It is never too early to start reading with your child. Long before a baby is able to talk or is even seeming to take notice of what you are saying, they are still benefiting from being read to. Here’s how.

EducationSarah BillinghamOctober 21, 2019special needs, early years, SEND, inclusion, baby development, cognitive development, cognitive skills, learning skills, early learning, learning through play, language development, sensory play, reading, early literacy, reading with babyComment

Top 5 Toys for Early Turn Taking

Turn taking is a valuable skill which supports the development of early social interaction and communication skills. Developing an understanding of reciprocation through the exchange of two way communication is a vital foundation for shared attention and conversation skills later on.

EducationSarah BillinghamMay 7, 2019early literacy, numeracy, pre writing, bilateral skills, special needs, early years, fine motor, turn taking, communication, interaction, speech and languageComment

Pegs, Pegs, Pegs

Pegs are ideal for getting little hands working to develop fine motor skills. At first glance a pack of wooden pegs may not seem like to most exciting or eye-catching resource... think again. With a little imagination, a simple pack of wooden, pound shop pegs can become a tool for so many play tasks.

EducationSarah BillinghamApril 12, 2019early literacy, numeracy, pre writing, bilateral skills, special needs, early years, fine motor, role play

The Hidden Benefits of Playing with Playdough

Playdough is something many of us have in a cupboard at home or in the classroom. Loved by kids and loathed by any parent that has been faced with a ‘playdough embedded in carpet’ incident (I have met several house-proud parents that have banned playdough from the house entirely!) it is easily accessible, cheap to make or purchase and can be used creatively in such a huge variety of ways.

EducationSarah BillinghamApril 2, 2019fine mtor, early literacy, numeracy, pre writing, bilateral skills, tactile, proprioceptive, special needs, early years