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Writing development continues to be one of the most challenging areas for early years educators to address, particularly as we approach end-of-year assessments. The conflict between developmental readiness and curriculum expectations creates a tension that can be difficult to navigate. But what if the solution isn't more formal writing sessions, but rather creating more compelling reasons for children to write?

We dive deep into the realities of writing in reception classrooms, examining what the Early Learning Goals actually require and sharing exemplars that demonstrate the true expectations. Contrary to common misconceptions, the evidence suggests children need to be writing simple phrases that can be read by others, with most letters correctly formed – not producing complex sentences with perfect punctuation.

Our exploration of effective practice reveals that strategic provision makes all the difference. From "grab boxes" of mark-making tools positioned throughout the classroom to purposeful contexts like sign-up sheets and message centers, we unpack practical ways to embed writing opportunities that children genuinely want to engage with. These approaches honor children's play while simultaneously developing crucial skills.

Greg Bottrill's Drawing Club emerges as a particularly powerful methodology, offering a playful framework that incorporates rich vocabulary, mathematical concepts, and phonics learning through imaginative drawing and storytelling. Similarly, story scribing approaches validate children's language while modeling writing for authentic purposes. Both methodologies share a crucial element – they're fun, and children don't perceive them as "work."

Whether you're struggling with reluctant writers or simply looking to enhance your provision, this episode offers practical strategies that maintain a child-led approach while addressing curriculum requirements. By shifting our perspective from "teaching writing" to "creating writers," we can transform how children engage with mark-making and help them discover the joy and power of written communication.

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Summer term brings a unique whirlwind of activity for Early Years educators—a constant mental hum that simply doesn't stop. Between writing dozens of reports, finalising assessment data, creating balanced class lists, and managing transitions, it truly exemplifies what Sarah and Steph call "teacher tired." 

This episode dives deep into the complex world of transitions in Early Years settings, exploring both the philosophical approaches and practical strategies that make this period successful for children. The hosts share their school's staggered start approach for incoming nursery and reception children, explaining how reducing numbers initially allows for deeper relationship-building with both children and parents. Though acknowledging this creates childcare challenges for working parents, they emphasise how this careful introduction benefits children's emotional wellbeing.

A powerful philosophy emerges throughout their discussion: rather than making children "school ready," schools should be "child ready." This perspective shift places responsibility on educational settings to adapt to children's developmental needs instead of forcing children to fit educational systems prematurely. The hosts share practical ways they implement this philosophy, including gradual introduction to Year 1 expectations, multiple classroom visits, and addressing specific anxiety triggers like unfamiliar bathrooms or hand dryers.

If you're navigating the chaos of summer term transitions, this episode offers both validation and practical guidance. From managing parent expectations around class placements to ensuring vital information travels with children to their next teacher, Sarah and Steph provide a roadmap for creating transitions that prioritise children's emotional wellbeing while meeting educational requirements. Their mindful moment reminds us that amid the overwhelming demands of this season, self-care through movement might be just what we need to maintain our mental health.

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Unlock the secrets of the Montessori method with our heartfelt exploration into the life and legacy of Maria Montessori. This episode promises a journey through her revolutionary approach to education, born from a blend of engineering, psychiatry, and keen observation. We delve into her story, the challenges she overcame, and how her vision continues to influence educators worldwide. Together, we'll uncover practical applications of the Montessori principles that can breathe new life into today’s classrooms.

Step into the serene world of Montessori learning environments and discover what makes them so unique. We compare and contrast these carefully crafted spaces with traditional educational models, discussing everything from child-sized furniture to the iconic Montessori materials like the pink tower and sandpaper letters. We'll share insights on the importance of hands-on learning, the incorporation of nature, and how Montessori's methods help shape young minds to better understand mathematical concepts and develop cultural awareness.

Finally, we tackle the big questions about integrating Montessori strategies into modern education. How can we maintain the integrity of Montessori’s vision while embracing technology and creativity? We explore strategies for adaptation, from personalized learning activities to conflict resolution corners, providing a fresh take on balancing tradition with contemporary educational needs. So, join us to see how Montessori's timeless practices can be tailored to benefit today's learners in diverse settings.

Sources

 Sunshine Teacher Training on youtube Sources https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ktR43Z9UcU

The montessori Baby, Toddler and Child books by Simmone Davis and Junnifa Uzodike 

American Montessori Society website https://amshq.org/ 

Happa family- youtube account https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDs6BiaaXKiPy28wNpyUpoQ 

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We're back, after a short hiatus  and we are talking about all things World Book Day. We're reigniting the true spirit of World Book Day, with tales of past shenanigans and a vision for a celebration that truly honors the joy of reading through child centred activities and continuous provision. 

Remember when dressing up for World Book Day felt like stepping into the pages of your favorite story? We're taking you on a stroll down that costume-clad memory lane, reliving the laughter and the literary love that's grown a bit too commercial. 

 We won't forget to sprinkle in the tranquility of mindfulness with a mindful moment, sharing a personal token of appreciation that reminds us all to savor the quiet moments amid life’s bustling chapters.

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Are you ready to ditch the Elf on the Shelf and shake up your in-class Christmas celebrations? In our latest episode, we share the ups and the downs of creating festive magic in schools. From nativity play mishaps to the pressures of crafting unforgettable memories for the kids, we've been there, done that, and we're sharing it all with you. As a cherry on top, we celebrate our recent download milestone and extend our gratitude to you, our esteemed listeners.

We are hanging up our elf hats this year and exploring a skills-based approach to Christmas. We'll reveal why we've decided to steer clear of using Santa and his elves to manage children's behavior and how we're focusing on fostering meaningful skill development during festive activities. We've also packed our electronic guide with alternative Christmas activities designed with skill-building in mind. And amidst all the festive cheer, we are mindful of varying celebrations and circumstances, offering ideas to bring joy into scenarios where children may not be eagerly anticipating the holiday season at home.

The holiday season can be a tough time for many, and we haven't shied away from this reality. We open up about our own pre-Christmas blues and share our tried and tested strategies to navigate this period. Whether it's utilising meditation apps or visualizing happier times, we hope our tips can offer some solace. As we look forward to 2024, we share our exciting plans including new guests, more content and expanded support for the early years industry. Through your feedback and continuous engagement, we aim to create a nurturing community that supports one another through the highs and lows of festive seasons. Here's to a happier, more nurturing Christmas and New Year!

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Moving forward from our last episode, We take a deep dive into routines, looking at specific transition points of the day from carpet time to home time. We give tips and advisee guaranteed to revolutionise your classroom management approach. 
Learn from us as we discuss the power of mantras during tidy-up time, and how maintaining a calm demeanor can create a tranquil environment for the children. We reveal the magic of visual timetables and strategies that can support  learners who struggle with transitions. Rounding off the episode, we stress the importance of keeping everything in its designated place and children having responsibility. 
We finish off with a mindful moment of looking at how we use Hygge at home. 
Tune in and take your teaching craft to the next level.

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How do we ensure children in their early years thrive in a structured environment? Join Sarah and  Steph as we navigate the importance of routines in early years settings. We'll reveal how these routines not only help children but also support adults. We dive into our personal anecdotes about how routines have been our saviour in tough situations like the end of the half term and school photos. There's a lot to consider when creating a routine, from the needs of the year group to staff collaboration - and we're here to help you figure it out!

 We highlight the value of a soft start to the day, how to conduct skill-based sessions, and the art of managing transitions. We also emphasise the power of repetition and perseverance. But there's more! We'll discuss staff modelling, the use of sign language, and a friendly debate around snack time. Hear our insights on how snack time can be utilised as a tool for building maths skills, especially for children with SEN. We promise you, it's not just about the snacks! As we wrap up, you'll get a sneak peek into our next chapter focused on mindful moments. So, tune in and let's get routine-wise together.

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Are you ready for a fresh perspective on early years education? We guarantee that this eye-opening conversation with Sarah, Kealey and  Steph filled with personal stories and insights, will change the way you view the significance of early childhood teaching. We kick things off by debunking common misconceptions about early years education and examining the unique challenges that come with settling young children into school.

Then, we delve into the psychology of attachment, revealing the secret to forging a secure bond between children and their caregivers. We share practical tips and resources, like the red books and the Invisible String book, by Patrice Karst, that can ease the transition into a different year group. 
We conclude by expressing our enthusiasm for the upcoming school term, emphasizing the significance of routines and building relationships with children and families.

References
Book: The invisible string by Patrice Karst
App: Balance

We have not be paid or benefit in any way by promoting the book or app. 

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Frustrated with the pressure to create Pinterest-worthy learning environments on a shoestring budget? Overwhelmed by the onslaught of Insta-perfect classrooms that make your setting feel inadequate? Join us as we vent about the unrealistic standards set by social media, and how this constant comparison affects our work in the early learning profession. This episode is a judgment-free zone where we champion authenticity over aesthetics and share how you can make the most of what you've got, even if it's not picture perfect.

We delve into the practical side of things too, discussing how to maximize the use of classroom furniture for accessibility and functionality, and how you can find or repurpose inexpensive resources for engaging learning areas. Are you short on space? We've got solutions for that too, with tips on using wheels and pack and plays to navigate limited room. We also discuss the power of labelling and the innovative use of shadowing to help keep things tidy. Towards the end we share a mindful moment about the power of mantras. So take a deep breath, let go of the unrealistic expectations, and join us for a candid conversation about what truly matters in early learning.

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Hey,  Welcome back to a new school year! We look forward to sharing our experiences and wisdom with you all.
 As with all back to school staff meetings we start off with a cringy ice breaker. We are comparing ourselves to our favorite chocolate bars, and then delve into our podcast's exciting plans for the year in light of our recent staff updates. We'd love for you to hop onto this fun train and tell us what chocolate bar represents you best on Instagram!

Moving forward, we unpack the art of setting up classrooms that foster creativity and independence among children. We discuss the significance of loose parts in classrooms and how teaching children their use and clean-up can be transformative. We also delve into how social media influences our perspective towards organizing learning spaces and how 'layering provision' can be a game-changer in identifying classroom needs. We wrap up this segment by discussing the power of keen observation and how it can enhance the learning process for children.

Lastly, we acknowledge the elephant in the room for many educators – work-life balance. We share our personal stories and strategies for switching off, nurturing hobbies like gardening and accomplishing a digital detox. We even dabble in the fun part - our exciting engagement with listeners on TikTok. So, join us in exploring ways to create engaging learning environments, allowing children the freedom to explore, and striking that elusive work-life balance. 

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