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This difficult time really makes us reconsider the actual purpose of education. It just shows that at the end of the day we shouldn’t be just preparing for a test that may never happen. This is the test for this generation.

Child led learning is our way of not teaching something just for Ofsted but a way to build problem solvers, support those who wonder and chase the impossible and it gives them a sense of empowerment. Allowing our children to not just survive but be extraordinary  in any situation.

At this time of uncertainty it's easy to see feelings of anxiety and fear creep in and start to take over. I want to help you take action today to feel more positive. 

Here are my top tips;

1. Gain control in the situation as best as you can.

Get to grips with whats making you worried and think about what you can control right now to help. If it’s the children being at home for the next few weeks then something you can control is planning how you days will look. Why not download my free daily planning guide for home where I share an example of a daily schedule. 

2. Have a routine
   

We know that the brain thrives on routine, repetition and predictability. If you can't carry on with your normal daily routine during this time create a new rhythm. If you're educating your children at home during this time create a visual board showing the order of the day. 

3. Emotional and physical support

Mediate, stretch, do yoga or follow a  HIIT workout from you tube in your living room. Adding...

"I've had a rubbish day"
"You won't believe how I was treated today..."
"I've had enough of working there now."
"As if I have to stay till 6pm for that meeting tonight on wellbeing."
"She told me that my practice makes up the filling of the s**t sandwich in this school!" (Yep this one really was said by a headteacher...)
"I'm dreading work tomorrow"
"I actually can't face being there anymore- I've had enough"

🌱 Igniting Curiosity Outdoors 🌱

I’m currently working with an early years setting on transforming their outdoor area to maximise levels of intrigue, curiosity and engagement.

The area currently has many resources that are duplicated from inside like sand and water trays. Some of the areas are quite over stimulating with brightly coloured laminated signs and posters. Asking for instance if the bucket is full? When really this comes from high quality interaction with an adult and children often see these types of signs as wallpaper. 

The area is mainly concrete and we are working at bringing in more nature. Allowing children to have the opportunities to freely explore and have ideas yet also learn to self manage risk. 

I thought it might be useful to share our ideas and some of the inspiration from our discussions. 

-Constructing raised beds where children can grow their own plants, fruit and vegetables. 

-Zoning off a large beach area for sand play. Where children can work barefoo...

28th February 2020

Are you ready for International Hygge Day? 

Around the world Early Educators will be taking inspiration on Hygge and doing lots of cosy activities for themselves and children and sharing them using my #hyggeintheearlyyears

Why not have a coffee and cake break in the afternoon, wear your comfy clothes to work or have a family story time event?

If you're look for some ideas or inspiration then why not download my free guide here

This week on our Hygge blog we're joining my our members Sarah and Carly. The home based childcare team and recently completed the Hygge in the Early Years Accreditation. 

"My journey on the Hygge Accreditation has been life changing. Yes, I know it sounds corny but honestly it changed every except of my life.

This February I’ve been a childminder for 16 years and the changes and support childminders get has virtually disappeared. Training is now left to us to source as well as the cost. With no support from our local authority we collect a lot of information from support groups like early years teachers, childcare groups and other settings on social media. One night I stumbled upon the Hygge Accreditation and Kimberly and I was hooked.  I soon signed up and honestly, I have never in my life been so enthusiastic to do any kind of training and learning. The Hygge Accreditation is perfectly put together and so easy to understand with a wealth of teachers with knowledge in the early yea...

What is the real point in working harder and living less? Why have all the money but lack in happiness?

Take a step back and consider what means the most to you.

1. Working every hour of the day, chasing the next promotion, having ‘things’ but lacking in moments.

In this weeks blog post hear from my lovely member Karolina on how she felt before she started on the Hygge in the Early Years Accreditation™️ (find out more here!) and how it's changed all aspects of her life for better!

When I started developing my childcare setting I had no knowledge about Early Years at all. I struggled every day by getting stressed and my mind was racing which stopped me from enjoying running the setting, as I was working on my own I didn’t have anyone to speak to reflect on my practice and continuously thought that I am not doing enough. However, I was very passionate about teaching children independence through real life play situations using natural toys and equipment.  I very much struggled to understand how to observe children, plan in accordance of children’s interests and next steps. In general, I needed help with everything.  When I came across Hygge course I knew that this was exactly what I needed to help me reach consistency, harmony and good, stres...

"How do you resource your provision Laura?," I asked.

"Basically anything that children can't do at home I do here." Laura- Stone Hen Childcare

This is how the learning happens and Laura brings in the teaching around risk, the curiosity and enchantment. 

Find out more about Laura's practice here https://www.facebook.com/stonehenchildcare/