Growing Minds

This this this!! It is so vitally important for children to get dirty. I know my skin can sometimes crawl but oh my goodness, bacteria is our friend ❤️

A well-known study from Natural Resources Institute Finland, published in Science Advances, investigated how nature-based playgrounds affect children’s health. In this 28-day experiment, researchers modified urban daycare yards by adding forest soil, grass, and plants, and observed around 75 children aged 3–5. Compared to children playing in standard urban environments (with gravel or artificial surfaces), those exposed to natural materials showed a noticeable increase in the diversity of beneficial microbes on their skin and in their gut.

These microbial changes were linked to improvements in immune system function, including higher levels of immune-regulating cells such as T-cells and better balance in immune responses. However, the study did not claim a dramatic or instant “boost” in overall health; instead, it showed early signs of improved immune regulation, which may help protect against inflammatory and autoimmune conditions over time. The findings suggest that regular contact with natural environments can play an important role in supporting children’s developing immune systems.

Inspiring authors, writers and illustrators for Worcestershire families to meet! ✏️📚💖

📢We are very excited to announce that our annual Writers' Day is returning in June!📢

✍️Writers' Day 2026: Writing for Children and Young Adults
🗓️Saturday 20 June, 9:30am - 3:30pm

Hear from authors, illustrators and industry professionals in this dynamic day of events that supports aspiring children’s writers on their journey to publication. The celebrated author Petr Horacek will joining us alongside award winning writer Liz Hyder and talented illustrator Jess Mason.

The sessions will be very relaxed and everyone is welcome to attend, whether you’re working on a debut novel, designing an eye-catching graphic novel or just figuring out how to get started on your own unique idea for a picture book.

🎟️Tickets cost £7 and can be booked here: https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/events/writers-day-2026-writing-children-and-young-adults

📚Aspiring writers and emerging authors are also invited to promote their work at a marketplace during the lunch break. Stands cost £3 and can be booked here: https://e-services.Worcestershire.gov.uk/LibraryEvents/EventDetails.aspx?id=7446

A wealth of resources for little minds 🧠✨

Wow! This is an incredible resource!!

>>> https://www.educatorstechnology.com/2022/07/a-handy-chart-featuring-over-30-ipad.html

I absolutely love this! Most adults have their own individual way of sitting but we expect children to be uniform. Let them be 💛

✏️ Focussed handwriting and fine motor skill practice this morning. We began with play dough, went on a sound hunt and ended on letter formation and tracing!
Why a super start to a Monday 🌟

Gorgeous local events for little ones this summer. 📚

The Hive is such a beautiful space in our city. A beautiful hum of whispers discovering new adventures in the pages of a book.

"Books make great gifts because they have whole world's inside them." - Neil Gaiman💡

We have lots going on throughout the summer holidays here at the Hive! 🧩🎞️🧻

Join us for weekly sessions of our Junk Modelling and Jigsaw Club, which are both free and drop-in.

We will also be showing a family-friendly film every Wednesday, and you can book your tickets here:
https://tinyurl.com/jaawp7z7

More children's events to be announced next week!

Meet them where they are 🌟

At Growing Minds, we support your children where they currently are in their learning journey instead of setting unfair and unrealistic expectations.

Happiness be 🐛

We have a lot to learn from our kids!

Let's make time for them to experience nature with all their senses.

🫧 Sensory room 🫧

Have you had the chance to visit the Worcester Warriors Foundation Sensory Room yet?

We had the absolute pleasure of treating some of our primary pupils to a play session there. A real hidden gem and the perk is, you book the venue for exclusive hire! It features:

✨LED and bubble lights
🧩An interactive projector
🎵A percussion wall
🔵Soft play blocks
🪀Sensory and fidget toys
🤸🏻‍♀️A mini trampoline
Plus, a speaker for you to play your own music.

Whether it's for a child with SEND or a group of friends with primary aged children who fancy a private play session - this place is a must!

🧠💡Hands-on learning in maths!

Exploring concepts with concrete resources are key for developing conceptual understanding in math. What are your favourite manipulatives?