14 fun mud kitchen activities to promote learning through play

Here are 10 fun and creative content ideas for mud kitchen play and activities that can engage children and promote learning through outdoor exploration: 1. Mud Pie Bakery Content Idea: Set up a “mud pie bakery” where children create different types of mud pies using a variety of natural materials (leaves, sticks, flowers, etc.). Encourage …

20 Exciting Dinosaur Activities for Children

Dinosaur activities are a fun and educational way to engage children in learning about these fascinating creatures. Here we share over 20 of our Dinosaur Activities for Children. Here are some of our dinosaur-themed activities for children: Digging for fossils and bones Using a sensory base such as sand or mud, bury some fossils and …

Forest School in the Early Years and Beyond

Forest School is an educational approach that takes place outdoors in natural environments, typically wooded areas or forests. It originated in Scandinavia in the 1950s and has since gained popularity worldwide. Forest School programs are designed to provide children with regular opportunities for hands-on learning and play in nature. Here are some key aspects and …

The A B C of Play

The “A B C of Play” can refer to a variety of concepts related to children’s play, education, or developmental psychology. Here’s a breakdown of what each letter might represent: A: Active Play Engaging in physical activities such as running, jumping, climbing, and playing sports, which are crucial for children’s physical development and overall health. …

The Benefits of Playdough and lots of Activity Ideas

One of our favourite rainy day sensory activities – but not just indoors – we take Play dough outdoors too – in the mud kitchen, in my handbag for a meal out or holiday! Playdough offers a time for calm, quiet, mindful time and can also be a great collaborative activity. Here we share 8 …

Our Top 20 Favourite Educational Resources for the Early Years

This is a whistle stop tour of our top 20 favourite educational resources for the early years. It is actually a blog version of the reel I created – pinned on my insta page so if you get chance to head over there you can watch the video too. So, here goes… Magical Mirrored trays …

Learning through Play with Jigsaw Puzzles

We are a family of jigsaw lovers. I always ask for a jigsaw for Christmas (along with Lego!) and always buy my boys Jigsaws for birthdays and Christmas. Most recently we have come across some beautiful wooden jigsaws, handmade by a family in Derbyshire – Just Jigsaws. I was lucky enough to visit their workshop …

Sand and Water Ideas for Babies and Toddlers

Exciting ways to explore and play with Sand and water. Whether it is being used in the mud kitchen, sand pit, water tray, measuring for potion making, toddlers and babies love sand and water activities. Filling and tipping, transporting, digging, mixing, pouring and splashing. Play can be as simple as a tray filled with sand …

Autumn Play Idea Gallery for Children

I don’t know about you, but we love Autumn in our house. Watching the leaves change colour, Autumn natural treasures to collect such as acorns, pinecones and conkers. Making leaf kebabs, autumn mud kitchens and Pumpkin activities. Leaf painting, crafts and baking. Before we dive into our activities below, I’d love to share with you …