Tag: sequences

Oh no, George!

~ bumps2bairns ~ Leave a comment

We all get things wrong sometimes, so today we have a story about a dog who really tries his best

But it just does not go his way. Cakes are so tasty, and mud such fun to dig!

It’s a lovely story to read along with your child and enjoy

While you do this, they will be learning words, how stories work, how to make predictions (science!) and how to have fun by sharing experiences

And you can have some interesting chats about when we are naughty and it is OK to do our best even if we get things wrong sometimes. (Clue – yes, it is)

Click here for the story and ideas for how to playDownload

Or if you just want the story, it is here, with thanks to the Book Trust

Let’s Move!

~ bumps2bairns

One of the things people worry about is whether children can sit still. So, how do we learn this? By moving about, of course! As children move, and gain more control, they become more able to focus and be still

But that’s not really that important. Feeling good in your body, feeling in control of it – these are the foundations for resilience, the sense that we can cope with things and can have a go at a challenge

Today is all about moving and laughing. There is counting too, as you have to jump a certain number of times. You’ll need to tailor this to your child as some will know more numbers than others. If your child is secure counting to 2, 3 or 4, then start there and see if you can built another number on.

Or if, like many young children, your child is not that secure with counting at all – then let them jump or kick along with you as you count for them.

If this just turns into random movement, don’t worry – this means your child is developing coordination and that’s what they need right now.

Click here for how to play!Download

Patterns everywhere

~ bumps2bairns

Have you ever thought about the huge variety of patterns that are part of our everyday lives? If not, today could be the day!

When children become aware of patterns, they are fascinated by them and will begin to see them in everything …

Understanding what makes a pattern helps children to learn things like rhythm and time, how to make predictions and many other skills they will use in daily life.  It even underlies learning about number and how to write a story.

Enjoy playing and talking together with your child today as you find patterns everywhere!

And remember, nature outside is full of patterns. Snowy or frosty days are great for pattern spotting but you need to be quick or they will disappear!

Click here for ideas to explore …Download

The Ugly Duckling

~ bumps2bairns

A story and a song today that can take you almost anywhere!

It is about finding out who we are and how we fit in. And about how we can cope when things go wrong, or people are unkind – about not giving up

Or it is about how we change as we grow and learn new things

Or about birds, wildlife and nature

Mainly it is a fun way to enjoy a story or singing a song together, and along the way your child will learn lots about words and sequences too

Click here for the story and ways to take it furtherDownload

Hairy Maclary

~ bumps2bairns

A story today that will make us laugh, while stretching our memories and showing us how stories and sequences fit together

All poor Hairy Maclary and his friends want to do is explore the town

But they get a terrible fright …

You can listen to and read the story with your child using the link below – and then see how your own explorations go! A chance as well to talk about friends, the things that might scare us, and how we can all be safe together

Click here for the story and play ideas!Download

Story sticks

~ bumps2bairns

Today you’re going to find out what a good imagination your child has – and you too! 

As you know, children love listening to and making up stories and they can do both in today’s activity, using only a few interesting everyday items they choose from around the house or garden.

Attaching their items to the sticks will certainly help to develop your child’s fine motor skills as it’s quite tricky! 

Talking with you about the different items and describing them together is a great way to grow their vocabulary and ideas too. Then they can start to create their own stories with your help. This will help with ideas of sequence and develop memory too!

It’s also great fun to make up silly nonsense stories! 😊

Click here for ideas how to playDownload

Fruit Kebabs!

~ bumps2bairns

A nice, colourful fruit kebab is refreshing and fun to make with your child, especially during warm weather. 

It can sometimes be tricky to get children to taste new fruits and this is a great way of helping them to have a wee try whilst having fun. 

At the same time, they will be learning vocabulary about colours, food, about before/after, big/small – and practising finger skills that are great for pre-writing, as well as learning about patterns and sorting

Click here for ideas how to take it furtherDownload

If you don’t have fruit at home right now, then there are some fun online games about food and cooking here

Sharing our Stories

~ bumps2bairns

Every family has its ups and downs, but most have some happy or funny stories that children love to hear

Today is all about helping your child learn about the past, to practise asking questions. They will learn about how stories work too, and develop their understanding of sequences – great for later literacy and maths

But it is really all about feeling close and safe and cosy together. All you need are a few photos – about you, the family, your child when they were smaller – anything you’d like to tell your child about

This is a great thing to try during video chat with grandparents, family, friends – anyone your child might be missing who can show them a photo from the past and tell them about it

Or, make a photo diary of the day with your child to tell everyone about later!

Click here for ideas how to play!Download

Oh no, George!

~ bumps2bairns ~ Leave a comment

Today we have a story about a dog who really tries his best

But it just does not go his way. Cakes are so tasty, and mud such fun to dig!

It’s a lovely story to read along with your child and enjoy

While you do this, they will be learning words, how stories work, how to make predictions (science!) and how to have fun by sharing experiences

And you can have some interesting chats about when we are naughty and it is OK to do our best even if we get things wrong sometimes. (Clue – yes, it is)

Click here for the story and ideas for how to playDownload

Or if you just want the story, it is here, with thanks to the Book Trust