News & Resources

Even very small children can enjoy constructive problem-solving

Even very small children can enjoy constructive problem-solving

In a safe environment where they feel secure, even very small children can enjoy constructive problem-solving and concentrate for surprising amounts of time, says Anne O’Connor…

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Peek-a-boo games help build up language and brain development

Peek-a-boo games help build up language and brain development

Two-way exchanges between babies and adults help build up language and brain development. Anne O’Connor considers how practitioners can create more opportunities for them…

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When friends fall out the skill for adults is knowing when to step in or step back

When friends fall out the skill for adults is knowing when to step in or step back

While children will squabble from time to time, they are usually practising negotiating techniques. The skill for adults is to know when to step in or step back and let them get on with it, explains Anne O’Connor…

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How settings can take the tension out of settling in at nursery

How settings can take the tension out of settling in at nursery

Starting daycare away from home can be a daunting experience for a young child – and their parent. Anne O’Connor looks at the case of two-year-old Ava and considers how settings can take the tension out of settling in at nursery…

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Time to Talk – How young children acquire language

Time to Talk – How young children acquire language

Young children can acquire more than one language without detriment to learning English and will enjoy greater self-esteem if carers outside the home respect their mother tongue. Anne O’Connor explains why…

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Thinking about traditional gender roles and stereotypes

Thinking about traditional gender roles and stereotypes

Seeing a young boy do something considered feminine provokes some extended thinking about traditional gender roles and stereotypes. Anne O’Connor explores the issues in practice…

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What is social referencing and why you need to understand it

What is social referencing and why you need to understand it

Adults’ facial expressions have a strong impact on very young children learning about social relationships. Anne O’Connor explains social referencing and why early years workers need to understand it…

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Read With Me – promote attention, social awareness and a love of books

Read With Me – promote attention, social awareness and a love of books

Sharing a book creates a partnership between a young child and their carer that will promote their attention, social awareness and a habit of reading for pleasure. Anne O’Connor shows why…

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How a pretend telephone communication can show a child’s level of thinking

How a pretend telephone communication can show a child’s level of thinking

A pretend telephone communication can demonstrate a very young child’s grasp of speaking languages, imitating adult reality and being held in mind, as Anne O’Connor explains…

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A sense of security helps young children cope with minor stresses & anxiety

A sense of security helps young children cope with minor stresses & anxiety

Young children can cope with minor stresses and anxieties if they feel secure in their relationship with their carer, as Anne O’Connor explains…

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Shared singing with a close carer is an important learning resource

Shared singing with a close carer is an important learning resource

Shared singing with a carer with whom a child is securely attached is an important learning resource, says Anne O’Connor…

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You can learn a lot by observing the level of involvement that children show in their play

You can learn a lot by observing the level of involvement that children show in their play

Observing the level of involvement that children show in their play can tell you much about their emotional well-being, and about the effectiveness of your provision, says Anne O’Connor…

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