DiscoverPlaydays Childminding

Sunday fun day 😂❤️
First aid renewal training here I come ❤️

As some of you may know, reading is a huge part of my life. It's rare that I don't have one or two books on the go, and I love spending my spare time getting lost in stories.

One of the most rewarding parts of being a childminder is sharing that love of books with the children in my care. There's nothing quite like seeing their imaginations come to life and watching them become excited about stories from different cultures and places around the world.

Story time is about so much more than reading words on a page – it's an opportunity to build language, spark curiosity, encourage creativity, and create special memories together.

Here are some great tips to make story time even more fun while extending your child's learning, imagination, and fascination with books. 📚✨

🌟 Let your child choose the book – When children choose what they want to read, they're often more engaged and excited.

🗣️ Use different voices – Bring the characters to life with funny voices, different tones, and facial expressions.

❓ Ask questions – Pause to ask, "What do you think will happen next?" or "How do you think that character is feeling?" This encourages thinking and conversation.

🖼️ Talk about the pictures – Even before reading the words, explore the illustrations together and see what your child notices.

🎵 Add songs and actions – Clap, dance, roar like a lion, or whisper quietly when the story calls for it!

🌳 Read in different places – Snuggle up at home, read in the garden, visit the library, or take a book on a picnic.

🔄 Read favourite books again and again – Repetition helps children develop language, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the story.

🎨 Extend the story through play – Draw pictures, build scenes with blocks, dress up as characters, or create simple crafts inspired by the book.

🌍 Explore stories from around the world – Reading books from different cultures helps children appreciate diversity and learn about the wider world.

❤️ Most importantly… enjoy the time together! Reading doesn't have to be perfect. The cuddles, conversations, laughter, and shared moments are what children will remember most.

Don't forget that our local Libraries run a great Summer reading challange!
The challenge starts on Saturday the 11th of July and you can sign up at any Hampshire County Council Library, or sign up online: https://www.hants.gov.uk/.../Summer-reading-challenge-2026

How beautiful are these little kittens. Three out of the four, getting ready for there new homes. 1 left (Black and White, Appa) 🥰😍

A different kind of care this weekend ❤️

Yay!!
New car day!!!
So much space!!
And of course new car means new car seats!
Super a fan of these, isofix, birth - 12 and 360! Super versatile and perfect for every child in my car ❤️

🚗 New car this weekend… so it seemed like the perfect time for a little car safety reminder! ❤️

As exciting as getting a new car is, the most important feature isn't the latest technology—it's making sure the people we love are safe every single journey.

A few simple reminders for parents:
✅ Always use the correct car seat for your child's age, height and weight.
✅ Check harnesses and seat belts are fitted correctly every trip.
✅ Children are safest travelling in the back seat where possible.
✅ Never leave a child or pet in a parked car—not even for a minute. Cars can heat up dangerously fast, even on mild days.
✅ Before locking your car, always look before you lock. Make it a habit to check the back seat every time.

It only takes a few seconds to make a potentially life-saving difference.

Safe journeys this summer, everyone! 💙🚙☀️

We have great news! The kittens are now on their feet and more settled, they have now been moved downstairs for the children to see.
They have been so excited to watch them, so next week we will he extending there fascination with lots more in depth learning.
The children's interests unit has been changed over to animals, football, cars and the weather, all things the children have been talking and showing interest in recently, all ready for Monday morning.