Literacy and Reading

At Cosy Direct, we know how crucial the early years of a child's education are, especially when it comes to developing communication and language. Children need strong skills in expressing themselves linguistically and socially to access the full range of the EYFS curriculum and beyond. With the exciting introduction of school-based nursery funding, now is a great chance to invest...

Picture books are a wonderfully simple tool that can unlock a wide range of skills under the EYFS. From the more obvious literacy development through to social skills and understanding the world, they deserve a spotlight. In this post we share our love for literature as well as our top tips for making use of picture books in your setting...

With strong fine motor skills underpinning the development of writing, it is important that this area of play and learning is well considered. When children have good fine motor skills, they find it easier to hold a pencil in the correct grip, apply pressure and use it with control. The development of fine motor skills also relates to hand eye...

It's here! Back to school 2024 has begun, and this post will focus on provision ideas for learners beginning their first formal school year in Reception or EYFS (FS2). This time of year almost always necessitates some 'getting to know you' activities in your classroom or learning space, but there is so much more to providing fun, simple activities in...

When creating an enabling environment in the Early Years, quiet spaces are a must. In this blog, we explore the need for quiet spaces and how they link to learning and development in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Why quiet spaces are important in the EYFS With more and more children being diagnosed with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN...

Books really are a fantastic resource, aren't they?! We love how they can be used in many ways to promote learning and development in a child-friendly way. With educators thinking ahead to the start of the new school year, it's a good time to focus on the power of books in helping children to navigate the transition as they start...

What do we need to have successful, independent writers? First, we need writing resources and then we need a range of meaningful mark making opportunities both indoors and outdoors. What should I have in my writing area? Writing areas, mark making areas, message centres, literacy sheds – whatever you decide to call it or wherever you set it up, carefully selected...

We know that reading helps pupils to develop culturally, emotionally, intellectually and socially. We also know that phonics is a key element in helping children to become successful readers. Phonics is a method that helps children decode words using phonemes. Before we get to the fun part, let’s cover some basic terminology. Phonics outdoors Phonics - Phonics teaches children to listen...

What are they and why are they important? Pre-writing patterns bridge mark-making and letter formation. They take children from more free movement in their mark-making to more controlled movements and movements which mimic the strokes required for writing letters later on down the line. When should they be introduced? Ideally when a child is beginning to show some control over...

With an increased focus on communication and language in the revised Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), settings and schools need to consider their provision.  Leaders will now be thinking about their current provision and whether adjustments need to be made to ensure children are given an abundance of opportunities to talk, share stories, extend their vocabulary, engage in imaginative role...