Cosy Direct Blog

When we think of sensory play we often think logically to the five main senses; sight, smell, touch, sound and taste. We can create a plethora of scented potion play set ups, introducing smell and touch into fun festivities. We can use lights, and glow sticks, balloons filled with rice, messy outdoor painting boards and more. When thinking of outdoor...

One of my favourite school memories is of playing on a large, wooden cable reel on our school field. We loved the challenge of balancing and walking as it rolled along and would keep trying until we got it right. It was risky play, but so much fun.  And that’s the beauty of large loose parts. They’re open ended and...

The introduction of loose parts to a setting can inspire a whole host of learning and play possibilities. As loose parts are open ended, they offer children the freedom of expression and the ability to be creative. There is no right or wrong way to play! If we refrain from applying learning outcomes and restrictions on the play, children can...

Den building can be so much fun, for adults as well as children. This holds value in its own right - we want children to experience activities which excite and motivate them. What is so great about den play though is the influence it can have on all areas of development. However, for this blog, we will just be focusing...

Sand is a staple in any setting. It goes hand in hand with water and children just love it. It can be used as simply as it is or be mixed with water, adding stones and logs for a dinosaur swamp. Add construction vehicles, buckets and spades, bury pirate treasure in it or letter or number hunts, add dinosaur bones and...

The founding principles of Cosy were to move away from plastic consumable products that dominated the education market, and instead move towards natural, outdoor focused resources, designed to foster a love of the great outdoors. With this comes a desire to protect and respect the natural world, and ensure that future generations could enjoy it as much as they had...

Teacher Appreciation: We recognise that working in the education sector has been challenging in recent times. Whether this is as a teacher, teaching assistant, childminder, preschool assistant or anyone else involved in the care, learning and experiences of young children. Everyone in a school or setting plays an important role in shaping children's experiences. From lunchtime supervisors and caretakers to...

Have you heard of International Mud Day? This year International Mud Day will be held on the 29th of June. It is a perfect opportunity for children and adults to get down in the mud and have a great time. But, did you know, that this celebration has a deeper meaning to address world problems like lack of access to...

A Mud Kitchen is a must in an early years setting. Children love to create their own dishes with natural treasures, such as mud, flowers, herbs, stones and sticks. Add recipe cards and create an area where children can be engaged and involved in their play for a long period of time. With an array of mud kitchens to choose...

Many people dislike insects especially in the summer when we eat outside more. However, there are many reasons to be thankful for insects, here are just a few of those reasons, plus some ways to get involved this week. This blog post provides you with some free or low cost activities that you can do in your setting. Have fun...