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As we enjoy the long, warm days of summer, there has never been a better time to get outdoors and breathe in the fresh air.  Getting a chance to explore nature is not only a brilliant opportunity teaching children to get comfortable with the world around them, but spending time in nature has been proven to have significant emotional and psychological benefits for children and young people.

• They can express themselves

The increased space means that children outside have the freedom to move, run, jump, climb and explore to their heart’s content – not to mention making as much noise as they please! Not only is this great exercise, but it can also help children to work off any excess energy they may have. If left unchecked, this has a tendency to emerge as irritability or anxiety.

In having the freedom to yell, sing, roll and play, children are able to truly let their imaginations run wild, and this can lead to some fascinating self-reflection and discovery. They may reveal facts and ideas which surprise you, and take the chance to try out new roles and challenges.

• They learn empathy

Helping your child learn to care for the natural world is crucial for building empathy and understanding. Children will understand their place in the bigger picture, and see themselves as part of a holistic system, which we all need to care for. From making sure litter is collected to planting a seed, watching a tree grow to raising a brood of tadpoles, spending time in nature allows children to develop respect and empathy for the world around them – qualities which will follow them into adulthood and beyond.

• They can focus on the details

As well as having plenty of space to run and yell, the natural world can also be invaluable at encouraging children to slow down and take in the details. Encourage them to spend time watching a ladybird crawl across her leaf, or a bird making her way to and from the nest. Take time to really sit and explore a single leaf, experimenting with colours and textures, or watch the sunlight move across the surface of a water. This can be perfect for helping children to relax, and to practice mindfulness in their everyday lives.

• They can ask questions

The natural world is full of wonders – perfect for an inquisitive and developing mind! Encourage your child to explore the world around them, question the things they don’t know, and learn how to conduct their own research, experiments and investigations. Over time, a questioning, curious mindset will become second nature, and this is a crucial skill which will serve them for the rest of their lives.

Painting and art are great ways to boost your child’s imagination, and allow them to have fun and explore their creativity – and you don’t have to break the bank to help them do it! The bubble painting game is the perfect way to have a lot of fun, make a little mess, and allow your child’s imagination to really run wild.

What Will You Need

To create your first bubble picture, you will need the following:

• A bubble mixture – you can use a commercial mix from the shop, or make your own with washing up liquid mixed with a splash of water.
• Food colouring – the brighter the better!
• Bubble wands – you could also use straws, a sieve or a strainer with small holes
• A few small cups or pots to dip your wand or straw into and hold the ‘paint’ – you will need one for each colour
• Some plain scrap paper – try different colours!

What Do You Do

• If you are not using a pre-mixed bubble solution, start by squeezing some washing up liquid into a bowl, and adding just a drop of water. Increase the water until you have the bubbles you want.
• Once the bubble solution is ready to go, tip a little into several pots – one for each colour you plan to use.
• Add a few drops of food colouring to each pot, and mix so that your bubbles are bright and colourful!
• Place some paper on the surface you are working on
• Dip your wand or instrument into the pot, and blow gently onto the paper – the holes of the wand will create stunning bubble shapes!
• Repeat as desired until you have the pattern you want!

Alternative

• For an alternative challenge, you can take smaller strips of paper and place them directly over the bubbles themselves – this will introduce new shapes, textures and patterns to explore!

This is a great activity for really allowing your child to be creative and have fun, and can also be a useful tool to learn about colours, textures and shapes.  You can also help your child to be more independent, depending on their age, by asking for their help in setting up and clearing away the activity.

SEN Adaptation

If your child has additional needs, they can also get used to working with paints and having fun with colour without too much mess. The bubbles also create a fun way for them to explore textures and surfaces in a fun, stress-free way!

As you have no doubt heard, a debate has been raging up and down the country, and it centres on face coverings.

Getting children used to the idea of face covering can be a challenge, especially if your child is anxious or has additional needs and requirements. To help, we have put together some top tips for making the chance easier, and helping to reduce anxiety and fear around face coverings.

As a note, it is important to state that there are exemptions to the rules, and you should check the Government guidance to see if this is applicable. If your child is unable to wear a mask, would suffer distress as a result of wearing one, or has breathing problems or other conditions, they may not be required to cover their face. Always check the most up-to-date advice to be totally clued up. Children under the age of three should not wear a face covering, and the rule is not mandatory for those under eleven.

To help your child make the transition, why not try one of the following tips?

• Let them choose their patterns

With so much choice around, your child can have total control over the colour, pattern and design of their covering, and this can really help to reduce anxiety. It offers a choice, and can make the experience less regimented and frightening for some children.

• Give them a chance to practice

It is best to try out a new face covering in a familiar, relaxed environment – not when you are trying to dash around the supermarket. Make sure that your child has a chance to practice putting on their covering, and that they have a chance to get used to the feeling. Some children may feel panicky or anxious, so it can be helpful to try and build up their tolerance over time. Do remember that some children, however, simply will not be able to tolerate having their face covered, and this is accepted within the official advice.

• Lead by example

Our children imitate a huge amount of behaviour from parents or carers, and so modelling positive behaviour is important. If you make the covering a big, scary deal, your child will follow your example. By keeping things calm, casual and easy, you will reduce anxiety, and help your child feel more secure and in control.

• Teach them how it helps

The basic premise behind wearing a face covering is to help protect those around you, and understanding this can increase a chikds willingness to try. Depending on their age, it can be helpful for them to understand, in an age appropriate way, why people are wearing coverings, and how they can do their part to help.

• Be kind

Always remember that the rules for children are slightly different, and you may have to weigh up the distress caused by a covering against the potential benefits – especially if your child has autism or other sensory issues. Make sure that they know it is ok if they simply cannot tolerate it, and that there are plenty of other ways they can stay safe, and protect their loved ones, such as washing their hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.

This can also be a great opportunity to practice empathy, and help your child to understand hidden disabilities and illnesses. You can help them to be understanding of those around them, and to understand that we all have our own challenges and individual circumstances. Some of the people they see will not be wearing masks, and this can be a valuable teaching moment to help children to develop tolerance, respect and an understanding of individual circumstances.

What do ships, plastic bottles and sponges all have in common? They all float if you put them on the water! Other items such as keys, an anchor or an orange, with the peel taken off, will sink if you place them in a bowl of water, or on the surface of a lake.

Have you ever wondered why that is?

The answer revolves around something called density.

The first thing you need to understand is that every single thing in the world is made up of teeny, tiny particles, called molecules. These are so small that you cannot see them with your eyes; scientists have to use powerful tools such as microscopes if they want to see molecules up close!

These molecules make up each and everything on the planet – including you!

In some objects, such as your kitchen table, the molecules are jam-packed very close together. Imagine if you were taking the Tube, or in a busy, crowded classroom with lots of other children, all standing very close together and holding hands.

These items have a higher density.

In some other objects, such as water, the molecules are more relaxed. They stand further apart, with plenty of space between them. Imagine when you are getting into a space for PE or exercise, and you swing your arms around to make sure you aren’t too close. That’s what the molecules look like in objects like water or orange juice.

These items have a lower density.

Lets Recap!

It might seem confusing, but basically: some molecules stand super close together, and others are further apart. The distance between them tells us what kind of object they make – is it hard or soft? It also decides the density of the object – this is important in working out if it will sink or float.

Remember: you can’t actually see the molecules, only the object they make! They are invisible to you.

So Why Do Some Things Sink?

Ok, but this doesn’t explain why some things sink, and some things float!

It all comes down to the Gravity – this is the force which keeps us on the Earth and stops us whizzing off into outer space like astronauts. Imagine that you had strings tied to the bottom of your shoes, and someone under the ground was pulling you downwards. Now imagine if that person was sitting right in the centre of the Earth, pulling you downwards! We can give that person a name: Gravity.

There is one other character we need to meet before we understand sinking and floating: Buyoyncy. It is a tricky word for a simple idea: Buoyancy is the opposite of Gravity.

While Gravity is trying to push you down, Buoyancy is trying to push you back up at the same time! This is how things float.

Now…time to try out the experiment in the Creative Garden: can you make your boat float?

This week includes a very special event: Cultural Diversity Day! This is an amazing opportunity to celebrate the range of cultures and people who make up our world, and to learn more it. Get ready to discover plenty of amazing festivals, foods, fashion, flags, folk songs and so much more!

Cultural Diversity Day falls on Thursday, and it is the perfect chance to throw your very own festival! Read on for the ultimate guide, and make sure that you are ready to embrace cultures from around the world!

What Will I Need?
As with any party, there is prep to be done before you have fun! You will need to prepare the following items. Make sure you head over to the site for your resources – we have everything you need for the perfect party!

• Decorations – why not colour some of the flags from around the world, or create your own masks to wear and decorate your home?
• Food – enjoy some delicious recipes from all around the world!
• Games – make sure you have plenty of games to enjoy!
• Music – from Samba to traditional Caribbean festival tunes, turn up the volume and enjoy some unique party music!

Get Planning!
While you are planning your party, why not take the chance to research some of the amazing festivals which are celebrated all around the world?

Check out our guide for ideas and suggestions, and get inspired!

Have Fun!
Use this week to plan your perfect party, and kick off Cultural Diversity Day with a riot of colour, a host of tasty dishes, great games, and some amazing music from around the world!

As you will know from watching Zayn and Zayna’s adventures, Zayna often receives help and guidance from Nanee’s special book.

Many people all around the world have a similar book, but there are different names, ideas and beliefs in countries across the globe. Though these beliefs may be different, they do all share a common goal: to improve the world by loving each other, and helping each other out as much as we can.

There are six main belief systems, known as ‘World Religions.’ These are:

● Christianity
● Islam
● Buddhism
● Hinduism
● Judaism
● Sikhism

In some countries, people practice and believe different things outside of these – perhaps you know somebody with a different faith or religion!

All of these main World Religions have different practices, traditions, precious books and beliefs, but they also have a lot in common: their followers all believe in being kind, respectful and tolerant, and helping people out wherever possible.

Many will have their very own precious book – just like Nanee. This can give them advice and guidance, help them when they are unsure, and contains stories and tales which can help the reader to understand the world.

Check out our ‘World Religions’ cards to learn more about all the different beliefs, and try to see how many different religions and beliefs there are around you!

What better way to interest children in eating fruit and vegetables, than helping them to grow their own! Hands-on food education will give your little ones a sense of the work that goes into successfully growing the products they eat.

What better way to interest children in eating fruit and vegetables, than helping them to grow their own! Hands-on food education will give your little ones a sense of the work that goes into successfully growing the products they eat.They’ll learn about the importance of water, soil, sun and shade, as well as the patience and faith they’ll need to see the process through to the end. When they finally eat their own produce, they’ll have a real sense of achievement.  You don’t need a garden to get involved. A container on the window sill will do the same job!A Michigan State University study also found that gardening with young children can help their development. Physically, it can improve their body management skills and, as they’ll be dealing with small handheld objects, such as trowels, spades and the seeds themselves, their motor skills should also get a boost.

 

Your child’s cognitive development will be addressed too. From the moment you show your child the seeds they’ll be planting, to the point where you help them manage their expectations of how the seeds will grow, your little one will be analysing information and predicting outcomes.

Perhaps above all, gardening will help develop your kids’ sensory stimulation. Touching the textures of soil and water, feasting their eyes on the bright colours, and smelling the plants and flowers will all contribute to giving your children a rich and varied experience. Of course, then comes the tasting! It’s a bonding experience between parent and child that provides valuable knowledge and a whole heap of fun!

Here are our top tips for engaging your children in growing their own food:

1. Seeds are a better starting point than plugs, because your child will see the whole process of plant growth. There’s no mystery over the origins of the sprouting plant. But choose the seeds carefully to provide interest. Why not give your child the choice of deciding what you grow? Fast-growing produce will give gratification quicker!
2. Give your child responsibility for their actions by allocating a container to them. This will give them a sense of ownership over the task. Start small to keep it manageable and direct the child’s focus toward just one or two containers.
3. Set them up for success by giving them good quality soil in a sunny area. If you’re also vigilant during the growing period, you’ll ensure the plant doesn’t get eaten by slugs, or bugs.
4. Make sure your child is invested in the activity by explaining what you’re doing, and why, at every step of the planting process. Knowing the context of what you’re doing will help them understand the importance of it, as well as what they can expect to happen. If they know that they playing a part in contributing towards the family meal, they are more likely to make the effort to get it right.
5. Equip your child with the right size tools. Buying inexpensive child-specific tools will show that your child’s role in providing food is important and it will make the activity easier for small hands.
6. Both when the food is growing and picked, make sure you share photos of the project with family members, so your child can feel proud of their achievements.

It is a major buzzword right now, but mindfulness is more than a mere fad. When used correctly, it has the potential to transform your life and way of thinking, helping you to develop more positive, practical strategiesfor managing difficult times.

 

These advantages can also apply to children, and there are a host of benefits for your child if they can get into the habit of practicing mindfulness from a young age,

 

What Is Mindfulness?

At the most basic level, mindfulness refers to a technique which emphasises paying attention to the present moment, without judgement, and with full acceptance of what is right in that moment.

 

Why Does It Matter?

Practicing mindfulness, and making it part of daily life, can have a huge number of advantages for your family, including:

• Helping children to better recognise and understand their emotions
• Helps your child to develop a real sense of gratitude and appreciation
• Reduces everyday stress and anxiety
• Boots self esteem

What Can We Do?

There are a number of ways to bring mindfulnes into your home, and make it part of your daily routine. Here are some popular activities you can enjoy with your child, and help to build positivity, acceptance and presence into your everyday lives.

• Just STOP

STOP is a brilliant 4-part technique which can be perfect if you find yourself feeling ungrounded or anxious in a particular moment.

Stop – take a pause from whatever you are doing.

Take a breath. Feel the sensation of the breath flowing in and out of your body

Observe. Acknowledge what is happening, whether good or bad. Do not react or act, merely observe.

Proceed. Once you have checked in with the present moment, move on with what you were doing.

This can be a great technique if your child is feeling worried or anxious, or unable to control or express their emotions.

• Listen!

Bang a pan with a spoon or object, and ask your child to tell you when they no longer hear the sound ‘hanging’ in the air.

• The Feeling of Art

Use several different tools and utensils to make marks on paper, and consider how they all feel. How does the feeling affect the type of art you make?

• Be thankful

Take gratitude to the max by taking it in turns to list all of the things you are thankful for, one at a time. This can be a great activity for first thing in the morning or last thing at night.

• Buddy Breathing

Help your child to recognise and acknowledge their breath. Invite them to choose your favourite toy or stuffed animal, and place it on their tummy. Together, breathe in through the nose, and out through the mouth for a few cycles.

• Positive Affirmations

Together, come up with a few positive affirmations, and write these out. You can then decorate the paper to be bright and colourful! Some great examples include:

• All of my problems can be fixed
• I forgive myself for my mistakes
• There is no-one better to be than myself
• I have done my best

 

Be creative!

 

• Tall as a Tree

Get your child to stand with their feet hip width apart. Take a deep breath in, and raise your arms up at your side to meet above your head as you do so. As you exhale, drop your arms back down to your sides, stretching your fingers and taking up space. Stay like this for a few breaths. This is great if your child needs to feel rooted and secure, or to build confidence and power.

 

Today is April 22nd, also known as Earth Day! Now is your chance to help do your bit and celebrate our beautiful planet.

What Is Earth Day?

Earth Day is a specific Day which is designed to help us express our appreciation of the Earth, and raise our awareness of the issues and problems which threaten to harm it. It is marked by over a billion people all across the world, and is an amazing chance to think about the ways in which we can all do our bit for the planet.How Did It Start?

2020 is actually the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, so it is an extra special occasion! The idea started in 1970, when an American senator named Gaylord Nelson became concerned about the state of the environment in the USA. In 1969, a massive oil spill in California devastated local wildlife and ecosystems, and Senator Nelson was determined to make a change.

He organised a ‘teach-in’ on university campuses across the country, and picked April 22nd as it was a weekday, so plenty of students would be in school. He and Denis Hayes, an environmental activist, worked to organise and promote events raising awareness of the importance of caring for our planet, and the threats to the environment. The idea caught fire, and Earth Day was born.

What Are The Impacts?

As well as becoming a major national event each year, the Earth Day of 1970 is also credited with helping to pass key legislation such as the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act – all very important for helping to keep our planet safe.

How Can I Participate?

There are plenty of ways you can take part in Earth Day, but the most important is to be aware. Make sure that you know different ways to care for and protect our planet, such as:

• Reduce your consumption of single-use plastics – take your own bag to the supermarket
• Minimise your carbon footprint; try to walk instead of drive where possible
• Shop locally to support local businesses and reduce the pollution which comes with food production
  
• Respect the rules of the countryside – only walk on designated footpaths, close gates, and never disturb nesting birds
• Try going plant-based for one meal a week
• Raise awareness with your friends to help others protect the Earth
• Try growing your own fruits and vegetables – you can even use scraps from a meal you have already enjoyed!

We all have a responsibility to protect our planet, so let’s make the most of Earth Day!