literacy

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 - Phonics teaches children to listen to...

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...

If you go down to the woods today, you’re in for a big surprise! This week at Cosy we are thinking all things forest school - and not just about the joy of getting muddy. We think learning is at its best when incorporated into a variety of fun and exciting activities. We’re here today to chat about our favourite...