BACK TO SCHOOL: Supporting Children with the Return after Lockdown

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In the United Kingdom our Primary and Secondary Schools have been shut for six months now, with only select years allowed back for a short time prior to the summer holidays beginning. These past six months have been a rollercoaster of emotions to say the least, as many parents suddenly found themselves needing to juggle home learning, their own work and dealing with the constant unknowns of this pandemic. However, fast forward six months and we've made it! Personally, I've been teaching Isabella whilst looking after a three year old and a five, six, seven, eight, nine and finally ten month old and trying to keep up with work. It's been such a struggle at times, but I have to admit I feel so proud of, not only myself, but of every single parent out there who has survived this time too. 

CHILDREN: The Ways I Have Been Supporting Isabella in Readiness for Starting School

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Isabella starts school this September and as sad as I am about this milestone already being here we have been doing quite a few things over the past year really to support the transition between home/nursery life into school life. Perhaps one of the most helpful things we did was to reduce her hours at nursery and enrol her into the Pre-School that is attached to what will be her Primary School. I know this won't be an option for many due to schools not having pre-schools or working hours, but if it is I would highly recommend looking into it.

CHILDREN: 37 Ways to Prepare your Child for Starting School

Starting Primary School is such a big milestone for both child and parents, but how is it best to prepare? I think a lot of us would instantly assume that supporting our child with phonics, writing words/numbers, reading and all things academic is the best way and although these can be important there are a whole host of other skills that are really important to learn prior to starting school.

STARTING PRIMARY SCHOOL: Things to Consider

Primary School. An exciting time in a child's life when they make new friends, learn new things and gain new experiences. Primary School. A really hard time in a parent's life when they wave goodbye to their child for five days of the week, smile through the tears of sadness and hope with all of their might that their child will have a happy school experience. It's that time of year when parents will anxiously look around primary schools to decide which one is best for their child, ask all the questions they have and imagine what their child will be like sitting at the desks and playing with their friends. I honestly can't believe that this year it's our turn to do all of this in readiness for Isabella starting school next September. How is my first baby, the one that made me a mummy, already getting preparing for going to school?

SUMMER: Feeling Nostalgic with Baby Born Outdoor Adventures

If you think back to your childhood are there a few toys or products that really stand out as being special? For me a Baby Born doll does because I spent years and years playing with mine as a child. So when Isabella was kindly offered the opportunity to have her own Baby Born it felt like a trip down memory lane with all the nostalgic feelings that come with that. There's something so special about being able to provide your own children with experiences that you loved all those years ago, isn't there? However, Baby Born has evolved over the years and now has a whole host of accessories and clothing ranges that can add to the imaginary play. 

OUTDOOR LEARNING: 10 Number & Counting Activities for Pre-School Children

I honestly can't believe that Isabella is now three years old and classed as a 'pre-schooler' rather than a 'toddler' - where has the time gone? Since turning three her level of interest in the world and learning as much as possible has noticeably increased, as we are greeted with around 10485943 questions a day. It always fascinates me quite how quickly children learn new things; they're like sponges at this age. Due to this it makes it the ideal age to start introducing key life skills, such as counting and phonics. I'm not talking sitting down and working through workbooks for hours on end, but more exploring the world with a slight twist.