement dots to help children understand where to place their pencil, in order to re-create the assigned letter. Tip: There are printable versions online in the form of animals, letters and words via https://www.activityvillage.co.uk/tracing-printables. This webpage includes the option to select special occasions and seasonal pieces too. This activity helps with: Understanding shapes, symbols, numbers and letters etc. Helps develop fine motor skills: using a pencil. Enhances their drawing ability and understanding of the direction of lines and patterns. Allows them to develop their handwriting skills and even write their own name. Creativity and imagination come into play when they have to understand the picture, word or letter. Problem-solving: working out how to re-create the image. Aids those who have developmental disabilities. Improves their linguistic and mathematic skills. Spatial awareness. Sense of satisfaction when seeing the final piece come together. Building Blocks: This activity often goes down well with children, especially those who love to create buildings for their toys or even if they get joy from watching a tower topple to the floor. It is highly entertaining and provides a heap of benefits. Tip: If you’re unable to get to a local toy store, you can make your own from surplus pieces of wood and toilet and/or kitchen roll tubes. You can even colour them or draw on your own designs including letters and numbers. Sometimes a little colour can attract the child’s attention and help them become more engrossed in the activity. Why not get stuck in and build that Jenga tower together? – Watch it crash-land to the floor or build an empire for their favourite toys to take residency in. Children love games where they can unleash their never-ending imagination. This activity helps with: Hand-eye coordination: understanding how to create a tower without knocking down the previously laid blocks. Teaches mathematics and engineering skills. Spatial awareness. Creativity and imagination: what to build and how to make it look like their ideation. Problem-solving: knowing where to place the particular block and how. Increases their physical, mental and social growth. Enhances their cognitive capabilities. Sense of fulfilment.

Finally, Big Bear said, "Little Hummingbird, what are you doing?" Little Hummingbird looked at the other animals. She said, "I am doing what I can." - Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas, The Little Hummingbird As a child, hearing the phrase “goodnight” and then finding yourself in a semi-dark room which, just seconds before, was shimmering with light, and your parents’ comfortable presence can be terrifying. Saying goodnight is equivalent to saying goodbye in children’s minds. Followed by the mysterious process of drifting to sleep is another struggle. It can cause all sorts of anxious thoughts to arise, making the chances of achieving a goodnight’s sleep decline. So why are bedtime stories essential for children? Firstly, it gives them food for thought. Bedtime stories, whether it be fairy tales or grizzly tales, sparks imagination. The thoughts, and emotion that arise from the story experience act as a focus and distraction point. This is important not only for children but parents as well. After a day of activities and exasperations, reading a book can bring you closer to sleep. The calming effect induces fatigue to takeover and stimulating external factors to settle. As bedtime stories happen when children are tired and tucked away in their beds, making it part of a bedtime routine serves as a powerful sleeping cue. Over time, it will become easier to support the cultivation of good-quality sleep for your child. Furthermore, the research emphasises the power of bedtime reading for adults too, so for the parents reading this, we encourage you to add this to your own sleep routine to unwind and release yourself from any stress. Dr. Steve Orma, a clinical psychologist says “There’s a paradox to sleep, in that it comes when you’re not trying. When you try to sleep, your mind monitors your efforts, which then keeps you awake. Instead, have the intention of relaxing and letting go. The first step in getting a good night’s sleep is being in the right mindset. If you’re tired, relaxed, and ready for sleep, you will automatically fall asleep after 10 to 20 minutes. This is why doing something calming before bed will help prepare you for sleep. This can be meditation, reading (nothing too exciting) or listening to a ‘Sleep Story’, designed to help you let go and ease into a peaceful slumber.” (Cited from GettheGloss.com) A world of imagination Listening to stories activates mental imagery and narrative comprehension. It encourages children to switch on their imagination and create their own understanding of what’s being read to them. But what’s storytelling without some goofiness? To get your child fully in touch with their realm of imagination, it is important for parents to act out the story and impersonate the characters. Children absolutely adore movement and sound with their stories, and it’s a perfect time to just be silly. Not only does it promote engagement and conversation, but it also allows you and your little ones to simply enjoy each other’s company. Peter Gorski, M.D., chair of the early childhood committee of the American Academy of Paediatrics said, "More than anything, you want them to associate reading with emotional warmth and fun.” (Cited from Parents.com) The rise of language and knowledge Wouldn’t you be utterly surprised if your toddler casually articulated words like, “quintessence”. Yes, but that’s not something we can certify. However, on the plus side, regularly storytelling enables children to augment their dictionary. The repetition of new words will encourage them to link meanings with it and increase their literacy. Furthermore, reading introduces them to a diverse collection of information such as cultures, traditions, and ideas. They’ll possess a deeper understanding of the world through the perspective of fictional characters. They’ll be able to grasp the concept of protagonist vs antagonist, and the different emotions experienced throughout the story which makes storytelling a great channel for empathy as well! So, what do you say? Just one story a night can truly do wonders. If you are looking for some stories to read to your little ones tonight, here are some suggestions 😊 Little Owl’s Bedtime - by Debi Gliori Wolfboy - by Andy Harkness Good Night I Love You – by Caroline Church The Way I Feel – by Janan Cain The Lion and the Mouse - by Jerry Pinkney Blanche Hates the Night - by Sibylle Delacroix The Way Home in the Night - by Akiko Miyakoshi The Gruffalo – by Julia Donaldson Rapunzel – by Catherine McCafferty Can't you Sleep, Little Bear? - by Martin Waddell Child of the Universe - by Ray Jayawardhana And, if you are looking for dreamy tales to help you drift off, check out the ones below! Most are available on mobile apps such as Audible and Spotify. Nothing Much Happens: Cozy and Calming Stories to Soothe Your Mind and Help You Sleep - by Kathryn Nicolai Slouching Towards Bethlehem – by Joan Didion To The Lighthouse – by Virginia Woolf The Lord of the Rings - by J. R. R. Tolkien The Architect's Apprentice - by Elif Shafak

Music aids learning more than you may think! Music Day is nearly here! Taking place on the 21st of June, it is a day to appreciate musical achievements and advances from all over the world. Everyone, big and small, can understand music. It plays a big part in our everyday lives. Let's learn about why music is not only significant for adults but also for children. Music has been proven to boost the development of literacy skills in the Early Years Recently the Ottawa University researched the development of early literacy skills, which conclusively showed that music and language activities played a role in Early Years development. Furthermore, The study tested the efficiency of four learning conditions to develop phonological and musical processing skills through a set of 10 nursery rhymes. In the teachers' practices, eight kindergarten classes were paired and assigned to one of the following conditions: 1) music 2) language 3) combined [music and language] and, 4) passive listening (control classes). In condition 1, the students' replaced nursery rhymes with musical activities. In condition 2 they replaced nursery rhymes with language activities. In Condition 3 was a combination of activities from conditions 1 and 2 and condition 4, children listened to a recording of the same nursery rhymes for 15 minutes daily during free exploration periods. The results show that children in conditions 1, 2 and 3 significantly improved their phonological awareness and invented spelling skills. However, the addition of musical activities boosted phonological processing skills. This study shows that supplementing nursery rhymes with language activities can increase the development of emergent literacy skills. Here are some suggestions below to foster your child's love for rhyme and music at home: You can put together a collection of objects that rhyme and find the matching pairs! You can collect story props and make little storytelling baskets or bags to go with popular rhymes or stories, e.g. a cow, a dog and cat toys along with a dish and a spoon from the kitchen You can play story stones with your child and let their imagination take over. You can make a more general storytelling basket so you can create mixed up fairy tales, rhymes and chants for fun! You can Sing Animal Boogie with your child and use toy animals around your home to bring the song to life. Here's a link for the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25_u1GzruQM (something like this picture) Let us know what you've learnt in the comments below! Cited Bolduc, J. & Lefebvre, P. (2012). Using Nursery Rhymes to Foster Phonological and Musical Processing Skills in Kindergarteners. Creative Education, 3, 495-502 http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?paperID=21626

Having a disability should not hinder a child’s ability to participate in a sport. Understandably, it can make a child feel less willing to partake in an activity due to a lack of confidence and they may feel inadequate to others. However, there are clubs that are designed specifically to cater for their needs and requirements. Sport can help with a child’s overall health and wellbeing as well as increase their social skills when interacting with others. Sometimes, surrounding themselves with fellow sufferers can in fact help their confidence grow. This is because they feel less inadequate and alone in society. A child is more likely to flourish and enjoy the activity if someone has taken into consideration the adjustments that need to be made in order for them to take part. Those with a disability often suffer from low self-esteem and this can affect their confidence levels as well as their motivation to partake in a sport that highlights their difference. However, a club that specialises in their condition may help increase their self-confidence as these places have a deeper understanding of the condition and the adaptations that are required in order for the child to be able to fulfil their passion and love for the activity. After all, it is important for them to enjoy it to its full capacity. In this article, I will break down a range of activities which are suitable and the ways in which they can provide a heap of benefits. Wheelchair Sports Adaptive activities are highly beneficial for both physical and emotional wellbeing. An activity can release endorphins which stimulate positive energies. For those with a disability, it can reduce the anxiety that surrounds them due to their condition. It can be a mental challenge in terms of keeping high spirits, but it is proven that sport can create a sense of calmness and encourage a clearer thinking process. A friendly game of wheelchair basketball or tennis might just be the highlight of their entire week. These activities can help to create a sense of belonging and keep their mind active. It can help in regard to understanding their own condition too and learn from others about how to cope and live with the disability day in and day out. Every day is a chance to learn, and the child may benefit from communicating with others about their condition and even receive support from like-minded people. It’s a great sense of community for them and those with the disability can have a deeper understanding and connection. Sport can also allow the individual to become more independent and flourish. It can be so rewarding for them when they learn to adapt, develop new skills and even reach new heights when they score a point in those all-important matches! It may even help your child increase their stamina and muscle strength too. The adaptive sport doesn’t have to just be limited to land, as children with a disability can also take part in rafting, rowing and even canoeing. These kinds of events are highly inclusive as anyone can become involved, irrespective of their physical disability and/or sensory learning impairment. Water-based activities provide a heap of benefits such as the ability to form friendships and become healthy at the same time. “Disabled people can be hero’s too.” – Ade Adepiton (wheelchair basketball player). Sports for the visually impaired There is a sport which is called Goalball, and this involves playing three-a-side. It is developed for those who are partially sighted as the ball itself has belled inside which helps the players to indicate whereabouts the ball is located during play. The idea of the game is to roll the ball into the opponents net whilst the rival team try and block the ball from entering the goal in the process. Did you know the game originated in Austria and Germany in the year 1946? It was created to help with rehabilitation for the veterans who become visually impaired in the second world war. The sport has now become part of the Paralympics. The child could pair up with a buddy and partake in running. It’s great exercise and definitely allows you to work up a sweat. There are multiple clubs that provide these adaptations and the buddy’s aim is to allow the child to be able to be matched step for step with them. Their running partner will assist them when an obstacle occurs and even talk to them during the entire route. This kind of activity can help with social skills and allow their confidence to grow. In time, the child may even take a shine to the idea of putting on some trainers and taking to the streets with their buddy. There are competitions and fun runs that take place, and your child can mix with like-minded people as well as receive oodles of support from fellow competitors and even the crowd. Sports for those with Autism An activity that requires coordination and/or social interaction can be highly difficult for those with Autism. They struggle with the ability to communicate with others and the child may also have lowered muscle tone which hinders their overall coordination skills. However, this being said there are sports that can be adapted to those with Autism, and they can in fact help to provide development too. Swimming can help your child develop and flourish with their motor skills but also thrive on the fun that comes with using the foam-based floats too. The sport helps as the movements required to participate are acute and there are competitions which take place too. It’s a great confidence boost for them and even more so when it becomes competitive as the child doesn’t need to interact so much and they can be fairly independent. Despite the noisy environment, bowling is also considered a great activity because it’s consistent and repetitive. Children with this condition love stability and routine. It is a sport that others can be involved in to make up a team, especially with two lanes. There is also a chance to have them compete with others and be a solo player. This is great, especially if they struggle with communication and working with others in a team. Some venue’s host events in the evenings or on weekends, so it could be worth checking it out and seeing if they have adjustments in place. They might even get a turkey (three strikes in a row)! “My social life is friends at the pool, I have just finished school as I am now a full-time athlete.” – Jessica-Jane Applegate (Paralympian Swimmer who was diagnosed with Asperger’s). Your child could be the next Paralympian. The world is their oyster!

If you're looking for an activity that will inspire and encourage your children, through fun challenges based on core values, the Great British Children's Challenge is for you! What is the purpose of the Great British Children's Challenge? “We aim to sweep the UK spreading kindness along with influencing children to make smart choices regarding their health and well being. After learning that only 1 in 5 children aged 5-10 were getting 60 minutes of daily activity we got to work creating our challenges. The mind is a sponge during the primary school years and if learning lifelong habits can become fun and rewarding, then we must strive to create a project that supports just that." What challenges have you created so far? Bake Off Challenge Emergency Heroes Challenge Lockdown Star- Reward Medal Challenge Miles of Smiles - Walk or run 1K or 5K Challenge Wild Walk Explorer Challenge The Big Cycle Challenge An Hour a Day - Read, Write, and Play - Homeschooling Reward Challenge Lockdown 20-20K Challenge Planet Happy Recycling Challenge Poppy Power Challenge Safe at Home - NHS Challenge The Big Smile Challenge The Kindness Counts Awards Chellenge #TrueColours - Kindness Challenge Christmas Elf Yourself Challenge Have you partnered with any organisations for these challenges? The Great British Children's Challenge has associations with various organisations to provide the best for your children. How does it work? Choose a challenge you'd like to join Read what the challenge entails Add your child's details Check out on the website for your medal Get started on the Challenge and complete it! Make some amazing memories in the process The medal will be automatically sent out once your challenge is complete. So go out there and get stuck into a challenge! To find out more, and order your medals click here: https://www.thegreatbritishchildrenschallenge.co.uk/challenges/

“Every child is an artist.” -Picasso A mindless doodle can hold one hundred and one oodles of inspiration. The child can flourish in their cognitive development as well as improve both their social and emotional skills. An A4 sketch pad and a pack of pencils can allow your child to let their imagination run wild. It can create a conversation starter too as the child can explain what their picture is of. They may even demonstrate their feelings, and this aids their social skills. Sometimes, children scribble across the paper until their heart is content and this method can be used to vent their anger or frustration. How does mathematics play a role in terms of sketching? A toddler will understand the use of patterns when drawing and even project their idea onto paper. Mathematics requires an understanding of shapes and sequences. Therefore, this can be applied when drawing specific ideas. For example, a child may draw a robot that is made up of different sized squares, circles and even triangles. A child will understand how the shapes fit together and can create something bigger. Additionally, School curriculum's specify that children will need to learn basic shapes, which can be merged together with simple sketching practice at home! Mathematics also involves the depth and scale of a drawing. A child may wish to draw a horse for example and their mind would need to process the concept that a horse’s head should not be bigger than the body. This is signified as an accurate representation of proportions. It can take a while for them to progress to this standard but with a heap of paper and an endless supply of pencils, it is possible. Practice makes perfect, as they say. How does colouring aid their motor skills? A child will understand how to colour between the lines which aid their hand-eye coordination. It will also improve their cognitive competence and hand-eye coordination too. They need to work out which colour is appropriate for the object they are shading. For example, we associate the sky with being a pale blue colour and in a picture, a child would colour the sky this particular shade. A coloured pencil, wax crayon and even chalk all provide a unique texture. This helps children understand the difference between how a wax crayon feels in comparison to a generic pencil crayon. When a child holds one of these particular items, their motor skills are in full swing, and they can then process how to use each one. For example, a white wax crayon would not show on a sheet of paper; just like chalk would work better on a chalkboard instead of paper. Both of these instances demonstrate how a child mentally processes hand-eye coordination, as well as understanding how to gain the best experience from using colouring tools. How does drawing and colouring help children with learning disabilities? A child who suffers from a learning disability may use drawing and colouring to help express themselves. Especially if they choose to transfer their emotions onto paper and even verbally discuss these with you. Sometimes, those who are on the Autistic Spectrum benefit from storyboards. These can be used to illustrate how the day’s events will take place through visual representations. Also, a child may benefit from sketching and drawing as it can help to channel their thought processes. For those that struggle to express themselves verbally, drawing can truly help express their actual emotions. For example, some children may scribble across the page if they were angry. This creative activity also helps in terms of sensual stimulus, especially for those with Autism. If you're looking for some art activities to try at home why not check out our Ducklings Artists page, which can be found by clicking here, or by typing in https://www.ducklingspreschool.co.uk/artists So, why not pick up a sketch pad, a few pencils and sketch as a family today?

An important skill toddlers need to learn is dressing themselves. You may find that some children will show interest in this daily activity, whereas others will happily receive help and let their parents dress them. But learning to get dressed is a great milestone for children as it builds confidence and independence; it gives them a sense of accomplishment! Along with this, it's great for developing these important skills: Gross motor skills - balance and coordination when putting on clothes Fine motor skills - using small objects such as zips and buttons Cognitive skills - remembering what clothes go where, and understanding different clothes for the weather. Children will also start to learn the names of different clothing items, learn different colours and patterns and may even start to have favourites. Below are some useful tips on helping your children learn how to dress themselves. - Start on a smaller scale Children can start to learn to dress and identify where different clothes belong, by dressing and practising on their toys. Dolls or teddies can be used to dress up in small clothes, which help children understand how clothes fit and where body parts need to go for them to be comfortable and worn correctly. - Find easy and practical clothing When your child is first starting to dress themselves, having easily accessible clothing will help them develop their skills without (hopefully!) being too frustrating for them. This could mean shoes that have velcro fastenings, or jackets with large buttons. Even clothing without fastenings, such as loungewear, will help their learning. These items will be much easier for your child to try with, giving them the confidence to attempt different pieces that require more patience and practice. - Include their interests Finding clothing with your child’s favourite characters or designs will encourage them to want to help with getting dressed, and as an added bonus can help them differentiate between the front and back of clothes. They'll love picking their own clothes to wear, giving them a little boost of confidence and identity. And after all, who doesn't love getting into their favourite outfit whether it's for going out or getting ready for bed!

I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited imagination encircles the world. - Albert Einstein Creativity lives in the heart of every child, and we are all responsible for empowering kids with the tools they need to learn more about themselves and become more confident in their abilities approaching the first years of school! So, parents and teachers need to work with every child to cultivate their imagination throughout their early lives. Every child is different and unique in their own way. For example, one may be interested in painting pictures. Another child may be interested in building things out of Lego blocks, whilst the third child may be drawn to counting and naming different shapes. Each child is talented in their way and should not feel limited by their peers in any way. Instead, we can help embrace each child's unique abilities through activities that involve an aspect of play. A recent study at Harvard Graduate School of Education discovered that educators could find meaningful learning opportunities through engaging in play. Learning through play can advance students' academic and social skills. These skills will allow them to thrive in adulthood and enjoy their childhood now, according to researchers from Project Zero, a research centre at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Moreover, project Zero researchers concluded, "there is a universality to play: children are often more relaxed and engaged during play, and it's enjoyable — all aspects that facilitate learning. But there are also cultural specifications to what play looks like when it's appropriate, and who children play with." From these new highlights, we can take away that creative, relaxing environments make learning more accessible, engaging and fun! Furthermore, these highlights shed light on how creativity is so important to everyone, no matter how small! Below are some ways to get creative with your child by following their creative instincts, whatever they may be! Below are ways to engage your child creatively, depending on their unique interests. If they love singing: If you spot your child always singing repeatedly or bashing objects together to make sounds, then it may be that your child loves music and is a little musician! You can foster their passion and create a new song together about the summer since it's just around the corner! Here are some tips for creating a song with your kids: • Make sure the verses rhyme: Poetry is catchy, and it is proven to help aid learning memory! • Keep the melody and words simple: Children can easily add new words to the song. • Read children's books: They are full rhymes to inspire your child creativity! If they love drawing: If they love drawing, painting, or any other artmaking, it may be that your child loves art and is a little artist! To foster your child's love for art, you can help your child explore their creativity by setting some time out of your day to do a little creative activity with them. For example, you can ask your child to paint what they most love about the summer on a white sheet of paper. Make this activity even more enjoyable by following our suggestions below. Here's what you can use for this activity: • Acrylic paints/ watercolour: They create bright and summery colours! • Coloured tissue paper: Summer colours like pink, yellow, green, and blue are perfect. • Pasta or rice: Adds cool textures to bring your painting to life! • Strips of clothing: You can pick be shiny, silky, soft, or briskly to add exciting patterns. If they love numbers: If you see your child always loves counting objects around and naming shapes, it may be that your child loves maths and is a little mathematician! To foster your child's imagination, you can get your child to embrace their imagination by setting some time in your day to do a little numerical activity. For example, you could get your child to make a giant, colourful castle out of magnet blocks and then naming it! Here are some ways to engage your child during the activity: • Ask questions about the shapes your child can see: This will get your child to think about the smaller blocks forming into bigger shapes. • Ask questions about the colours your child can see: See if your child can identify the colours and name them. • Encourage your child to count the blocks together: Get your child to use their numerical skills to count the blocks together. If they love writing: Do you see your child constantly asking you to read a book for them? Do they show interest in holding pens and scribbling? It may be that your child is a little writer. To encourage and promote your child's love of reading and writing, you can get your child to write a little three verse poem called a Haiku. You can get your child to write a Haiku about what they love about the summer. Here are some ways to engage your child's analytical mind during the activity: • Take a walk with your child and get them to note down everything they can see: This will give them inspiration for their poem • Ask your child their favourite activities about the summer: See what the child comes up with first before giving suggestions •After the child finishes their poem, get them to read it aloud: Children love praise! Give some encouraging feedback. It will grow their writing confidence. Please feel free to comment below on any tips/tricks you use to promote imagination at home!

Looking after our mouths The 17th May - 17th June is National Smile Month. Taking care of our gums and teeth is really important and national smile month brings attention to this. Humans haven't always brushed their teeth - yuck! Looking after our teeth and gums is a part of daily life in 2021 but 40 years ago it wasn’t something people did regularly. These days we are much more educated on caring for our mouths and gums as we do things like brush our teeth and visit the dentist for a check-up. But why do we have to brush our teeth? -When we take a bite of our food, little particles stick to our teeth. This creates a thick layer that we call plaque. -Brushing our teeth gets rid of these food particles but if we don’t brush our teeth we can end up with cavities. -Cavities is the fancy name for when the food particles we haven’t brushed away start to rot our teeth. Dentists can fix cavities but sometimes it could mean your teeth fall out! Did you know the first toothbrush was created in 1857? Unfortunately, there are some people who don’t have the opportunity to practice good oral health. There are many differences in society that stop people from being able to do so. Some reasons people may be unable to practice oral health are: Lack of education Lack of materials Lack of money Mental health conditions Physical health conditions We should all have the right to know how to care for our teeth and gums Who are The Oral Health Foundation? The Oral Health Foundation provides free educational programmes to parents, carers and teachers. Donating to the foundation provides dentist appointments to those who can't access them and the opportunity to continue providing free resources and educational material. Their work has helped over 40, 0000 people suffering from oral health problems. Visit their official website to learn more and to download their free educational material here; https://www.dentalhealth.org/

Learning From the Past Although history might sound like a daunting subject for young learners, the importance of discussing ‘the past’ is invaluable in helping children understand the world. Foundation stage history is a new addition to the national curriculum’s learning objectives to support this very development; introducing children to the concepts of time and change is fundamental in supporting this. Indeed, the September 2021 EYFS framework specifically features ‘past and present’ as a new early learning objective. As young children move into a reception setting, they will be increasingly aware of changes in routine – be that different times of the day or seasons of the year – which affect their day-to-day activities. Recognising, for example, the different types of clothes they wear or events they celebrate throughout the year teaches children the concept of change over time. Encourage these early history skills at home by observing your child’s baby photos with more recent photos of themselves - seeing tangible, physical change will foster comparison and an understanding of ‘then’ and ‘now’. History and development It has been suggested that children aged 3-5 have some embryonic capacity for historical thinking, for example, recognising different interpretations of stories, showing an awareness of time, as well as deductive reasoning (drawing logical conclusions) in informal situations. Early history skills help to nurture curiosity in young children, be sure to ask questions like ‘what do you think?’, ‘what will happen if?’, and ‘why do you think that?’; this allows children to delve beneath the surface level, and places their own experiences at the centre of history. History also serves to inspire, learning about heroic individuals who changed the way we live is a source of inspiration that is sure to ignite your child’s imagination - tell the tale of Harriet Tubman’s escape to freedom and Neil Armstrong’s expedition to the moon! Because history is so diverse, learning about different elements of our past makes for more rounded, well-versed individuals. From inspiring and uplifting, to devastating and immoral, the stories that define our past teach us about joy and suffering; in turn, children will learn to distinguish between right and wrong. This will further enhance their understanding of ‘difference’ as a concept - learning about disparate cultures and peoples is crucial in a modern world where inclusivity is valued, and diversity is celebrated. History at home A great way to encourage young historians at home is by following the life cycle of plants and insects from your garden. Follow the journey from caterpillar to butterfly or tadpole to frog and observe how these creatures change with time. Visit a nearby Abbey or Castle, notice how some historical sites may be in ruins after years of decay. Tell the tale of who lived there and what they did - bring the story to life! If you have a sand area, hide fossils and let your children find them. Hands-on activities are not only stimulating but teach children about artefacts and evidence used in discussions about the past. Encourage your child’s awareness of historical features in your area, this could be a town hall, temple, cathedral - note how some buildings look older than others. Take your children to museums, galleries, and history-themed events. English Heritage has an abundance of fun family activities and events to get young children engaged and excited about history https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/ Get crafty and use scraps of paper and cardboard to make your very own royal crown or medieval knight's helmet, encourage your child to use colours and stick-on jewels to personalise their armour! Resources Follow-along arts and crafts: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/members-area/kids/kids-rule-things-to-make-and-do/ Historical bakes: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/members-area/kids/kids-rule-makes-and-bakes/ The land before time – children will love this vividly illustrated PowerPoint all about dinosaurs and what happened to them: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-t-29319-what-is-a-dinosaur-powerpoint This activity sheet will help children understand past and present by comparing old, Victorian toys with modern-day toys: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-t-2566822-old-and-new-toys-sorting-activity

Are you looking for eco-friendly projects ideas? Do you like to upcycle? – Then look no further! A shoebox can provide hours of entertainment and educational value. Next time you think about throwing that shoebox into the recycle bin, why not try one of the following ideas. Pretend Play Ideas: Children love to pretend play. With a few stacked shoeboxes you can build the foundations of a small town. Children can paint the boxes as houses, draw little windows and cut out extra pieces to make the roof. Cardboard cut outs of cars and people can be added to the mix. The child will love to be able to build a town and make their imaginative characters come to life. Their mind develops from stimulation and the ability to learn how the world works through pretend play. The fantasy world doesn’t have to just be a fantasy! You can cut out your child’s favourite superhero, a couple of villains and let them save the town. Rapunzel doesn’t have to be just a fictional character; your child can recreate them and build a castle from a shoebox. Their prince or princess can rescue them and have a happily ever after. The possibilities are endless, just like their imagination. A pull along vehicle that can be made from a shoebox helps a child develop their motor skills. It may even encourage them to walk a little further. Motor vehicles: The child can paint the vehicle and draw on some windows. If the lid is taken off, then the child can put their favourite character inside. If you wish to make the vehicle more of a pull-along, you could pierce a hole, thread some rope and tie a loop for the child to hold onto. Include a few decorations on the vehicle of their choice and away they go. Watch them wander from room to room, their motor vehicle in tow. You could even build on and create a petrol station or a car wash. If your child is quite a car enthusiast, why not make a garage out of a shoebox and draw on all the little tools? For the trainspotters, you could create little platform stands out of shoeboxes and write on improvised station names. With adult supervision, you could loop together multiple boxes and create a carriage. The child can put their favourite teddy bear in or action figure and let them take their treasured toys for a guided tour of your house! A spacecraft or aeroplane: If the child wants to walk the moon and be an astronaut, cut out a wing or two and glue them onto the aircraft. Watch them reach for the stars! Learn to tie laces: With adult supervision, a simple outline of the child’s foot can be drawn and cut out. Once the cardboard pair is done, you can pierce appropriate holes and thread four laces (two for each foot). The child can even decorate it as a proper shoe and draw on their own styles. Watch as they learn from you about which holes to place the lace through and tie that finishing bow! You can even cut out their favourite animal and apply the same method but have multiple-coloured strings to make it a little different. Both of these methods help with their coordination skills. It can also help the child understand the process and sequence of events, as certain strings only thread or tie when another has been successfully threaded or tied. Sensory Shoebox Ideas: You can cut a hand-sized hole in the lid of the shoebox and fill the box with items that stimulate the senses by touch alone. It can include tissue paper, felt, pipe cleaners and soft toys. Sellotape the lid into place and then ask the child to put their hand inside. They can describe what they feel once they touch the item and even use words such as: rough, smooth, soft and hard. You can ask them to remove the item from the box to help them explain it in more detail about the feel of the object. This helps their brain process different textures and can help decipher ones they like and do not like. This is a game in where you can alternate objects in order to keep their mind stimulated too. Let us know in the comments below what you're going to transform your shoebox into!

Did you know that today, the 30th of May is the National Creativity Day? On this day, the big and small celebrate the power of creativity in our world. Creativity lives everywhere – in the hearts of painters, musicians, filmmakers, writers, teachers and even mathematicians! Albert Einstein says, I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination "imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world." A recent study at Harvard Graduate School of Education discovered that educators could find meaningful learning opportunities through engaging in play. Learning through play it can advance students' academic and social skills. These skills will allow them to thrive in adulthood and enjoy their childhood now, according to researchers from Project Zero, a research centre at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Project Zero researchers concluded that: "There is a universality to play: children are often more relaxed and engaged during play, and it's enjoyable — all aspects that facilitate learning. But there are also cultural specifications to what play looks like when it's appropriate, and who children play with." From these new highlights we can take away that creative, relaxing environments make learning more accessible, engaging and fun! These highlights shed light on how creativity is so important to everyone, no matter how small! So, on this day, make time to celebrate the power of your kiddo's curious minds, because one day they can change the world! Check out our other article titled "Ways to appeal to your child's unique imagination" for specific recommendations and ideas you can try at home!

A Mums perspective. Living with a very special little boy! When I first started writing this blog, I thought I would tell you what autism is by saying it’s a condition that makes it harder for people on the spectrum to communicate, form relationships, and understand information about the world around them. These are just facts. Facts that you’ll find on the internet. However, nothing actually prepares you for what it's like living with someone with autism. You might have heard this saying before, ‘ if you’ve met one person with autism you’ve met one person with autism’. This is very true, as every person with autism is unique! My son is 5 years old and non-verbal (no form of communication at all) he was also diagnosed with severe learning difficulties...... I could write about the fact that being an autistic mum made me feel lonely and depressed for years, and I could write about how I thought it was only happening to me. I could write about how I looked at him and worried if I die, who's going to take care of him. I could write about the fact I've had hardly any sleep because he wakes up at 3 am smearing his faeces all over the room. I could write about the play centres we can never go to because there are too many noises and things going on, that he’ll struggle to process it all. I could write about the fact we get name called and stared at in the supermarket, just doing normal everyday things. I could write about the never-ending appointments or the fact I will probably never hear him talk and it hurts. I could write that Autism has robbed us of milestones and special moments I could write that I've grieved for the little boy that I dreamed about when I was pregnant. What I will write I never knew how much I took the littlest things for granted till he was born and how the littlest milestones end up the biggest ones for us and that my boy is so much more than a diagnosis and I still see the ability rather than the label and they support out there and that true love needs no words and I wouldn’t have my world any other way! Autism is like the galaxy; you could look at it and say: "that's a cold empty void". But when you look closer and get to know it you realise it's full of majestic stars, wonders & mystery For more support, please check out https://www.autism.org.uk/

Poor dental health affects more than just your child’s teeth; along with the pain it can cause, it also impacts their overall wellbeing, learning and social interactions. A quarter of five-year-olds suffer from tooth decay. It can sometimes be frustrating and even quite the challenge to get children to brush their teeth! But we all know how important dental health and hygiene is, which is why promoting this from an early age can form the habit and prevent future problems. Dental problems that are left alone and untreated can mean time off nursery/school and have an impact on the early years' development that is so important for your child. Working toward a good understanding of caring for teeth will greatly benefit children, so how can we encourage this habit? Explain the importance of teeth brushing and dental health to your child, there are books you could read together or popular children’s cartoons that visit the dentist. Get your child to look at their teeth in a mirror and familiarise themselves with their teeth. Teach them how important it is to keep them clean and healthy. Create a visual example for children by taking some pebbles or small world toys and covering them in glitter (wet the objects first for an extra stick!) Encourage your child to use a toothbrush and water to brush away all the glitter like how they would their teeth. Set a two-minute timer and brush, brush, brush! Make it a routine for morning and evening, twice a day without fail, to ensure their teeth are well looked after consistently. Lead by example; brush alongside your child with the timer to encourage the full two minutes of brushing. Show them how you brush your teeth, making sure that they’re cleaned well- remember the glitter on the pebbles? That was hard work and our teeth need the same care and attention to keep them healthy. Develop the habit early and show off your smiles! The NHS has stated; It's important to use fluoride toothpaste, as this helps prevent and control tooth decay. Children aged up to 3 years Start brushing your baby's teeth as soon as the first milk tooth breaks through (usually at around 6 months, but it can be earlier or later). Parents or carers should brush or supervise toothbrushing. Brush teeth twice daily for about 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Brush last thing at night before bed and on 1 other occasion. Use children's fluoride toothpaste containing no less than 1,000ppm of fluoride (check label) or family toothpaste containing between 1,350ppm and 1,500ppm fluoride. Use only a smear of toothpaste. Make sure children don't eat or lick toothpaste from the tube. Children aged 3 to 6 years Brush at least twice daily for about 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Brush last thing at night before bed and at least on 1 other occasion. Brushing should be supervised by a parent or carer. Use children's fluoride toothpaste containing no less than 1,000ppm of fluoride (check label) or family toothpaste containing between 1,350ppm and 1,500ppm fluoride. Use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Spit out after brushing and don't rinse – if you rinse, the fluoride won't work as well. Children aged 7 and over Brush at least twice daily for about 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Brush last thing at night before bed and at least on 1 other occasion. Use fluoride toothpaste containing between 1,350ppm and 1,500ppm of fluoride (check label). Spit out after brushing and don't rinse – if you rinse, the fluoride won't work as well. Children aged 7 and over should be able to brush their own teeth, but it's still a good idea to watch them making sure they brush properly and for about 2 minutes. For more information and fantastic advice, please check the NHS website here by clicking here.

Encouraging your child to help in the kitchen at a young age is beneficial for their development. Cooking is a life skill that they will use for the rest of their life, so it’s important to get them started on the right track. There are many benefits when it comes to getting early years involved in the kitchen as it encourages: Fine motor skills Problem-solving skills Self-dependency Confidence And reduces Eating disorders Picky Eaters Your little chef will often be happy to be involved in the kitchen but they can have a short attention span and need a lot of help. Being hesitant about children in the kitchen is normal and it’s near enough impossible to avoid any mishaps but with these tips below and a little pinch of patience, introducing your little one into the kitchen should be a whole lot smoother. Here are our 5 tips on encouraging your child in the kitchen 1. Risks and dangers Cooking is a completely new experience for children so they are unaware of any dangers. Explain any potential risks that could happen in the kitchen. Even if you’re not planning on having your child near any danger, it’s useful to teach them these skills as they can help prevent accidents. A great way to teach your child about risks in the kitchen is to give them a guided tour. 2. Food safety Allergies are extremely common and many children and adults can have severe reactions. Therefore children need to understand the importance of avoiding cross-contamination. Adults understand that if we use a knife to cut raw chicken, that same knife then can’t be used again, as this can make us sick. Providing different coloured chopping boards and utensils (Following the universal food safety colouring system) can help encourage food safety in a fun and colourful way. 3. Make it fun Children are interested and ready to get stuck at the start but they can get distracted easily. A recipe that takes 10 minutes can quickly become 30 minutes and if the recipe is too hard they may struggle and become discouraged. Finding a recipe that is age-appropriate and non-time-consuming is an essential factor in keeping your child engaged. Fun shaped fruit and vegetable cutters and animal food sticks can be a great addition for making any plate fun and interesting. Try creating animals or characters or try making faces on your pizza. Visually pleasing plates help engage and encourage children and reduce picky eating. 4. Have a Plan Having a plan helps avoid stressful situations. Young children can only complete certain activities such as washing vegetables, stirring and mashing. Knowing your child’s capability and limits is important. Read over your chosen recipe before starting and understand what needs to happen at each step. Your focus will be on your child and helping them, so it’s useful to have your ingredients and equipment organised and planned beforehand. 5. Factor in learning While your child is practising their cooking skills encourage them to learn. There are many different aspects of learning that can be taught in the kitchen One great way to factor learning into your cooking session is to start talking! Speaking out loud is proven to aid your child’s language development and boost their confidence and self-independence. While handling fruits and vegetables, meat or dairy products try explaining the journey it may have taken to get to our plates. Patience is key while your child learns and make mistakes as they discover the world of cooking Please share your yummy creations with us in the comments below!

Today, Let's learn about why eggs can help brain development in children. Eggs are cheap, easy to cook and loaded with nutrients that are said to help children develop their intelligence and awareness. The ‘superfood ’ contains many nutrients, such as, choline, vitamin B12, selenium and protein, which can all help with the brain development and cognitive function of a child. Choline, in particular, has shown in many studies that it can help towards a child’s ability to learn, think, reason, remember, solve problems, make decisions and remain attentive. A large hard-boiled egg has about 147 mg of choline. According to Vincent Iannelli, a certified paediatrician for over 20 years, the recommended intake for children is: 150 mg daily = 7 months to 1 year 200 mg daily = 1 to 3 years 250 mg daily = 4 to 8 years So, one or two eggs a day will meet the recommended choline requirement for younger children. According to NHS, the best way to have eggs is either boiled or poached. Basically, frying eggs add 50% extra fat so even if you decide to scramble, it would probably be better to keep the oil to a minimum. Things to look out for: Free-range and organic eggs are the most healthy Check the best before date (usually, eggs have a shelf life of 28 days) Always make sure the yolk is cooked all the way through to avoid any food poisoning risks Speaking of risks, it’s important to note the downside that is always associated with eggs, which is cholesterol. Long story short, if your child is healthy and isn’t under any special cholesterol-based diet provided by a doctor, eggs are safe to consume. The NHS say: “If a GP or health professional has told you to watch your cholesterol levels, your priority should be to cut down on saturated fat across your diet. If you are eating a balanced diet, you only need to cut down on eggs if you have been told to do so by a GP or dietitian.” To learn more about egg nutrition visit - https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/eggs-nutrition/

The animal lovers and conservationists among us may well be aware that Friday 21st May is National Endangered Species Day. This is a day to remind us of just how fragile the existence of our wildlife is and to spread awareness of our dwindling biodiversity. This is an issue that stretches further than merely one day's recognition, and an essential topic to educate our children on. After all, children are the future custodians of our planet; teaching them the value of our wildlife is crucial in raising an environmentally aware generation. Why is it important to teach children about endangered species? Learning about endangered plants and animals is an opportunity for children to develop compassion, and understanding how creatures are displaced by our actions is an excellent way to foster compassion in our youth. ‘Teaching our children about compassion is one of the most important things we can do for them and the future of humanity’ – Dalai Lama By recognising that our actions have direct consequences on the world around us, we teach children the importance of accountability and acknowledging our own responsibility. Through learning about different types of endangered species, more developed children will come to understand the relationship between habitat, hunting, and food chains, and how these features impact the livelihood of our wildlife. Endangered Species Fact File: An endangered species is a population of animals, plants, or other organisms that is in danger of becoming extinct When a species becomes extinct, it means that type of wildlife no longer exists, and there isn’t any left in the world 40% of animals, insects, and plants are at risk of extinction across the world Things that put wildlife at risk of becoming endangered include environmental changes, overhunting by predators, poaching, changing or destructing habitats for human gain, and natural disasters Today’s Blue Whale population is under 1% of its original size Lots of different animals are linked together through the food chain - or because they share a habitat - when one species becomes extinct, it can have a domino effect on others Get involved: There’s a tremendous need for a worldwide conservation effort to prevent many of the species we cherish from being lost forever. The good news – there's lots we can do to help. Become a member of the national wildlife federation https://www.nwf.org/Get-Involved/Membership If you can, donate or adopt endangered animals https://www.wwf-adopt-a-animal.co.uk/charities/wwf-animal-adoptions/?keyword=adopt%20endangered%20animal&device=c&vm=generic Take time to read up on endangered species, there are plenty of excellent child-friendly stories that highlight the importance of protecting our wildlife, for example: ‘George Saves the World by Lunchtime’, Dr. Jo Readman ‘Danny Dodo’s Detective Diary: learn all about extinct and endangered animals’, Rob Hodgson ‘Charlie and Lola: Look After Your Planet’, Lauren Child ‘I Can Save the Earth!: One Little Monster Learns to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle’, Alison Inches If you’re able to go to a zoo that holds some endangered species in protective captivity, be sure to organize a visit with your children Download the app ‘Inaturalist’ – this is a great way for you and your children to get outdoors, observe nature, and chronicle various species right from your garden. Resources for children: Endangered species colouring sheet https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-sc-120-new-endangered-animals-colouring-sheets Endangered animals poster – perfect to help your children learn that living things depend on each other and the environment to survive https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/au-t2-s-1070-endangered-animals-causes-display-poster This colourful PowerPoint is an interactive way to get young children thinking about endangered animals, looking at species like the Black Rhino and Red Panda https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-tp-53-endangered-animals-who-am-i-powerpoint A-Z of endangered animals poster https://tpet.co.uk/downloads/a-z-of-endangered-animals-poster/

The garden is the perfect place for children to blossom, especially regarding their sensory stimulus and motor skills. Connecting with the natural surroundings help their social skills develop, as well as their confidence. As human beings, we are made to be surrounded by nature and this activity is ideal. Each plant provides a unique colour, shape, texture and smell. This is beneficial in terms of sensual stimulus. It can help you discover as a team what they like and dislike. They may even find new senses. A neat and tidy garden can help their mind focus and keep them calm. Having a specialised walkway to their chosen space of simply cordoned off area can be a way in which to provide this. So, we've just learnt about the benefits of gardening for children. Now let's learn about how you can help prepare your children for gardening - and more specifically, children with Autism. For children who have never gardened before, a good idea may be to talk through or write down the processes step by step. This can help avoid confusion and help direct focus onto one task. For children with Autism, who may find it more challenging to understand instructions, breaking down those steps into smaller chunks may help even more! We recommend for all steps to use understandable terms, saying one step at a time, and to avoid any jargon. Furthermore, if your child enjoys learning topics by reading and writing - writing down the steps may be highly beneficial. Writing down topics may result in better absorption, especially if your child struggles to comprehend verbalised instructions. Now, what style of plants should I buy to start gardening with my children? Some children find it hard to grasp the concept of time and how aspects of life are not always instant. Growing a seed from scratch may not be beneficial if this is a factor as there are no visible changes for a brief period. However, a pre-grown plant or one which has begun to shoot up allows the child to be able to engage on a better level. They may enjoy watching the plant flower and display its beautiful colours; so much so, that it becomes a hobby for them. So, in summary, gardening has so many positive aspects! Using your hands stimulate certain aspects of the brain as well as the concept of learning something new. The garden is the perfect spot to dig in with your shovel and get planting new life. There is no better feeling than observing something you created become a whole new lease of life. It is not just the plants that tickle your senses because the soil also has its own array of textures from loose twigs, to stones to insects. The smell of fresh compost can be invigorating for those green-fingered children. Plants and trees provide our daily oxygen and adding more of these to our home spaces can allow us as human beings to flourish. Also, children may want to spend more time outdoors in the fresh air which is perfect for overall health and wellbeing. A garden filled with colour, smell and texture is a garden full of love. Gardening is not just a solo activity because you can work as a team, get the whole family involved and even enter competitions. This allows their confidence to sprout up and blossom. The child can also engage with other children, without the social standard that perceives verbal communication to be key. Your child can develop the ability to work with others whilst creating something beautiful. Embrace the horticultural world, dig up those pesky weeds and water the plants.

Reading is the gateway for children that makes all other learning possible – Barack Obama Did you know that the first five years of your child’s life are the most crucial to cognitive development? This period, known as 'the foundation years', is the perfect time to introduce the fundamental skills that your child can build upon for the rest of their life. Developing a love for reading from an early age is not only invaluable from an educational perspective but in sparking your child's curiosity and imagination. As adults, most of us will relate to that page-turning feeling of being blissfully lost in a good book; that same engagement is stimulated in children when we read with them. Books are meant to be enjoyed so have fun with them! Children will mirror your enthusiasm and follow the excitement and suspense of a storyline. Making noises, encouraging repetition, and asking questions will make for a more interactive, enjoyable experience for you and your child. Why reading is so important in young children? Literacy is a fundamental skill that parents and primary caregivers can nurture in the early years. Countless research studies correlate reading with enhanced social skills, communication, and language development. It is the home environment where children first adopt the literacy skills which enable them to make sense of, describe and participate in the world. Key benefits include: Emotional development: reading allows children to experience empathy as they attempt to understand and identify with characters in stories. In turn, this translates to their broader social development as they begin to recognise their own emotions and those of others. Psychological development: different styles of books will teach your child the disparity between ‘real’ non-fiction and ‘make-believe' fiction. Not only will this ignite creativity, curiosity, and stimulate the imagination, but encourage their interest in the world around them. Cognitive development: increased exposure to books will support children’s phonetic understanding, widen their vocabulary and improve their attention span. The simple act of setting aside time each day to sit and read promotes greater concentration, which will prove useful as they move into a school setting. Involve your child by letting them choose the book and encourage them to discuss pictures or phrases. Help more developed children identify punctuation marks; show how we might use exclamation marks when we’re excited or question marks when we’re inquisitive. Relationship building: making story-time part of your daily routine creates a shared activity over which both parent and child can bond. Finding time amid busy schedules can prove difficult, but this needn’t be an organized event – make it work for you. This might be at bedtime, bath time, on the bus, at the park, whatever fits your schedule. Not only will this foster a stronger relationship, but affirms your love and affection which is crucial in nurturing your child’s wellbeing. 10 Great books to read with your child ‘The Gruffalo’, Julia Donaldson: an award-winning modern classic, this rhyming story of a mouse and monster is a heart-warming tale for young readers. ‘Peace at Last’, Jill Murphy: beautifully illustrated, the familiar noises and repetition make Peace at Last an all-time favourite bedtime story. ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’, Eric Carle: a timeless classic featuring engaging and interactive illustrations. By following what the very hungry caterpillar eats, Carle introduces counting in a way that young children can understand. ‘Mr Wolf’s Pancakes’, Jan Fearnley: a twist on the much-loved fairy-tale classics such as The Three Little Pigs and Little Red Riding Hood, this funny modern take is sure to have young readers laughing. ‘Lulu’s First Day’, Anna McQuinn: featuring colourful pictures that many children will recognise from their nursery setting, young children will learn to empathise with Lulu as she navigates her first day at preschool. ‘The Tiger who came to Tea’, Judith Kerr: a moving story and expressive illustrations, perfect for reading aloud. ‘Aliens Love Underpants’, Claire Freedman: funny and brilliantly illustrated, the rhythmic tone to this story is great for getting your child involved. ‘Daddy Lion’s Tea Party’, Mark Sperring: featuring delightfully illustrated zoo animals, this amusing picture book is full of noise and chaos to engage young children. ‘How do you Make a Rainbow?’ Caroline Crow: a heart-warming story that celebrates love, positivity, and finding colour in every day. ‘The Girl and the Dinosaur’, Hollie Hughes: with stunning illustrations, this rhyming fable explores the power of dreams and captures the magic of children’s imagination. Let us know in the comments below what your favourite books are, and whether or not you've read any of these recommendations before!

Imagine a whole world of play right at your fingertips. From splashing about in the ocean to… dinosaurs?! Using tray play, anything is possible to create and explore allowing children to really get their imagination ticking. (Now, of course, any area can be transformed with the power of a child’s imagination, but keeping the majority of the mess in one space is a blessing!) These activities are great for children of all ages in their learning and development, as there are so many types of play to cover, such as: Sensory play (different textures/smells/tastes/sights) Small world (animals/people/vehicles) Construction (blocks/bricks) Science experiments (mixing different liquids/colours) And many more besides! Below are some brilliant tray play ideas to engage children’s interests and learning. Construction site This can be as simple as using blocks and bricks to construct towering buildings or cosy little homes (maybe the big, bad wolf blew down all the houses and you need to build a new one for the little pigs!). But if you add in some extra elements it can expand the play and learning. Before throwing out any old cardboard packaging, egg cartons, yoghurt pots or similar, ensure they're clean and safe and use them for building! It's a great way to get extra use out of them before recycling and it opens up more possibilities for building and problem-solving. You can add your own “cement” by making soft playdough and using it to combine the pieces together, after all, we definitely don't want these houses to be blown down! For an added messy play element (everyone's favourite kind!) use up any old cereal like cornflakes or Weetabix as these can be crushed and crunched to make gravel and soil around the construction site. Potions class All you’ll need is water, paint and some containers to make your own potions, but adding things such as pipettes and funnels adds to the experimental nature! Have the primary colours set up and some empty bottles or cups ready for the mixing. Watch the colours pour, flow and mix together like magic as new colours are created. Using tools such as spoons or pipettes is great for giving those fine motor skills some practice, as it encourages little hands to carefully choose and mix the ingredients without letting any spill! Yarr, Pirates! Sand, water and treasure! Bury lost treasure like coins/buttons/pebbles in the sand and have your pirates rescue the goods! Decorate the space accordingly, you can even make your own pirate hats and flag. Use a mixture of dry and wet sand for different textures to explore around the edges of the tray, and add water in the middle for the ocean, complete with pirate ship and crewmates! This is great imaginative play, but to make a bit of a challenge you can incorporate a colour-matching game for your treasure. Have some treasure chests (any box or container) with each one representing a colour; when the treasure is found, add it to the correct pile and see how many of each colour you can discover. There are endless possibilities for activities to try and if you incorporate your child’s favourite stories or hobbies it will help get them involved in playing and learning. Have fun! For even more fantastic ideas check out: https://www.learningandexploringthroughplay.com/2016/08/44-tuff-spot-play-ideas.html

As guardians and parents, it’s important to be able to recognise neurodiverse signs in children, to provide them with the best start in life. So let's learn a bit more about this together: First, and most importantly, What does neurodiverse mean? A neurodivergent person is described as someone who suffers from a neurological development that is regarded as different to fellow neurotypicals. It’s important to understand that neurodivergent people do not have a deficit – it simply means the brain functions differently. Neurodivergence refers to cognitive and learning disabilities. One of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, affecting 1 in 100 people in the UK, is autism. Therefore, what is autism? Autistic people have communication difficulties, narrow interests and perform repetitive behaviour. It’s important to realise that the first signs of autism can become clear from the age of 2. Young babies may not smile when parents smile at them and may not speak until after the age of 2. Signs of autism in young children include: Failure to respond to their name. Lack of eye contact. Not smiling when you smile at them Repetitive behaviour, such as hands flapping, body rocking, spinning, repetition of words/phrases, headbanging, etc. Limited communication. Your child may also develop other conditions too such as Tourette Syndrome, ADHD, dyspraxia and dyslexia. What should I do if I think my child is displays signs of autism? You could speak to: A GP A health visitor (for children under 5) The SENCO staff at your child’s school or nursery - Ducklings has two area SENCO coordinators, as well a site-specific SENCO coordinator, so we're happy to help A child psychiatrist, psychologist, neurologist and speech pathologist Receiving a diagnosis for your child may be distressing, but please remember that autism is not a disease or illness. Autistic children are very known to be creative, have incredible analysis skills and become deeply concentrated when focusing on something they love (known as a special interest!). Nobody knows for sure what causes autism, but it is never the fault of the parents/guardians. For guidance and support, check out these fantastic resources: https://www.autism.org.uk/directory.aspx https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/Autism-support-groups/LocationSearch/310 https://theautisticats.weebly.com/ Photo References Banner photo, Autism display (Online) Accessed at: https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog/the-autism-spectrum-explained/ Girl playing with her father (Online) Accessed at: https://www.additudemag.com/what-is-autism-spectrum-disorder-asd/)

Take your kids on a nature walk on National Tree day Calling all big and little tree huggers! Today is a special day because it's National Tree day. On this day, trees are recognised and celebrated for the wonderful gift they are to us. Trees have so many benefits — they provide us with lumber, food, nuts, oxygen to breathe, home for wildlife, and much more! What better way to appreciate this day than to take your kids on a nature walk! There is so much to discover in the woodlands! From down below, squirrels run through the grass, frogs relax by a pond, and mushrooms grow in the grass and up above like great big trees, reaching the skies, like the Copparded beech tree! Or even the chirping tree sparrow, sitting on a branch! The opportunities to learn about the forest ecosystem are truly endless. Here are some things to take with you before you embark on your walk! A Camera: Frame their adventures! Encourage your children to take pictures of any interesting things they discover, could be an animal or a beautiful wildflower. A pair of binoculars: Get your children to put on the binoculars to see things further away in the park or forest. Who knows what your kids will spot? A white crayon: In true Hansel and Gretel's style, get your children to mark little symbols on trees as they walk deeper in the forest with you. Tree marking will allow the opportunity for your kids to train their memory, recall and problem-solving skills, essential for their future. An explorer hat: Kids love to dress up! If you have any old explorer hats lying around the house, bring them along and get the kids to wear them! Tell them these are extraordinary hats explorers wear when they go into the wild. A notebook and a pen: Who doesn't love a little art lesson in the wild? Get your kids to draw what they can see around them! It may be a cool looking part of the forest. Ask your kid to describe what you can see. Take some nuts: Help your kids feed the squirrels! Make sure to take unsweetened nuts like walnuts, hazelnuts, and almonds. They will love it! Take a picnic blanket: In case your kids get a little tired and need a little rest, take a picnic blanket with you. You can also take some sandwiches for lunch or some fruits for a quick snack. Grab a plastic bag to collect conkers: Get the kids to collect conkers! After you get home, you can wash them, paint them, and decorate them and hang them up! Take a magnifying glass: Get your kids to inspect for themselves interesting things like insects, leaves, or flowers with a magnifying glass! Take a smile with you: Be ready for adventure, be prepared for anything! Kids are very impressionable. If you smile, they will too! A smile makes everything better, and even if the weather isn't great, your mood can be!

Learning a new skill comes with an array of benefits including communication, social skills and mathematics. Satisfaction and achievement of completing a dish is such a rewarding feeling and can boost their overall confidence and independence. The ability to cook also improves a children’s health and well-being. With detailed planning and preparation and a good-sized spoonful of patience, it can be a recipe for success. For children with sensory issues, the kitchen can be perceived in a negative light, especially regarding smells, textures and taste. Before allowing them to put on an apron it is best to identify the child’s triggers and put the needed modifications in place. Having an environment that is adapted to their needs and requirements instantly creates a sense of calmness and a more positive attitude to learning culinary skills. If these changes are not made, then this can result in the kitchen having negative connotations and associations. This impact can be lasting and very off-putting. In order to establish and remember the triggers, a notebook can be a good way to refer to notes later. You could even have a wipe-board which leaves room for quick alterations and even allows additions to be quickly added. The notebook could even be coincided with a diary entry to record the child’s progress and success in the kitchen as well as updates to triggers – including dislikes to specific foods, smells or distinctive dishes and how a food item feels between their fingers. Some children love to get stuck in and have messy fingers when baking too and using their hands stimulates a range of senses. It can allow them to understand the textures of foods they like and dislike. Using your hands to cook also sends signals to the brain in which stimulates development and growth, especially when learning a new skill. This could be incorporated when baking their favourite cookies, especially when decorating them because it allows their inner creativity to be unleashed. Cooking allows room for added spices, alternate ingredients and a whole mixture of experimentation which is perfect for children because they can learn what they like and dislike. A child who engages and partakes in the making of a dish is more likely to feel empowered to continue. They may even add it to their hobby list, and this is encouraging for parents or those who care for the child. It stimulates happiness and growth too which can over time create confidence, especially as they believe that they are able to do activities that other children can do too. It is a talking point and children can bond over their interest in cooking and/or baking which improves the overall social interaction. A child who does well receives praise and this can spur them on to create more complimentary dishes and even experiment which goes hand in hand with independence. Ensuring you have the right utensils can also help when introducing those with Autism into the world of cooking, especially if they struggle with motor skills. Sometimes specific knives can be difficult for them to master if they are poor with coordination or the ability to slice vegetables for example. It is essential to iron out all these small details beforehand and master the art of small progressive steps rather than a complex dish. It may be a good idea to pick a dessert they love or a simple-to-cook meal. Even if they prepare a few steps of the chosen dish, it is a small step in which is one step closer to the smell of success and one bite closer to a delicious dish. We hope this has helped! Let us know if it has in the comments below.

Stress affects us all, there are times when life is just giving you everything it’s got and not in a positive way. But we sometimes forget that children can feel stress too, and these new-found emotions aren't something they're used to dealing with. Stress can cause a change in your child’s behaviour and/or mood. Whilst not always an indicator for stress, mood swings and generally acting differently to their usual selves can be a sign, along with: clingy behaviour bedwetting sleep disruptions feeling unwell (stomach aches/headaches) It's important to note any changes in your child’s behaviour regardless of what the cause maybe, but if you think they may be feeling a little stressed it's worth trying to identify what could be the root of the problem to help you work through it together. Children can be affected by things that may not seem all that significant to us, but even a small change to their daily routine can worry them; a new person at nursery or school, or a change of room layout for example. We may also forget just how much children pick up on; they could be aware of something you may have voiced with a friend or family member and are worried about you! No one likes to know their loved ones are feeling down. So how can we help our children to process these emotions? It's a whole new challenge for them, and can even be difficult for us grown-ups too sometimes! Firstly, let them know you're there and they can talk to you about whatever is upsetting them. They may be scared to open up, but encouraging children to voice their worries helps both you and them work through the issue. Let them know it’s okay to tell you what’s wrong, you want to make sure they feel safe and happy. Try to find a positive for them to focus on. If there's a new person around, let them know it could be a new friend! Reassure them that new things and changes can be positive. Spend some quality time together and establish an after-nursery or evening routine (any time that fits your family, really) to help them wind down and feel safe and loved. You are their role model and they’ll love having some time just for you and them! Don’t forget, you can always ask for help or advice from your child’s nursery practitioner - your child’s well being is always the most important thing! And there are sources online with great information - Check out Young Minds for more information. (Youngminds.org.uk) Finding tools and techniques that can help children work through their feelings and emotions at a young age will help them greatly, and will allow them to establish healthy coping methods to help from childhood through to adulthood.

What is mental health? Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood (cdc.gov, 2018) Mental health…is not a destination, but a process. It’s about how you drive, not where you’re going. – Noam Shpancer, PhD Why is mental health important for children? Being mentally healthy during childhood means reaching developmental and emotional milestones and learning healthy social skills and how to cope when there are problems. Mentally healthy children have a positive quality of life and can function well at home, in school, and in their communities. How can I support my children to help their mental health? The National Health Service (NHS) provides a highly useful guide on Children’s Mental Health including some top tips to support children and young people. These are: Be there to listen Support them through difficulties Stay involved in their lives Encourage their interests Take what they say seriously Build positive routines Around 1 in 8 children and young people experience behavioural or emotional problems growing up. - NHS What signs should I look out for? significant changes in behaviour ongoing difficulty sleeping withdrawing from social situations not wanting to do things they usually like self-harm or neglecting themselves However, please remember that everyone feels angry and low at times. Feeling angry, or low, or anxious is perfectly normal at times! But, if these emotions last for a long time, or are impacting your life and others then please seek professional help. Please check out the NHS website to learn more about mental health, and its impact on children, by clicking here.

Did you know that today, May 7th, is National Space day! This day celebrates the extraordinary achievements and benefits of exploring our dark sky. The number of fun activities you can do with your kids is astronomical! From making a space rocket to making out-of-this-world moon cookies, there is so much to do! Fun Fact! Did you know that Neil Armstrong from NASA was the first person to walk on the moon? Edwin Aldrin and Michael Collins were astronauts on Apollo 11 that blasted off into outer space on July 16th, 1969. Now, only fifty-two years on, NASA has a whopping 20 centres and facilities across America – and the National Laboratory in Space. NASA studies Earth, including its climate, our Sun, and our solar system and beyond. Now, let's count down five ways you can put a smile on your kid's face on National Space day! 1. Make out-of-this-world moon cookies Who doesn't love cookies! I do! Here is a healthy and super easy recipe you can try today with your kids to make this day one to remember. Find the recipe at https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/moon-cookies/en/ along with other amazing recipes to make edible asteroids! All you need is: • 1/2 cup wheat germ • 1-1/2 cups peanut butter or such as sunflower seed butter • 1-1/2 cups honey • 3 cups dried milk • 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs • 1/2 cup powdered sugar • 1 large bowl • 1 spoon • Dry measuring cups • 1 tray • 1 cup of powdered sugar • A small bowl What to do? 1. Firstly, measure out all the ingredients and dump them into the large bowl. 2. Secondly, mix ingredients very well with a spoon. When the ingredients get too stiff to mix with a spoon, you can continue mixing and kneading the dough with your hands! 3. Thirdly, use your hands to shape the dough into small round moons. 4. Fourthly, Pour powdered sugar into the small bowl. Roll each moon in the powdered sugar. Now your moon cookies are ready to taste! 2. Make a new planet Planets come in all shape and sizes and colours. Make this day special by helping your child make their very own planet! And get them to name it and ask them questions all about it. Kids have vast imaginations, and exploring outer space gives them limitless opportunities to tap into their creative superpowers that can often surprise us. What you'll need 1. A paper plate or plates 2. A pencil 3. Acrylic or watercolour paint and 4. One water pot 5. Some paintbrushes What to do? 1.Firstly, take a paper plate or your empty planet and paint it inside it. You can merge allylic colours to create weird and beautiful tones to add outwardly feel to your world. 2.After the paint is dry. You can, with your hands, tear apart some different tissue and stick it on your planet to add cool textures! 3. Try out this non-sticky, easy to make, fun to play galaxy play-dough! Kids love using their fingers to explore! Playing with playdough is a simple nursery staple that lets the kids use their imaginations and strengthen their finger muscles and strengthen motor skills they'll need to hold a pencil. Also, as kids work on unique creations, they'll naturally add new words to their ever-growing dictionary! They will learn new words such as flatten, squeeze, and shape! You can take this opportunity to teach your kids new words surrounding space, such as galaxy, rocket, spaceship and more! What you'll need 1. Flour 2. Salt 3. Cream of tater 4. Vegetable oil 5. Black gel food colouring 6. Blue glitter 7. Pink glitter 8. Black glitter 9. Silver glitter What to do? 1. Add 1 cup of flour, ½ a cup of salt, a tablespoon of cream of tartar, and a tablespoon of vegetable oil to a small bowl. 2. Add half a bottle of black food colouring. 3. Mix in a tablespoon of black glitter. 4. Heat ¾ of a cup of water until boiling. 5. Pour it into the bowl along with the flour mixture. 6. Stir with a fork, then as the water cools, blend it the rest of the way with your hands. 7. Then knead the dough for 1about 15 minutes to mix the black properly. When the dough is cool, turn it into a galaxy! 8. Form the dough into a ball and sprinkle the dough with blue and pink glitter stripes. Mix the glitter into the dough. 9. Sprinkle the entire ball gently with the silver glitter to make stars. Now Time to explore the galaxy! Give the dough to your kids and let them go wild! Check out this recipe and more excellent DIY projects to do at home with your kids. https://daysofadomesticdad.com/diy-galaxy-playdough/ 4. Learn about Outerspace with these books Get your little bundles of joy reading and learning about the extraordinary ideas and concepts surrounding space with these loved fun and beautifully illustrated picture books. • Solar System, Jill McDonald • Our Stars, Annie Rockwell • Jump into Science, Steve Tomecek • Moon: A peek through Picture Book, Britta Teckentrup 5. Transform your home into an International Space Station. Take your kids to space by letting them build their very own space fort or space station at home! How to make it? 1. Make two rows of chairs with the backs facing each other. Make sure to space the rows of chairs about 4 to 6 ft apart, depending on the size of your blanket. 2. Place blankets and pillows on the floor of the fort to make it comfortable. Fold a comforter in half and lay it down or layer a few blankets to add cushioning to the bottom of the space fort. Then, place several cushions or pillows around the edges of the space fort. 3. Drape a blanket over the top of the fort, so it goes over the edges of the furniture. Then secure the blankets with heavy objects like books and place them on the edges of the blanket. Make the space station come to life by adding some safe old remotes, phones, and other gadgets and let the kids blast into space! Here is an easy way to turn your living room into a space fort for a day! Find the in-depth tutorial here: https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Blanket-Fort.