TES Resource show 2012

That time of year again, the TES Resource show. This years resource show wasn't as good as I thought it was going to be, definitely down by at least 20 exhibitors from last year and was more geared towards the later stages of education however there were a few new exhibitors and some fresh ideas that have got me keen for the TES Special educational needs show in October. 

One of the new and interesting exhibitors (and not just because I got 2 pieces of wood from them - quite possible the most exciting item I have ever received free from one of these shows!) was KAPLA who are based in France and were sharing the various different constructions they had made using their pieces of wood.

The wood itself is made in such a way that it creates a natural friction between the pieces when placed on each other making it easier to build on.

As well as the free bits of wood to take home they were offering the opportunity for nurseries and schools to try the product (about 2000 pieces along with 4 different instruction manuals to give kids ideas of what to build free for 2 months with the option of returning after 2 months (where they were aware that there may be some damage or pieces missing) or the option of paying around £170 (I think) to keep it all.

Another new exhibitor was Kids out who had this extremely funky, prototype sensory room called a Phyzzpod. The prototype itself wasn't that big however it was at least half its usual size and as you can see my photos my work mate loved and only left once I told her how much it would be for the nursery (it would set you back around £15000 we were told) however if you have got the money spare I would definitely recommend it as it evokes different senses and reacts to different movements. This one had a jungle them to it which had underfoot sensor pads as well as a jungle die which could change the sound being heard

Fine solutions were again there, although the stall looked quite bare it still showed its resources off well, I thought the panda habitat set would work quite well especially for those who have the opportunity to visit the Panda's residing in Edinburgh Zoo.

The threading bars also reminded me of a physical activity I did on a placement years (mines involved plastic netting from a builders yard and different paper 'threads') ago but these showed how the activity could be adapted not only by ability (it had individual 'threads' as well as ones that had began to pleat) before then coordinating the threads through

 

TES Resource show 2011

I am one of these people who enjoys going to various different education exhibitions (and not just for the freebies) but some of the stalls also are great for getting ideas for activities and displays. 

This stall in particular was interesting to me as I have been looking into how we can introduce more natural resources/forest school approaches (without the forest) into the nursery. At this moment I can't remember to name of the company however will update this post once I do.

 The resources were very innovative and adaptable for most ages and abilities. 

We were told that the fire pit was safe to use almost anywhere due to its stand and was a great alternative to building a natural camp fire.

I really liked what they did on the 3 little pigs which I then used in the setting. The children collected sticks from the local gardens to make their stick house, instead of bricks we used stones and hay for our straw house. The pictures of our display on the 3 little pigs should be up soon.

They also showed how easy it is to make a den using some fabric and sticks, having seen the difference putting a cover on a corner or a small area of the room to children's play and the use of the area. I thought it was a brilliant way to show how even a small space when changed could be effective.

 The next TES Resource show is taking place at the Business Design Centre, Islington on the 14th & 15th September 2012 for more information http://www.teachingexhibitions.co.uk/Exhibitions/TES_Resources/London/2012/

a few weeks after is the TES Special Educational Needs show which is also taking place at the Business Design Centre, Islington on the 12th &13th October 2012 for more information 

http://www.teachingexhibitions.co.uk/Exhibitions/TES+Special+Needs+Exhibition/London/2012/

Picking and unpicking observations

During one of my EYPs placements I was asked to make a display on how we use observations in the nursery to identify the children's interest which could be used to inform parents, visitors and staff at the nurseyr.

 One of my first proper displays that was basic but still effective (I hope!)

Displays from Scotland

Backdating a few year here...

Prior to moving to London in 2009 I worked for a local authority in Scotland in their child care department whilst completing a level 3 in Children's Care, Learning and Development. At the time participation of the child and listening to the child's voice was becoming more important and recognised. As a result of some research, at our setting we began to implement an ideas graffiti 'wall' and "you said, we are" display.

The children were encouraged to write or draw what they would like to do during their time in the setting (the children's ages were between 4 and 12 years of age so the more able children were encouraged to write the other children's suggestions. The graffiti wall was then used to plan future activities and these were also shared through the use of the 'You said, we are' posters.

After working with other settings the method of involving the children was further developed to include younger children (3 and 4 year old) by using a similar method to mind mapping where the children were encouraged to draw a picture of whatever they wanted (what they liked to do at nursery, what they were doing at home or anything that they liked) and describe it to their keyworker who made a note of what they said. The pictures were then collected and used again in the planning for future focus and activities.

Another way that we shared the children's ideas was through an ideas tree which was adapted from the idea of an "I can and I will" trees.

The children were encouraged to make their own leaves which they then wrote or drew the activities they would like to do. A way of showing that the activity had been chosen would be placing that leaf on the 'ground' of the tree.