GrowingOaks Childminding

03/02/2023

Researchers say free play can significantly IMPROVE KIDS' PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS.

Thian, 2006 as cited in "Facts on Play," kaboom.org, 2011.

Infographic from https://thegeniusofplay.org/tgop/benefits/play-facts/

15/11/2022

Least we forget.
Children were given the option to use different materials after discussing the different colour poppies on the walk home from school. They designed their sticky back shape as they choose.

Info and pictures from CBBC'S website.

01/11/2022

Playing at the park, feeding birds (finished with a visit from some swans), pumpkin play wasn't as interesting as it had been previously so we opted for den building and that took over our week in a big way. Designing and redesigning. Plus some experimental brownies (a sugar free recipe- until we added dark chocolate).

18/10/2022

Research points to a direct correlation between PLAY AND STRESS REDUCTION.

Gwen Gordon, "Well Played," 2014

Infographic from https://thegeniusofplay.org

17/10/2022

Recently we’ve celebrated a birthday with a pumpkin painting party, enjoyed playdough, all of the nature play (one of the best things about autumn), leaf pictures from our leaf hunts on our way home from school and even some baking . Not captured are the walking home giggles,and exploring instruments to name some more highlights!

14/10/2022

From celebrating a birthday with a pumpkin painting party, playdough, all of the nature play (one of the best things about autumn), leaf pictures from our leaf hunts on our way home from school and even some baking it’s been a fun few weeks. Not captured are the walking home giggles,instrument playing, and pretend cooking to name some more play from these past few weeks!

11/09/2022

It’s been a hard week as we reflect on the life of Queen Elizabeth II.

Hard for so many people and for so many and even opposing reasons.

She has had an undeniable impact on British and global history.

Born into a role that I don’t envy, she walked a life that many can see was devoted to God. Her public testimony of God’s love and grace was and is a wonderful witness of her faith.

Yet there are many morning the racism that the monarchy is directly and indirectly responsible for starting from the colonisation; which it’s devastating impact globally.

So I weep with those who are mourning her loss; and I weep along those who are feeling afresh the racist abuse that the monarchy is responsible for.

May we know a peace beyond understanding.

27/08/2022

Applesauce pancakes

We tried this recipe and it was loved! Fresh! I did the cook a batch thing but she didn’t want them reheated or cold 🥶 (don’t blame her with them cold but thought I’d see if it was different enough from the reheated ones). So then I made it it for us both as a one off special breakfast and we were both happy. 😋

Recipe from https://feedingtinybellies.com/cinnamon-apple-pancakes/

18/08/2022

In a study, 88% preschoolers
PLAYING WITH BLOCKS
were engaged in at least one
MATH-BUILDING ACTIVITY,
such as comparing sizes and counting.
“Building Blocks and Cognitive Building Blocks,” Sarama and Clements, 2009.

[White text written on pink with a child playing with a triangle and pie chart that emphasises 88%.]

Sourced from https://thegeniusofplay.org

15/08/2022

Loving this gift! We’re loving these blocks. Natural wooden toys are my favourite! She’s enjoying tapping and banging as well as putting into or taking out of their bag. Definitely going to encourage the putting back into the bag. That’s a schema I’m going to encourage for tiding up practice 😂

15/08/2022