How Movement Helps Children Learn to Read
When we think about reading, it’s easy to picture a child sitting quietly with a book, turning pages and focusing intently. For some children, this works well, but for many others, the expectation to sit still can actually make reading
Why Children Need Outdoor Play More Than Ever and How to Make It Happen
As the days get longer and the weather improves, many families feel a familiar pressure to “get children outside more”. We’re often told that outdoor play is important, but it’s not always clear why it matters so much, or how
Calm TV Programmes for Little Ones
Do you find that many TV programmes can leave your child overstimulated? Children’s television works best when it feels calm, predictable and emotionally supportive, rather than fast-paced or overstimulating. This is especially important for preschool children, who are still developing
Is My Child Ready for a Smartphone? A Guide for Parents
Smartphones are everywhere, and children are becoming interested in them at younger ages. While these devices can offer great learning opportunities and communication benefits, they also come with challenges like screen time management, online safety, and responsibility. So how do
Managing Sibling Rivalry
Parenting is a rewarding but challenging journey, and, if you have more than one child, a common hurdle is dealing with sibling rivalry. It’s likely that you’ve encountered those moments when your once-adorable little ones turn into fierce competitors, leaving
Reusing Resources for Zero Waste Week
The average person in the UK throws away around 400kg of waste each year, 7 times their bodyweight! Back in the 90’s only 7.5% of this waste was recycled, but thanks to recycling schemes this has increased to 43% in
How to Make Playdates Inclusive for Children with Autism
As a society, we have made strides in our awareness of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), such as Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and the importance of inclusivity. However, we still have some way to go in making play inclusive for
How Imagination Builds Reading Comprehension
When children understand a story deeply, they are doing far more than reading words on a page. They are noticing clues, predicting what might happen next, working out how characters feel and filling in information that isn’t directly stated. This is
10 Mouth-Watering Easter Recipes Your Kids Will Love – Get Creative in the Kitchen!
Easter is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by cooking up some delicious treats with your kids? Here at Dr. Gummer’s Good Play Guide, we've placed our chef hats firmly on our heads to compile a
Inclusive Play: What It Really Looks Like and Why It Matters for Every Child
April is Autism Awareness Month. But increasingly families and professionals are asking for something more meaningful than awareness: acceptance - ensuring that children of all abilities feel welcomed, understood and supported in everyday life. This sense of belonging should extend