Let’s Get Outside!

At this time of year it’s fun to think cosy thoughts of hot chocolate and comfort food, snuggling up under chunky blankets for family nights in together. But it’s actually the most spectacullar time of the year to get out into nature. There’s so much to spark a child’s interest and imagination, from the spectacular changing colours on our trees, to the bounty of the autumn harvest with its vibrant red berries, shiny brown conkers and exciting fungi. One of my favourite questions to put to my kids at this time of year is “What colour are trees?”, seeing the truth dawn on their little faces as they tell me “green” but actually notice the many colours all around them!

Story Sack Ideas to Suit All Budgets

You can’t beat a good story sack invitation to play and read, and you might have seen our Story Sack Sunday feature each week on social media.  As well as, this week’s Storytime theme to our weekly #WonderPlayDiscover challenge.

But what is a story sack, and why are they so popular?

Learning through playdough

In this house, playdough is the one activity I can guarantee will give me five minutes of peace. All three kids can be brought back from the brink of meltdown with the aid of this wonderstuff - I don’t know whether it’s the sensory nature of it or just the repetitive action of kneading and rolling, but it works! The fact that it’s a creative activity, screen-free time, and easy clean-up is all just gravy!

Wooden Doctors Set - Review

Since starting Speech and Language Therapy 6 months ago we have used role play as a really successful way of developing Ronnie’s speech further. This means I am always on the lookout for toys that work well within a role play set up.

Wooden Writing Board available from The Wooden Play Den 

I love the versatility of open ended toys, but somtimes it can be tricky if you get stuck for ideas. 

These wipeable wooden writing boards have been a great hit. Each with their own individual grain, they offer a world of opportunity as they can can be reused over and over again.  So many of my lovely customers have shared their play ideas using these boards. I thought I would collect them all together into a blog to share with you for inspiration.