Little Seashells Childminding

Today’s garden activity 🌼🎨

The children were invited to freely explore painting using a range of colours and tools, bringing these large paper plate flowers to life. There was no right or wrong way to create – just open-ended, child-led fun in the sunshine.

Through this simple invitation to play, the children have been developing so many important skills:
✨ Expressing their creativity and imagination
✨ Strengthening fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination
✨ Exploring colour mixing and making choices
✨ Building confidence and independence
✨ Enjoying sensory experiences through paint and texture
✨ Working alongside others, sharing ideas and space

Moments like this are where the magic of learning really happens – relaxed, joyful and led by the children 🌿💛

🌼🌿 Garden Centre Role Play 🌿🌼

This beautiful little set up has been a huge hit with my childminding children this week…

From running their own flower shop to planting, watering and “selling” their creations, the children have been completely absorbed in their play 🌷🪴

✨ Learning through play opportunities:
• Imaginative & role play – creating their own shop, taking on different roles
• Communication & language – conversations, storytelling, customer interactions
• Maths skills – recognising numbers, using money, counting and problem solving
• Fine motor skills – planting, picking up small items, using tools
• Understanding the world – learning about flowers, growth and caring for plants
• Social skills – sharing, turn taking and working together

✨ Frozen by Mother Nature ✨

Last night I set this tray up outside and let Mother Nature do her thing 🌙❄️
By morning, we had a beautiful icy invitation to play, using natural winter resources and water for an open-ended exploration experience.

🍃 Pinecones
🌿 Evergreen sprigs
🪵 Sticks & cinnamon
💧 Frozen water & ice

This morning the children explored, touched, investigated and problem-solved as the ice slowly changed…

What did we learn?
❄️ Cause & effect – water freezing and melting
❄️ Sensory exploration – cold, texture, temperature
❄️ Curiosity & scientific thinking
❄️ Fine motor skills through handling natural materials
❄️ Respect for nature and seasonal changes

Simple resources. Real learning. Magical moments. 💫

November 2025 / Beach trip 🌊