Cosy Direct Blog

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  1. Tyres in School Grounds: By Juliet Robertson

    Tyres in School Grounds: By Juliet Robertson

    I am aware that confusion and controversy exists around the use of tyres. I hope this blog post is informative and helpful so that adults who work with children can make sensible decisions based upon their own specific context. It has been written in good faith based upon material I can find out and my own experiences of working outside with...
  2. Once Upon a Time: The Importance of Books

    Once Upon a Time: The Importance of Books

    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...
  3. Simple Storage Solutions for the New Academic Year

    Simple Storage Solutions for the New Academic Year

    The way that we organise, present and store learning resources, can really make a difference in children’s independence and learning. Thinking carefully about how we present and organise our resources can create opportunities for children to develop their concepts of shape, size, space, number, sorting and literacy skills. When organising your provision, the old adage of, ‘Everything in its place...
  4. Simple Resources for Outdoor Learning: By Juliet Robertson

    Simple Resources for Outdoor Learning: By Juliet Robertson

    Most schools are feeling the pinch in terms of having money to spend on resources and equipment. Thankfully, working outside does not have to rely on expensive kits. Here’s a selection you can make from cardboard, paper and other easily available materials. Remember – your class can make their own kit! There’s lots of skills to be learned along the way...
  5. Celebrating Diversity Through Play

    Celebrating Diversity Through Play

    Play is a common language which can bring children together, regardless of their differences. It holds tremendous value as a vehicle for learning and development, as well as a way of promoting diversity. In this blog, we will reflect on how one particular type of play, small world, can be embraced as a way of encouraging children to recognise and...
  6. Explore Your Senses Outdoors

    Explore Your Senses Outdoors

    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...
  7. Large Loose Parts: What can you create?

    Large Loose Parts: What can you create?

    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...
  8. Why are Loose Parts so great?

    Why are Loose Parts so great?

    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...
  9. Den Building: Let's Get Innovative

    Den Building: Let's Get Innovative

    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...
  10. 10 Sand Play Ideas for the Summer

    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...

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