3. Add some sparkle


A little sunshine can go a long way when preparing a sensory-rich experience. Try taking the Mirror Chimeabout (309085) outside and see what happens when it is spun in the sun. Consider the following:


• Ask the children if they can see the little rainbows of light that appear all around. What happens when they spin it faster or slower?


• Can they see the shadows? What happens to the shadows when it spins?


• Enrich their language with words to describe the light show.


Alternatively, try placing the Rotating Bead Wheel (427928) in a beam of sunlight. With the children, look at how the sun makes the beads sparkle. Take time to look at each colour of bead. Which one is the most sparkly? Which colour do they like best?


4. Spin with the wind


Spinning can help children practice their coordination and balance, as well as activate key senses. With the children, spin the Rotating Bell Flower (427925) and see how long it lasts, watching as it comes slowly to a stop (with preschoolers, you can count as the wheel


a


goes round.) Then, in a clear space, ask the children to spin around. Can they spin for as long as the Rotating Bell Flower? Let’s try! Do this a few times, turning the wheel gradually for longer periods.


y c


5. Close your eyes and pretend...


You can use the Rotating Bead Wheel (427928) for peaceful meditation times with the children. Sit together on cushions so that everyone is comfortable, encouraging the children to close their eyes if they want to. Then, move the wheel to and fro, starting to tell a little story where the sound is a key part. Here are a few story starters for you:


• “It’s raining, but we are inside a lovely big, green tent, wrapped up warm. We can hear the rain pitter-patter outside, but we are snuggly and warm inside…”


• “We are sitting on a beach, and the waves are gently lapping against the shore. The sun is shining; we can feel the heat on our skin. We are sitting on a brightly coloured beach towel, with the sand beneath our toes. If we wiggle our toes, the sand feels soft and squishy…”


Shop Little Learners products and more at ypo.co.uk/earlyyears


13


3


5 g


4 d a r


P


h


o


o t


b


y


A


m


n a


d


a


@


h


o


l


l


y


l o


d


e e


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28