Play to learn pre-writing skills

A pre-writing skills info session Every parent understands that when their child reaches ‘big school’ much of their learning will depend on their reading and writing ability. With this in mind, it makes sense for parents to equip their childrenmwith strong pre-reading and pre-writing skills. This can easily and actively be done through play! Handwriting […]

Number development comes naturally

Number development comes naturally Children develop number sense in the most incidental and natural way during their formative years. Each child will develop number skills at their own rate. This will also be influenced by their environment, pre-school attendance and how numbers are brought into everyday situations. Surrounded by numbers Number sense is such an […]

Crossing the midline

Crossing the Midline What is meant by crossing the body’s mid-line? The body’s mid-line is an imaginary line down the centre of the body that divides the body into left and right. Crossing the body’s mid-line is the ability to reach across the middle of the body with the arms and legs. This allows children […]

School readiness

What is school readiness? School readiness refers to whether a child is ready to make an easy and successful transition into ‘big’ school. School readiness can be actively facilitated with a little pre-planning. Ensure that children regularly participate in activities that develop the appropriate skills required to help optimal learning when they start school. While […]

Puzzles vary in difficulty

How do puzzles vary in difficulty? Puzzles can vary in difficulty in a number of ways: the size of the puzzle pieces the number of pieces the simplicity or complexity of the picture (see the difference between this zoo puzzle and the Princess on the Horse) the detail in the picture (it is easier to […]

Learning benefits of puzzles

Learning Benefits of Puzzles Toddlers 18 months to 2 years start off with basic knob puzzles. Fine motor control and spatial planning required to place the different puzzle pieces into the matching space. In addition, knob puzzles exercise the pincer grip – the same grip that will be used for holding a crayon, pencil or […]

Puzzle age guide

Puzzle Age Guide One of the most common questions asked is, “What size puzzle should I buy for my child?” This puzzle age-ability guideline will help you determine what style and number of pieces your child should be eager to build, whether you have a toddler, a preschooler or a child in primary school. Children […]