Parachute Play

I love playing with the parachute with young children, and have found it a great way to focus children's singing. I have compiled a collection of song based activities I have used, mostly with very young children with Special needs but will be useful for most preschool groups (Or homes with a child's blanket). I have uploaded to Scribd and it can be purchased for a very reasonable price

http://www.scribd.com/doc/115979565/Parachute-Play

Work Stations (Autism)

The concept of the "Work Station" comes from Division TEACCH  and is designed for individuals with autism or related conditions. I am in no way an expert, but have basic training and have had the privilege working in a class that follows TEACCH principles. Here is a pack I produced to assist people when creating workstations- I hope you find it useful. I would HIGHLY recommend training with TEACCH if you are given the opportunity

Signing Videos

Inclusive Communication Essex, by Essex County Council have produced an excellent resource for those working with people of all ages who need to alternative or additional communication strategies put in place. Including these wonderful signing videos

They are a range of topics, with a good list of signs

Each sign has a clear video of the sign.

http://www.essexice.com/learn/signing-videos.aspx

Photo puzzle

So it's been forever.... since I posted doesn't time fly? I've had rather a lot going on sorry, so here we go.

 Simple shape puzzle bought from supermarket (or charity/ thrift store) select photos of child and their family and stick under the shapes. I laminated mine to make it durable and also can be pulled up eventually with a sharp knife.

You could also stick photos underneath that relate to words a child with language difficulties is working on.

Eggs, eggs, eggs

This environment was set up in response to an interest in the vast collection of egg cup and the Easter period (last year)

 It was used in a variety of ways over a period of some weeks, as simple sorting/ collecting/ joining to playing egg shops or resteraunts.

 The chick egg collector was from poundland, Im not sure if they are doing them this year also.

Spiky eggs, sorted, little chicks...

A basket full of egg cups (never have enough it would seem, all purchased from charity shops)

Chapel Hill Snippits has a wonderful Eggs story book on her blog to down load, which has accompanying printable PCS symbols

The Pets have been found!!!

In a little box on the coffee table (of course!)

The Pets Have Gone Missing

As  you can see we have lost the pets (exotic ones I know names: Ten and Nine). If you have seen please contact us- you may receive a 10p reward!!!

Will keep you posted!!!

Polishing Brass

 Read any blog or article on Montessori and you soon come across "polishing" and whether you are a Montessori devote or not this is actually a deeply satisfying and engaging tasks for many a three year old! Not to mention developing theses essential fine motor skills, whilst developing a sense of responsibility.

Montessori Helper offers some instructions on how this activity should be presented

Checking results :)

Counting ladybirds (or bugs)

I am in the process of creating this cute little tactile bugs numbers 1-5 spots and stored in little leaf pocket!

Tiny Road Mat Quiet Bag

 I actually don't have an image of this folded and holding the cars but I promise you it does and fits nicely into a handbag to take anywhere.

 Simply sewn to fit "Learning Resources" mini motors, but you could make this for any cars you have available. The landmarks on the map serve as a great parking parking space for corresponding motor (bus- school, fire engine- fire station etc.) which was not my intention but works well!

More Peg Dolls

 As the title says, thought I'd just share some of my painted peg dolls.

 They can be for children to play with or simply as decorative paper clips

 Close ups

75 Interesting Ways to use an iPad in the Classroom

Not my usual kind of post but thought this couldn't be missed, there are so many fantastic apps/ ideas in here! Happy browsing.

                

Pirate Dolls (+ how to make)

A spur of the moment project, making pirates for a treasure island.

"climbing about the pirate ship....looks like a bottle of run has filled their tums"

With their pipe cleaner swords

Instructions to make them

       

Amazing Playdough Creations

 This just started as playing with play dough. After having a bit of trouble joining limbs to lion and a bit of discussion what may help to connect them, match sticks were collected, and subsequently goggly eyes! Look at the amazing creation!!

Pretty awesome, hey!

And a cute little monster

            

five little ducks/ frogs

 Just been clearing out shelves and folders and came across a whole bunch of stuff I had totally forgotten about, including these cute five little... rhymes cards for singing props.

 These sensory frogs made with five different textures/ fillings

Five little ducks laminated with a removable number velcroed on.

Happy Valentines Day

 (We have already enjoyed early valentines pancakes)

For a few reasons we will not be doing any new valentines related activities, so I'm just posting you a link to previous years Valentines activities

(and we'll probably get to draw hearts in the snow)

Ferreo Roche light box (fish tank)

Peg fish

A rather spontaneous activity- quick, simple and effective. 

Snow fine motor

In England we are still waiting for snow (some more are more anticipatory than others) so here's a couple of snow related activities

 Sorting and hooking snowflakes, child places the clipboard on the edge of a table to hook the snow flakes onto.

Using sugar tongs (poundland) pick up these seeds and place into jar, tongs kept in jar to encourage unscrewing lid.