Communication skills are paramount for both adults and children but there is more to communication than just learning to talk. Listening, interpreting verbal and non-verbal signals, writing, drawing and increasingly email, text and twitter are all forms of communication. Whilst some children can communicate confidently from an early age, others find it difficult to make…
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September 30, 2013
Learning a foreign language has many benefits both socially and academically. Learning a second language can be very rewarding which is great for self-confidence, and also and enhances listening, reading and writing life skills. Children who learn a second language tend to have a better understanding of the world and of other cultures. They also have a…
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September 28, 2013
A letter to the Telegraph this week called upon the government to postpone the start of formal education until the age of 6. Parent’s aren’t legally required to send children to school until the term after their 5th birthday but many children start reception at the age of 4 and some nurseries market themselves to…
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September 14, 2013
Fine motor skills are the small pincer (finger) movements required to successfully manipulate objects. Fine motor skills can be broken into three smaller components: Grasping: using pencils, brush, pens, sticks. Manipulating: playdough, scissors, finger play and sewing. Hand-eye-coordination: writing, threading , moving a mouse on a computer. Encourage children to engage in the following fun…
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September 14, 2013
We’re thrilled to kick off our first birthday celebrations by announcing that ToyCraft of Chester is our first Good Toy Guide Retailer of the Month. A lovely, family-run business that puts children’s play at the heart of their work, Bev and the team have created a toy shop with a traditional feel and lots of…
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September 9, 2013