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.

It’s never too early to teach your children the importance of giving back! Giving back to the community enriches your life, familiarises you with your community, and connects you with people and ideas that will positively impact your perspective for the rest of your life. Helping your community is an opportunity for you to grow as a person, to better understand how you fit into the world around you. - Madeline Ames, www.ef.com Parents have to teach their children a lot, and we believe that giving back helps teach them generosity and compassion. So here is our Ducklings guide on ways you can give back to your community today! Donating unused and unwanted toys Donating books to local businesses and hospitals Donating clothes There are other ways to give back without donating things too Make ‘Get Well’ cards for hospital residents, care homes, or for anyone in the community who’s suffered from the COVID-19 pandemic Make ‘Thank You’ cards for local servicemen and workers who have worked tirelessly throughout this pandemic - Emergency services, teachers and educators, postmen and women, the options are endless. Hold a collection drive Do a fundraiser for a local charity - Run a 5K, Do a bake sale, organise a food drive are just a few examples, the options are endless Plant some native flowers or a tree to give back and boost your local environment and wildlife. Support local small businesses If possible, why not donate an animal in need for a loving home! Or buy pet food and donate to local animal shelters that desperately need help. These are just a few suggestions we have, but there are plenty more online if you’re looking for some more ideas. So go out there, and give back to your community this week with your child.

The Deaf Awareness Week 2021 will focus on ‘coming through it together'. Deaf Awareness Week aims to promote the positive aspects of deafness, promote social inclusion, and raise awareness of the huge range of local organisations that support deaf people and their family and friends. -deafcouncil.org.uk Here you’ll find our collection of useful information and resources to help raise your awareness of deafness and help answer any questions you may have if you’re worried that your child may be suffering from hearing loss. What is deafness? Deafness, or hearing loss, happens when one or more parts of the ear aren’t working effectively. The main types of deafness are: Sensorineural deafness, or nerve deafness as it's sometimes called, is a hearing loss in the inner ear. This usually means that the cochlea isn't working effectively. Sensorineural deafness is permanent. Conductive deafness means that sound can't pass efficiently through the outer and middle ear into the inner ear. This is often caused by blockages such as wax in the outer ear, or fluid in the middle ear (glue ear). Glue ear is a very common condition, especially in pre-school children. Conductive deafness is usually temporary, but it can be permanent in some cases. For the full article, check here: https://www.ndcs.org.uk/information-and-support/childhood-deafness/what-is-deafness/ Does my child have hearing loss? Look out for the following signs which may indicate glue ear, mild or progressive deafness. Changes in behaviour for example becoming withdrawn or frustrated. Red ears in babies and/or pulling at their ears. Delayed speech and communication development. Mishearing and mispronouncing words. Not hearing what's going on if there's background noise. Not responding when called. Problems with concentrating, tiredness and frustration affect their behaviour. Difficulties with reading and learning. Wanting the volume of the TV higher than other members of your family. For the full article, check here: https://www.ndcs.org.uk/information-and-support/childhood-deafness/does-my-child-have-a-hearing-loss/ What causes deafness Permanent deafness in children is most commonly caused by genetics, passed down in families, even though there appears to be no family history of deafness. Some of the most common syndromes associated with hearing loss are: Alport syndrome Branchio-Oto-Renal syndrome CHARGE syndrome Crouzon syndrome Down's syndrome Goldernhar syndrome Jervell and Lange Nielsen syndrome Pendred syndrome, where children have enlarged vestibular aqueducts Stickler syndrome Treacher Collins syndrome Usher syndrome Type 1 and Type 2 Waardenburg syndrome There are several other causes of deafness, which you can read about here. https://www.ndcs.org.uk/information-and-support/childhood-deafness/causes-of-deafness/ Signs of hearing loss in children Your child may have a problem with their hearing if they: Are slow to learn to talk, or aren't clear when they speak Do not reply when you call their name or ask them questions Talk very loudly Ask you to repeat yourself or respond inappropriately to questions Turn up the volume of the TV very high If any of these seem familiar, please see a GP as they're able to help with any concerns and worries. More information provided by the NHS can be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hearing-loss/symptoms/ How to learn British Sign at home? You can learn British sign language online easily using the fingerspelling diagram below, or attending a full course at british-sign.co.uk More useful resources we recommend are Information regarding Deaf Awareness Week 2021 ‘ Coming Through it Together’ https://www.deafcouncil.org.uk/deaf-awareness-week/ Childhood deafness Information by the National Deaf Children’s Society https://www.ndcs.org.uk/information-and-support/childhood-deafness/

It's been difficult enough entertaining our little ones during the pandemic, and adding a rainy day into the equation can make it feel impossible to keep them happy and having fun. Thankfully, things are slowly starting to change for everyone, but a drizzly day still feels like it leaves us with little choice, so here are some fun ideas to keep everyone entertained at home! Bring the outdoors to you Just because you're stuck indoors doesn't mean you have to feel like you're indoors. Make a den out of blankets and cushions, or even throw a pop-up tent up, and decorate accordingly to create a fun space to relax or play. Some creative additions, Add fairy lights to create your own starry night sky Use a tablet/device to find a video of a campfire for that authentic camping experience! Older children can help to set up the area, giving them the chance to get thinking and problem-solving (“Why does this blanket keep falling?” “How can we fix that?”) Shake out that energy Being cooped up inside can lead to lots of pent up energy, so let them release it with some fun exercises. Keeping the focus on fun will allow children to stay engaged and active without it feeling like a chore. Here are some ideas: Animal madness - hop like a frog, stomp like an elephant, waddle like a penguin. Think of a wide variety of animals and how they would move. Bonus points for making the noises! Follow me - take turns to be the leader and show off your best dance moves that everyone has to copy. Add jumps or stomps or squats to really get active. Make a mess! Sorry in advance to the grown-ups! Getting mucky and making a mess is always the best idea of fun for children, so embrace it and let them explore and experience the sensations of different things. You could lay out some towels and let your babies splash about in water and bubbles. Or create some artwork as a family by taping paper to the floor and use paints (and who needs brushes when you have fingers and hands!) There’s always something to do to keep everyone entertained, and hopefully, some of these ideas will inspire you to make the most of those rainy days!

From writing a funny ode to making a poem on a kite, here are five fun and easy ways to celebrate this special day with your bundles of joy! Fun Fact: Did you know that poetry is one of the oldest art forms – it existed even before literacy did. In ancient times, poetry was a method of conveying historical facts, cultures, and traditions. In 2500 B.C was written in Epic forms, or long poetic passages that form a story, like the Odyssey by Homer. The rhythmical and often lyrical nature of poetry makes it easy to learn by heart. So, no wonder why people have been using it to express themselves for a very long, long time! Poetry is timeless, and what better way to celebrate it than to take part in the Great Poetry Reading day with your kids! Here are three easy and super fun ways to make the most of the day! 1. Help your child write an ode to someone or something they love An ode is a lyrical poem that addresses and celebrates a person, thing, or idea! Here are a few super fun odes were written by school kids that you can read together with your kids to inspire your little ones! Check out: https://witshouston.org/notebook/5-amazing-odes-by-kids/ You can help pick your kids something they love, like their favourite pair of dinosaur socks or their favourite fruit. This activity super fun, and it’s an opportunity for you and your kids to put your creative hats on. You can also use the rhyming dictionary by http://www.poetry4kids.com/rhymes/ to discover some new rhyming words that you could pop into your ode! 2. Write a haiku poem about Spring Spring is here! Flowers are blossoming, and everything looks shinier and greener. Why not celebrate this beautiful season with your kids by setting some time apart from your day to write a fun Haiku together. Traditionally, a Haiku is made up of three lines. The first and last lines of a Haiku have five syllables, and the middle line has seven syllables. The lines don’t have to rhyme. They rarely rhyme. You can make a simpler version of the Haiku by focusing only on making sure your poetry is three lines long. Here are a few great examples of playful Haiku poems: https://www.kidzone.ws/poetry/haiku.htm To inspire you and your kids. 3. Learn a fun poem by heart Sometimes singing the same nursery rhymes all the time can get repetitive and boring. That’s okay because there are plenty of new and existing poems that will make your little one’s stump their feet, clap their hands and laugh out loud! Here are some suggestions of best-loved contemporary poems to check out: • Poetry Pie by Roger McGough: http://www.minervareads.com/poetry-pie-by-roger-mcgough-a-video-special/ • 100 Best Poems for children by Roger McGough • Poems Out Loud! By Lady Bird: https://www.waterstones.com/book/poems-out-loud/ladybird/9780241370704 • Poems to Preform by Julia Donaldson https://www.amazon.co.uk/Poems-Perform-Collection-Childrens-Laureate/dp/023075743X • Funny Poems by Jan Dean • The Day I Fell Down the Toilet by Steve Turner • You can listen to best-loved free poems on the Children’s Poetry Archive: https://childrens.poetryarchive.org 4. Try some cool poetry and craft A paper aeroplane with a twist • Make a paper aeroplane and on the front wing write a short poem about the place or country the plane is going to visit. A poem that can fly • You can make a remarkable poem on a kite by watching this tutorial by Poetry Roundabout https://poetryroundabout.com/2020/06/08/a-poem-on-a-kite-craft-and-poetry/ (For some inspiration, here is my little poem I placed on my kite!) Kites take flight the sun is shining brightly, kids are running wildly, flying kites up high, one by one, touching our Spring sky! For more poetry and craft ideas visit Real life at Home blog: https://www.reallifeathome.com/celebrating-national-poetry-month-with-hands-on-poetry-projects/ It has a wide range of exciting poetry and art and crafts activities for the whole family to enjoy! 5. Listen to young poets It’s lovely to read poetry with your kids but what can really motivate children to read, write and enjoy poetry is other kids, just like them reading their poetry aloud for the world to hear. It may just light a flame and give them the confidence to embark to one day, not so far from today, become a poet or a spoken word artist and change the world. Solli Raphael is a 13-year-old boy from the East Coast of Australia. Last year he became the youngest ever winner of the Australian Poetry Slam. Incredible! To read more about this click here: https://www.teachstarter.com/gb/blog/world-poetry-day-activities-2018-gb/

We’re passionate about making the world a better place for future generations. By changing our habits, we’re reducing carbon emissions at Ducklings daily. Teaching your children about their environment and how they can contribute to its upkeep, will help them to develop their own sense of responsibility when it comes to protecting their future surroundings - childcare.co.uk So what changes have we made, and continue to make? We ensure our appliances are in good working condition and are energy efficient. From the light fixtures to equipment and toys, to our boilers. Whatever we can do to help, we do. We appreciate the Environment, and teach the children to do so too! We grow vegetables and plants to educate the children on how plants grow, we compost food scraps and garden waste and visit local allotments whenever possible. We also provide a free resource parents and/or carers can use while at home - Ducklings Gardeners. This is our way to promote a continuation of learning about the environment at home. We’re reducing paper printing across all sites, to help reduce our environmental footprint. We recycle items properly and aim to repair/reuse items that can be repurposed in other ways! We focus on exposing the children to nature, so we go on nature walks no matter the weather. Water conservation is vital. Rain collection tools are used for gardening, broken taps are immediately fixed, and children are taught the proper way of flushing toilets and washing hands to avoid wasting water. If you have any future ideas on ways we can keep improving and protecting the environment please contact us!

At Ducklings we strive to create an outstanding, loving, caring atmosphere in a safe and friendly environment. Here is our checklist to assess whether your child is ready to start preschool - but please keep in mind every child is different, and even if all of these signs are not met, your child may still be ready for preschool. 1. Is your child confident to do things alone? “Younger children often suffer from separation anxiety as it is their first time away from mum or dad” - Tiara Swinson. Although it may be a scary thought, if your child is willing to spend time away from their parents it will be much much easier for children to adapt to the preschool environment, and will not upset the other children. We recommend potentially leaving your child with another family member for a day out, or getting a babysitter for an afternoon, or even attending smaller sessions to start and test how comfortable your child is. 2. Is potty training a requirement? At Ducklings, we understand every child is different - some learn faster than others. Because of this, we do NOT require your child to be potty trained. All we ask is for you to bring in spare clothing for your child to change into so we are prepared if accidents occur. 3. Is your child able to communicate with others? Being able to communicate with others is a great skill to have, and will make sure your child’s experience at preschool is great! Being able to communicate with our lovely staff will provide your child comfort and ease, and being able to communicate with the other children will help your child socialise and make friends while away from home! One easy way to check if your child is comfortable communicating with others is by going to public parks and sharing the equipment, or going to public stores or libraries and asking your child to ask questions politely and to listen to others. 4. Can I afford to send my child to preschool? Ducklings works with our local communities as much as possible, and we’re proud to say we offer Government Funded Sessions. To find more information on this we have useful guides, and links to your local council on our website under the Admissions Tab on www.ducklingspreschool.co.uk/admissions Children will learn how to compromise, be respectful, and problem solve. Preschool provides an environment for children to explore, gain a sense of self, play with peers and build self-confidence - Robert McClure. In summary, Preschool is a highly valuable and educational resource for children. If you have any questions about how prepared your child is to start preschool, please don’t hesitate to contact us and ask! We’re here to help however we can, The Ducklings Team Additional Resources McClure, R. (2020) Is a Preschool Education Important? Very Well Family. Accessed 20th April, 2021 [Online] https://www.verywellfamily.com/is-a-preschool-education-important-616524#:~:text=In%20preschool%2C%20children%20will%20learn,peers%20and%20build%20self%2Dconfidence. Swinson, T (2019) 5 Signs to Know if Your Child is Ready For Preschool MathGenie. Accessed 20th Aptil, 2021 [Online] https://www.mathgenie.com/blog/5-signs-to-know-if-your-child-is-ready-for-preschool

“Mom…dad, I’m bored!” How often do you think your child utters this phrase? And how does it make you feel? Naturally, you are probably taking a trip down memory lane, trying to resist the urge to roll your eyes right now. Months ago, when the pandemic first began and lockdowns were established, this feeling was conceivably MUCH worse. Now, with the slowly improving conditions and continuation of life outside our homes, there is more to keep ourselves busy with. But, with indoor play centres and activities remaining closed, what should you do at home with a ‘bored’ child? Yes, it is tough to make that decision! Between wanting to make sure your child is cheerful and teaching them to have independence. The self-reproach that follows when prioritising your frantic schedule with your child’s entertainment - it's a struggle. But don’t be too discouraged, this is a problem every parent encounters and through our know-how, it can be resolved. However, before leaping into the various ideas, take a minute to think about your child’s rationale behind feeling ‘bored’. This expression should not be simply overlooked as general boredom, could there be an internal reason, and if so, what could it be. Is it a desire for attention, mental fatigue due to short amounts of rest, or perhaps the unavailability of engaging activities? After identifying the root of the problem, the next step is to refrain from utilising the primary shortcut. And by that we mean, SCREENTIME. Overusing any form of technology leads to mind conditioning; it would be as if you are encouraging your child to live in a space where imagination and creative thinking do not exist. This is not our goal. With the absence of screen time comes a world of possibilities where your child could pursue endeavours such as writing stories, be amidst nature, and play sports. Next comes the most ‘ingenious’ and underrated advice of them all. Let them be bored. Being bored is healthy for the mind. It enables children to slow down and absorb the real world. It enables them to produce conscious thoughts and ideas self-sufficiently. This leads to your child not being dependent on you as a source of entertainment. Encouraging your child to utilise that time freely promotes empowerment. However, sometimes it is good to have a backup, just in case. If your family is in desperate need of spontaneity, here are a few ideas to create fun memories: Making playdough Playing board games such as Hoot Owl Hoot Camping in the backyard under the starry sky Watering the plants or garden (a fantastic way to get your child connected with nature) Go for a bike/scooter ride. Create a ‘When I Grow Up’ poster Draw a comic book that’s filled with things you WANT to be doing. Make a scavenger hunt. Put on a play. Write a letter to a friend or family member. Call your grandparents or other relatives. The floor is lava, to spark the imagination. Have a dance party I hope this was a compelling and helpful read. Go ahead, take that breath of relief. Written by Lakshmi Nair For further ideas check out the Ducklings Activities page at ducklingspreschool.co.uk/activities

Earth Day is finally here! On the 22nd of April let’s show our support for environmental protection at Home! Earthday.org provides a full day of content to stream online at: https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2021/. So instead of throwing on the TV or loading up Netflix, why not stream these fantastic events and learn more about the Environment and their protection! On April 22nd - Several different topics will be discussed: Climate and environmental literacy Climate restoration technologies Reforestation efforts Regenerative agriculture Equity and environmental justice Citizen science Clean-ups and more All of these topics will be discussed through various workshops, panels, and live discussions! But what if you fancy getting more hands on to celebrate Earth Day? Here are our Ducklings recommended activities to do at home! Ducklings Gardeners is our resource where we upload fantastic gardening opportunities which can be done regardless of the time of year! These activities range from: Building a pond in a pot, making a bee hotel, making a bug hotel, making a bird bath, along with educational resources like flashcards and eco-warrior schemes. These can all be found here: https://www.ducklingspreschool.co.uk/gardeners The Milton Keynes Council has published several Craft Activity Ideas: There you will find ideas like: Earth Day eco wreath, cardboard bunting, paper collage, plastic bottle top mosaic, milk bottle elephants, bottle top cards, book mouse, and box puppet theatre! https://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/waste-recycling/other-waste-services/schools-recycling-information Fancy getting creative? - Why not paint a plant pot and plant some seeds in it with your children? Want to upcycle your rubbish? Turn used wine bottles into flower pots, and wine corks into tiny pots for some succulent plants? https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2018/0516/963921-is-upcycling-the-answer-to-our-waste-problem/ or use old toilet rolls to be organisers If you love baking why not make an Earth shaped cake, or Earth themed biscuits! Fancy bringing in some fresh herbs into the kitchen? Simply take fresh herbs from your local store and place them in water, and watch the roots grow within a week! This can be really educational, as well as delicious so I highly recommend doing this simple trick! More information on this can be found here: https://www.gardeningchannel.com/herbs-that-grow-in-water/ The options are endless! Look online, and comment below if you have any great ideas you’d love to share