Family Child Care

I Felt Like a Blockhead

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFJnnp2jewmv8-5hOCVMJZmp_gHPOzNEemeYlRnFG8bfY8cfzX5dlfhx6U3b-lKWnPdNZO0K4v7oRr2ybjsFjf2ShJ_8abT6sjIF8KDMBSlv1bgbFnQ7695JlA-zUvRLIFH_LMwBWbXY/s1600/2008+006.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454931060036064146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFJnnp2jewmv8-5hOCVMJZmp_gHPOzNEemeYlRnFG8bfY8cfzX5dlfhx6U3b-lKWnPdNZO0K4v7oRr2ybjsFjf2ShJ_8abT6sjIF8KDMBSlv1bgbFnQ7695JlA-zUvRLIFH_LMwBWbXY/s200/2008+006.jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" /></a><br />I have the opportunity to try out products for <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/NewDSS/Default.aspx?domainredirect=true&es=1049050000" target="'_New">Discount School Supply </a>on  a regular basis.  I was trying out some <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/NewDSS/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=23627&keyword=INTFB&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=&es=10490500000" target="'_New">blocks</a> a year ago and I was getting frustrated by my lack of imagination in creating something with the blocks.  I gave the blocks to my grandson who was almost 3 at the time.  He immediately set to work putting the blocks together.  He was enthralled with the blocks for what I consider a very long time for someone who is 3.  He loved them.  When I was working with the blocks earlier, I was questioning how valuable they would be for preschool children.  My grandson taught me a great lesson.  Children know what is best for them.  If given a choice, children will play all day.  That is what they do.  It becomes essential for those of us who work with young children to create opportunities for play.  Almost every early childhood skill can be reinforced using play.  Since children instinctively want to play, that should be our first clue about appropriate approaches to teaching children.  It is through open-ended play the children learn to solve problems, explore the world and make decisions.

I Felt Like a Blockhead

I have the opportunity to try out products for Discount School Supply on a regular basis. I was trying out some blocks a year ago and I w...

3:14 PM

Physical Punishment

Physical Punishment

A new report from the government's chief advise on child safety recommends that there should be a complete ban on smacking and physical ...

2:56 AM

Professional Development

Professional Development

Many readers of this blog already work in schools, or are planning a career in this sector once they have finished their course. So it shoul...

7:52 AM

Children & Internet Safety

Children & Internet Safety

The issue of children's safety when using the internet has been prominent again in recent days, with two separate reports addressing the...

4:34 AM

New Common Core of Skills and Knowledge

Something of interest to all readers today: the <a href="http://www.cwdcouncil.org.uk/" target="_blank">Children's Workforce Development Council</a> has just published new guidance which updates the common core of skills and knowledge that  everyone working with children, young people and families should have. This is the first update of the common core since 2005.<br /><br />Altogether there are six areas of expertise which are identified as essential for the workforce in the sector:<br /><ul><li>effective communication and engagement with  children, young people and families;</li><li>child and young person development;</li><li>safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the child or young person;</li><li>supporting transitions;</li><li>multi-agency and integrated working</li><li>information sharing.</li></ul>You can read the revised <a href="http://www.cwdcouncil.org.uk/assets/0000/9007/CommonCore_FINAL.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Common Core of Skills and Knowledge</span></a> online now.

New Common Core of Skills and Knowledge

Something of interest to all readers today: the Children's Workforce Development Council has just published new guidance which updates ...

4:20 AM

Foundation Stage Achievement

Foundation Stage Achievement

This is a little late, but you now view the latest official statistics regarding achievement in the Foundation Stage . Results are broken do...

8:57 AM

EYES Search (Again)

EYES Search (Again)

The EYES search engine (see right of page) is operating again; results will now display on a separate page, so remember to navigate back her...

8:41 AM

EYES Search

EYES Search

If you're one of the users of the EYES Search engine (see right of screen) you've probably noticed that it's currently not retur...

6:44 AM

Nursery Food

Recently published research from the <a href="http://www.schoolfoodtrust.org.uk/" target="_blank">School Food Trust</a> has raised concerns about the nutrition levels of food served in nurseries. The Trust's report states that food offered to toddlers is often <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/8569117.stm" target="_blank">high in fat, sugar and salt</a>, and that young children may be eating overly large portions. You can read <a href="http://www.schoolfoodtrust.org.uk/UploadDocs/Library/Documents/sft_early_years_preliminary_review_summary.pdf" target="_blank">a summary</a> of the Trust's findings online now.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxPxITg8BmzzfA5AAAGtxKwDskUyNWIqyXJ-N96nrdhd2RsiXFLyvaxKxpGIN2LrQoQVv4K_t0Uwo2BrFe2C6UphyaiEj9lnJIESeo_BQE4vDlzpnZBRIJ8g1mPl_J8RhKuWIH9Ltnw/s1600-h/Fruit.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449927900999834082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxPxITg8BmzzfA5AAAGtxKwDskUyNWIqyXJ-N96nrdhd2RsiXFLyvaxKxpGIN2LrQoQVv4K_t0Uwo2BrFe2C6UphyaiEj9lnJIESeo_BQE4vDlzpnZBRIJ8g1mPl_J8RhKuWIH9Ltnw/s200/Fruit.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 117px;" /></a>

Nursery Food

Recently published research from the School Food Trust has raised concerns about the nutrition levels of food served in nurseries. The Trus...

3:51 AM

Catch Him!

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5F8tufJdg04T57_iqjuNln8AmnXufFm41qFEWVMt6xARAm16J4lqHKdFLJ9nY9AyIZuXLYZaxXqPRB6pjldk2KVyXWkqJoBMbFASJAjVcYrS-d56c2Es8KKCn38NWzJ59lapJBEUT_Y/s1600-h/Thats+What+Leprechauns+Do.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449759606152232034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5F8tufJdg04T57_iqjuNln8AmnXufFm41qFEWVMt6xARAm16J4lqHKdFLJ9nY9AyIZuXLYZaxXqPRB6pjldk2KVyXWkqJoBMbFASJAjVcYrS-d56c2Es8KKCn38NWzJ59lapJBEUT_Y/s200/Thats+What+Leprechauns+Do.jpg" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>A number of years ago, I had the opportunity to live in Ireland for a period of time. Having that first-hand knowledge comes in handy at this time of year. When I was a classroom teacher, I always made a big deal about St. Patrick's Day. I used it as an opportunity to introduce the children to the country of Ireland and a little information about the Irish culture. Playing on the spoof of the leprechaun made the activities fun and adventurous. We would go on a Leprechaun Hunt or leave little goodies out for the little guy. In later years, I have seen my grandchildren build leprechaun traps to try to catch the perpetrator who was turning their milk green in the fridge.</div><br /><div>I have always looked upon the tall tales of leprechauns as a folktale and true fantasy stemming from the Irish culture. Studies have been done that indicate that children build great foundations from folktales. In fact, folktales and fairytales provide an example of complete fantasy for young children. With virtual reality appearing in games and movies, it is difficult for young children to differentiate between fact and fiction. Folktales provide an opportunity for children to experience something that is complete fantasy. Folktales have no pretence of being real.</div><br /><div>So, set up your leprechaun traps and see what happens to the young children around you!</div>

Catch Him!

A number of years ago, I had the opportunity to live in Ireland for a period of time. Having that first-hand knowledge comes in handy at thi...

4:51 PM

Wonder Wheel

Sounding like something you'd find on a gameshow or a mispronunciation of an old Oasis hit, the Wonder Wheel is actually a feature of Google which readers may find useful, as it can help suggest search terms to narrow down your results.<br /><br />To access this feature, start by doing a search on Google. Above your search results to the left of the screen you should see a link that says 'Show options...'; click on this and a menu will open with various options to improve your search that you may want to explore.<br /><br />For now, click on the 'Wonder Wheel' link. This will bring up a graphic of your search, with ideas for related searches (see below for an example).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGSsM67tMPOoxxRwnMnfkhp9nPcAfGvz9qyki1Bab6NiY93e-QaxDHpePJmQvJUBW_3st2aQw_3mAm9UQq4UThnRIG18gTsQek7v8ZG98d-c8A-LYiLNzxLeE7WaJ5AmEd-FZ3fu2ng/s1600-h/WonderWheel+copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449574696633171874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGSsM67tMPOoxxRwnMnfkhp9nPcAfGvz9qyki1Bab6NiY93e-QaxDHpePJmQvJUBW_3st2aQw_3mAm9UQq4UThnRIG18gTsQek7v8ZG98d-c8A-LYiLNzxLeE7WaJ5AmEd-FZ3fu2ng/s200/WonderWheel+copy.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 123px;" /></a><br />Simply click on these to look at another graphic with further suggestions for search terms. If you sometimes struggle to think of useful keywords, this may be one way of making your searches more effective. When you've got a collection of words in the centre of your diagram that you're happy with, click on the 'Web' link at the top of the menu and your results are displayed. This method of searching isn't for everyone, but may be worth a try if you have been seeking information for a while without success.<br /><style> <!--  /* Style Definitions */  p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal  {mso-style-parent:"";  margin:0cm;  margin-bottom:.0001pt;  mso-pagination:widow-orphan;  font-size:12.0pt;  font-family:"Times New Roman";  mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1  {size:595.3pt 841.9pt;  margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt;  mso-header-margin:35.4pt;  mso-footer-margin:35.4pt;  mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1  {page:Section1;} -</style>

Wonder Wheel

Sounding like something you'd find on a gameshow or a mispronunciation of an old Oasis hit, the Wonder Wheel is actually a feature of Go...

4:05 AM

ICT in Education

ICT in Education

ICT in Education is a website aimed at all those who are managing or leading ICT within schools. The site is packed with free articles on a...

6:54 AM

Not the End of the Story

Not the End of the Story

Not the End of the Story is a title of a new short report from Barnardos . This publication focuses on teenage mothers and the barriers tha...

12:30 PM

National Literacy Trust

National Literacy Trust

The National Literacy Trust website has undergone a makeover, with the result that it now seems to be much easier to navigate, while still ...

2:43 AM

What Sort of Web Animal are You?

Some of you may have seen <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/virtualrevolution/" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Virtual Revolution</span></a>, a series recently broadcast on BBC2 to mark 20 years of the Web. The final episode focused on asking whether the Web is having an impact on relationships between people and even the way that we think. While it's probably too early to give a definitive answer to these questions, recent research into the browsing habits of children and students suggests that there may be a generational gap in the way that people use the internet to find information.<br /><br />To investigate this further, the BBC has teamed up with University College London (UCL); the result is <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/labuk/experiments/webbehaviour" target="_blank">The Web Behaviour Test</a>, an interactive exercise which takes 20-30 minutes to complete, and is made up of different types of questions and games. You need to register with the site before you begin, but this is free and only takes a minute. At the end of the test you'll be classed as a type of Web Animal depending on your responses - <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/labuk/experiments/webbehaviour/articles/eightanimals" target="_blank">click here</a> to read about the different types of animal, or <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/labuk/experiments/webbehaviour/articles/about" target="_blank">here</a> to learn more about the test.<br /><br />I'm hoping to get together a group of students to take the test and chat about their responses, with a view to presenting a paper about web behaviour at the annual College Conference in the summer. If you'd be interested in getting involved with this then you can email me at <a href="mailto:D.Renfree@ucb.ac.uk">D.Renfree@ucb.ac.uk</a> for further details. Or if you'd just like to take the test for yourself, I'd be really grateful if you could contact me to say which type of animal you were classified as at the end of the exercise. In the interests of full disclosure, I'm apparently a leopard... :-)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMzaWFByMjqrXTJHfRQkE2g2wDQylKkQ04P66yqMlOEnYPJebw6NNrpESJ4N6xIqX-OVrPxzK8gFkC1hiVL-L_hcEPi9QCJQZLCi7hY3xq7BZDkwe3fWlhtew39VcnzcsfuZYhW_bfCQ/s1600-h/WebSurfers.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446627905831777618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMzaWFByMjqrXTJHfRQkE2g2wDQylKkQ04P66yqMlOEnYPJebw6NNrpESJ4N6xIqX-OVrPxzK8gFkC1hiVL-L_hcEPi9QCJQZLCi7hY3xq7BZDkwe3fWlhtew39VcnzcsfuZYhW_bfCQ/s200/WebSurfers.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" /></a>

What Sort of Web Animal are You?

Some of you may have seen The Virtual Revolution , a series recently broadcast on BBC2 to mark 20 years of the Web. The final episode focuse...

5:06 AM

Deprivation and Risk

Deprivation and Risk

New research from the Action for Children charity examines the cycles of deprivation and neglect which are linked to vulnerable families. T...

4:11 AM

Family Wellbeing

With the subject of wellbeing having received much attention in recent months, the <a href="http://www.familyandparenting.org/" target="_blank">Family and Parenting Institute</a> have issued a timely literature review entitled <a href="http://www.familyandparenting.org/Filestore/Documents/publications/Family_Wellbeing-literature_review_FINAL.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Can Government Measure Family Wellbeing</span></a>? The review "analyses current definitions, theoretical models, and measurement tools and examines quality issues such as validity and transferability, as well as the conceptual and practical measurement challenges posed by the study of family wellbeing." A <a href="http://www.familyandparenting.org/Filestore/Documents/publications/Family_Wellbeing-summary_FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">summary version</a> is also available.<br /><br />For further links to information on all aspects of wellbeing, click on the 'Wellbeing' link in the Hot Topics menu in the right-hand column of this page.

Family Wellbeing

With the subject of wellbeing having received much attention in recent months, the Family and Parenting Institute have issued a timely lite...

5:50 AM

Grandparents and Poverty

Grandparents and Poverty

New research carried out by the Equality and Human Rights Commission and Grandparents Plus argues that low-income grandparents are risking...

3:56 AM

Let's See...Start with the Sun!

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxYnMjjRLEQ9VHrDvqdNQl_uQQzEO4vS-RHNXCYAhHup_OlIQ-e_JWvwfJ76hdZgV1XNXdKJr4h3PwFwjY2JShE_D_BgnTsmCerCaDgUJSEwTR-nh9_lP-IumYCIQM69jYxJhvMczN3U/s1600-h/Feb.+2010+Grandkids+and+Art+027.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443817672161740146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxYnMjjRLEQ9VHrDvqdNQl_uQQzEO4vS-RHNXCYAhHup_OlIQ-e_JWvwfJ76hdZgV1XNXdKJr4h3PwFwjY2JShE_D_BgnTsmCerCaDgUJSEwTR-nh9_lP-IumYCIQM69jYxJhvMczN3U/s200/Feb.+2010+Grandkids+and+Art+027.JPG" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>I was talking to my favorite 5 year-old last week about the projects she creates. I asked her, "How do you know what to make or draw?" Her answer surprised me very much. She said to me, "First you have to start with the sun." When I asked why she started with the sun, she stated it was because it was going to be a 'happy picture' (duh!) Wow, what a life lesson. Anything can be accomplished if you start with a sun. Sometimes it is a bit depressing at this time of year when we are waiting for the spring sun to start shining. My little Kaylee was telling me that sometimes we have to make our own shiny sky. If you begin with the sun, then everything following can be a happier picture.</div><br /><div>I saw an old friend of mine this morning at the gym. He always has a smile on his face and the room just seems a little brighter when he is around. I realized he was my sun this morning and it really was like the sun starting out my day. I thought of Kaylee's advice and realized how much joy we can bring to those around us if we just 'start with the sun.' That is exactly how I felt when I was a kindergarten teacher. I guess the day is REALLY sunny with 24 suns!</div>

Let's See...Start with the Sun!

I was talking to my favorite 5 year-old last week about the projects she creates. I asked her, "How do you know what to make or draw?...

2:58 PM

Bumper Edition for March

A round up of several new reports which have appeared in recent days:<br /><ul><li>The DCSF has published its <a href="http://publications.dcsf.gov.uk/eOrderingDownload/DCSF-RR192.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Staying Safe Survey 2009</span></a>, covering young people and parents' attitudes around accidents, bullying and safety.</li><li>Also new from the DCSF is a first evaluation of the <a href="http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/research/data/uploadfiles/RR193.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Parenting Early Intervention Programme</span></a>.</li><li>The issue of the sexualisation of young children has made headlines in recent days, prompted by a <a href="http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http:/www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/Sexualisation-of-young-people2835.pdf?view=Binary" target="_blank">Home Office Review</a>.</li><li>The National Deaf Children's Society (NCDS) has published new <a href="http://www.ndcs.org.uk/document.rm?id=4668">research into the provision of social care services for deaf children and their families</a>.<span style="font-family: "; font-size: 10pt;"></span></li></ul>

Bumper Edition for March

A round up of several new reports which have appeared in recent days: The DCSF has published its Staying Safe Survey 2009 , covering young p...

6:51 AM