A Guide to Different Types of Play for Parents
Play is more than just a fun part of childhood, it's essential for children's physical, cognitive, and emotional development. Children don’t need to be taught to play, they do it naturally as a way to explore the world, experiment with
The Importance of Role Models for Young Children
As children prepare for the exciting transition to school, they’re not just learning how to write their name or put on their coat independently. They’re also beginning to understand who they are in the world. At this stage, role models,
The Power of Friendship: Supporting Children as They Start School
Starting school is a big change, and one of the things that can make it feel less daunting for children is having a friend by their side. Friendships help children feel safe, happy, and more confident in a new environment,
It’s Never Too Late to Build the Basics (Ages 5+)
By the time children reach school age, it’s easy to assume they should have mastered certain skills like writing their name or sitting still during story time. But every child is different, and not all develop at the same pace. If
Early Literacy Skills: Building a Love of Reading and Writing from the Start
Starting school is an exciting adventure and being familiar with books, stories, letters, and sounds can make the transition even smoother. Early literacy skills are the building blocks that help children learn to read and write. But don’t worry, this
Fine Motor Skills: Helping Little Hands Get Ready for Big Learning
Starting school is a big step, and while learning to read and count is important, being able to use hands and fingers confidently plays a key role too. Fine motor skills – the small movements that involve the hands, wrists,
Understanding School Readiness: What Parents and Educators Need to Know
School readiness is more than ABCs and 123s — it’s about helping children feel confident, capable and curious as they step into the classroom for the first time. This white paper, part of Dr Gummer’s Good Play Guide School Readiness Campaign,
Learning Starts From Day One: Building Strong Foundations from Birth
The first two years of a child’s life may seem like a world away from starting school, but these early years are some of the most important for laying the foundations of learning. From babbling and crawling to stacking blocks and
Building Numeracy Skills: Helping Your Child Start School with Confidence
Starting school is an exciting time for your child, and having some early experience with numbers, shapes, and simple problem-solving can help make the transition smoother. Numeracy isn’t just about counting; it’s about understanding how numbers work in everyday life,
Building Communication & Language Skills: A Foundation for School Success
Starting school is a big step, and one of the most important areas of development that helps make the transition smoother is communication and language. Being able to understand others, express needs, and join in conversations lays the foundation for