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Open Ended Play with Nursery Nook

I totally meant to write about this last week but you know how life runs away with you?

Well last week we were delighted to welcome James Tunnell from Nursery Nook into our setting for a twilight session talking about loose parts and open ended play. James has an utter passion for this and it showed in his enthusiasm and eagerness to share his knowledge and experience with us, I sort of rate it a kid in a sweet shop type enthusiasm!

There was an opportunity to play with a huge variety of loose parts (James really needs a bigger car!) but, genuinely, I could have sat and listened to him all night long.

If you are in the wider Yorkshire area and would like to book him then visit his website:

www.nurserynook.co.uk

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Exciting Journey Ahead – Our Hygge Adventure

I was very lucky recently, I mean VERY lucky, and it doesn’t happen often. I entered a competition on the Facebook Page for Hygge in the Early Years, run by the amazing Kimberly Smith, and to my utter amazement I won!

The competition was to win a place on the latest cohort of the Hygge in the Early Years Accreditation scheme. This is such an exciting opportunity for me and my setting to bring some calmness and joy into our practice as we work through this journey. We are aware it isn’t an overnight process so we are taking our time with it and savouring each lesson.

Check back for updates soon!

If you would like a copy of Kimberly’s book “Hygge in the Early Years” the please click our affiliates link below:

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#BrewEDEYLeeds – are you going?

brewEDEY

I’m rather excited about this latest Twitter storm, the concept of #BrewED has been around for a while. It’s about those in the education sector connecting over a cuppa and really getting to grips with the issues facing education.

Well this has now happened in Early Years thanks to a few forward thinking people and they are very much alive and kicking on Twitter, CLICK HERE TO JUMP TO TWITTER

However those clever souls at #BrewEDEYLeeds have gone one step further and have organised a one day gathering/conference with some brilliant topics. It’s just under £12 to attend this conference and at a price like that I couldn’t refuse – I’m signed and up and excited to go (it’s my first conference of 3 this year!)

If you would like to book a place to go, and who wouldn’t, then just CLICK HERE but be warned that places are selling out fast!

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What I think Cultural Capital is.

This is my view on what Cultural Capital means for early years settings.

As I said, this is my view. You may have your own interpretation.

Whatever your view on Cultural Capital, just remember to feed those curious minds!

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A little bit of Hygge everyday!

I was very fortunate today, I got to meet one of my lovely Early Years enthusiasts. Kimberley Smith is the Founder of KSEY Consultancy, the International Hub for Early Years Teaching and the driving force behind the Hygge in the Early Years movement.

I attended her Hygge Live event in Leeds this morning and it was a joyous and inspirational few hours which reminded us all to look after ourselves as well as the children (one of the prinicipal reasons I started the #selfcaresunday posts on my social media channels)

If you haven’t discovered this ethos and pedagogy yet I urge you to pop along to www.hyggeintheearlyyears.co.uk now and find out more.

Thanks for my gorgeous Hygge Journal too Kimberly!

You can purchase one for yourself just by visiting Kimberly’s website at www.hyggeintheearlyyears.co.uk

If you would like to purchase a copy of Kimberly’s original “Hygge in the Early Years” book then please click our affiliates link below:

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Room Leaders – Skills and Qualities?

As you may have seen from a previous post I’m working on a downloadable resource pack for Room Leaders. This is quite a tricky post for people who are new to it and possibly one that isn’t supported as much as it could be.

I’m going to be working on a face to face training package to support newbie Room Leaders and would like your input!

  • What do you see as essential skills and qualities of a Room Leader?
  • What support do you feel a new Room Leader needs?
  • Do you feel a Room Leader clearly understands their role and responsibilities?

 

If you can give me your views on this and anything else you feel a new Room Leader needs to know then please get in touch. My email is hello@tmpearlyyears.co.uk

 

Thanks!

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CPD with a difference!

I’ve just been doing the housework and some CPD at the same time.

Don’t be too shocked, I do do the housework sometimes! However I popped on my headphones and spent and enjoyable time listening to my very lovely friend Kimberly from KSEY Consultancy talking about a variety of topics relating to her specialist subject of Hygge in the Early Years.

Image Copyright KSEY Consultancy

These podcasts are free and well worth listening to, I’m certainly taking the latest one back to my setting and pointing my team in the direction of it. Mop, bucket and duster not included!

Available from:

iTunes

Audioboom

Spotify