Worry dolls are a beautiful idea that originated in South America. The classic way of using them, is children putting them under their pillow at night, to take their worries away. However, there are lots more ways of using them than that, and they are a fantastic tool for alleviating stress and anxiety in children. …
Peer massage is something growing in popularity in many schools around the world. This is fantastic news, as it is just what modern children need – a way of reducing stress, developing mindfulness, and also encouraging cooperation. First, what is peer massage? Peer massage is children massaging other children. It is done fully clothed and …
Learning about emotions or emotional literacy is incredibly important. Also, it takes a lot of time for most children. Structured games can really help this process, as well as talking about feelings a lot as the children are playing. The best 14 emotion games for preschoolers are: Children need to recognize emotions in others, and …
Partners games are exactly what they sound – a game that a child plays with a partner. Just two children can play them, or they can be played by a whole class split up into partners. Partners games can be really beneficial. They are so simple to do and break up any structured learning time …
Balloon games are fantastic for getting children to cooperate, get active and have fun. I have taught children between the ages of 3-5 for the last ten years, and I have used balloon games regularly to get children working as a team and communicating in an exciting context. The whole curriculum can be linked to …
You have probably noticed that some pre-schoolers are not averse to telling the odd lie now and then. Some seem to come out with outrageous fantasies, whilst others are just a bit reserved with the facts, or bend the truth slightly. But why does all this happen? Why do some pre-schoolers lie? Preschoolers lie for …
I have been using parachute games with children aged 3-5 over the last ten years. I have tried literally hundreds of games – some have not been so great. But amongst the hundreds have been some hidden gems! I am listing the forty best ones here! I have done the hard yards for you, and …
In the ten years that I have taught children aged 3-5, I have always found playdough to be probably the number one versatile resource. You can teach skills across the whole curriculum by using it, but it also has many emotional benefits as well. But what exactly are these? The emotional benefits of playdough include …
All children are passionately excited by bubbles! They create that kind of awe and wonder that is a beautiful thing to witness. They spark curiosity, generate talk, and get children moving, communicating and thinking. Of course blowing bubbles out of pots is one thing; bubble wands are great too! However, there are also a huge …
Eye contact is a skill that can be taught to some extent in all children through fun games and activities. Lots of parents and teachers worry when children don’t give them eye contact. It is easy to understand why. It is difficult to fully interact with others in life without making eye contact. Relationships and …