Last week we had some very exciting news. An email landed to notify me that I was a BRITMUMS 2018 FINALIST! I couldn't believe my eyes! Learning and Exploring Through Play was staring back at me from the finals list. Black and White! But what does that mean exactly?

It means that the work we do has been recognised and that in itself is a huge achievement! I feel like we have already won by getting this far!

VOTE FOR US LEARNING AND EXPLORING THROUGH PLAY IN THE SOCIAL CATEGORY HERE. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you <3.

I recently got sucked into an article. An article that shared with me that Science suggests intelligent people make more mess, they swear more and they go to bed late. I was ticking boxes here. 

We have always been a family that enjoys a woodland walk. Each season has something different to offer. There is always so much to discover and is a place that offers peace and calm. The fresh air and the open path ways are great for children to exercise their little legs and enjoy an hour or two of playing, climbing and discovery. 

I am seeing the most beautiful Autumn arts and crafts floating around and its making us feel inspired. I love a something about all seasons but there is something extra special about Autumn! Today I want to share with you an Autumn Family Tree Craft that me and Neve did together during the twins nap time. 

I am always on the look out for new places to visit. Often Garden centres have lots of hidden gems that are perfect for children to have fun! From soft play, fairy gardens, miniature railways, animals and super large sandpits - there is so much fun to be had. 

Today I wanted to try somewhere new. I often find places to visit on Instagram. I always share on my instalive stories where we are so be sure to find us on there - Instagram @learningthroughplay8.

I'm not sure how we did it, but school is out for Summer! Horayyy! We've had a heatwave the last few weeks and its a welcomed relief being free from a little routine! During the boys nap times me and Neve are enjoying some quality time together and today we made a back garden Ice Cream shop. 

I brought the most adorable ice cream bowls and spoons that I have been really looking forward to using with her! I will share where I brought them from below. She has always been a fan of sensory play so this was really up her street. 

We are pretty much half way through our Summer holidays. Its gone by so fast! When Neve broke up in July, I thought - 'BRILLIANT we have so long off together now for lots of quality time'.

I feel like I've blinked and 3 weeks have gone by just like that. We've been enjoying lots of outings and recently had a lovely family holiday. Its all been go go go - so it was like medicine for us to be able to enjoy a very pretty creative craft together yesterday. 

I love having lots of little activities that can be pulled together quickly. There are opportunities that arise during the day where you can do something to bring all the children together (like our Fruit Sensory Bin) or enjoy a little one on one time with them (like this activity).

From the early days we teach children colour recognition. We give them the freedom to mix colours here and there - but then what?

Today I want to share with you a lovely activity (and story) to build on knowledge of colours. 

Coming to work with and teach children can be a long process. Some of us dedicate years of our lives training to be the best we can be. It's a profession you go into with the drive and ambition to make a difference. You alone will impact a child's life and if you're great at what you do the impression that you leave on a child will never leave them. 

With weather really pleasant as of late, the invitation to play outdoors is often too tempting to refuse. We are spending most of our days in the garden lately and I love it! Makes such a difference having an open space to burn off energy and have fun!

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