I am Tess, an Ofsted Registered Outstanding Child minder based in the heart of Cornwall, UK.
I have been child minding from my small semi detached house for a little over 25 years.
I have always believed in child led activities and the freedom of children to think for themselves and not be told how to play.
I do plan open ended activities to stretch the children a little and help them learn new skills, but it is up to them whether they play with the activity or something else. I observe their play and may then introduce some conversation and mathematical language as I play alongside them, making sure not to interrupt their train of thought or imagination. If a group are playing together well I may just stand back and watch.
I do plan open ended activities to stretch the children a little and help them learn new skills, but it is up to them whether they play with the activity or something else. I observe their play and may then introduce some conversation and mathematical language as I play alongside them, making sure not to interrupt their train of thought or imagination. If a group are playing together well I may just stand back and watch.
I have introduced sensory boxes into my setting to spark imagination and fascination, to encourage the children to use their senses, and to develop language around this, and want to share one with you.
My sensory box is based around Christmas.
Colour theme is red and green, and it covers sight, sound touch and smell.
It has pompoms, pine cones, really large sequin snowflakes, sparkly pine cleaners, very large buttons,a home made gingerbread man, soft santa figures, Christmas baubles, jingle bells - tied together for sound and a small bag of cloves (muslin sealed) for smell.
The children used the box in many ways, there was lots of turn taking, conversation, maths and using their senses to explore, as well as a lot of imagination.
So why not have a go, and if your setting is like mine based in your house go for things that are easy to clear up at the end of the day, and enjoy the experience.
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I love making little sensory boxes. Our Christmas one has spent most of its time spread out all over the playroom but I love the watching the little ones coming up with different ways of playing with the bits and expanding their imaginations. I love the idea of including smell in the box as well. Thanks for sharing.
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