Parenta Magazine December 2023 (smaller)

Issue 109
DECEMBER 2023
Fixing recruitment
challenges at
Fledgelings
COVER
Festive gardening
fun ideas to share
with parents
Exploring December’s
multicultural festivals
and celebrations
+ lots more
EYFS activities
inside!
This month…
Expressive
Arts & Design
“Snow is falling” - snow
painting in the early years
How to skyrocket your occupancy levels with an affordable website
Discover new opportunities for growth and success with
a FREE diagnostic quiz!

6
26
18
Hello
Welcome to our family
As the holiday season approaches, we are thrilled to present a special December issue that captures the enchantment of
this magical time of year! At Parenta, we believe in celebrating not just the season, but the spirit of togetherness, family, and
camaraderie and resilience that echoes through the corridors of the early years sector.
In this edition, you can enjoy festive tips and exclusive features that showcase the incredible journey of early years educators,
parents, and little ones alike. From Christmas Jumper Day and festive gardening to making gifts on a budget and celebrating
the many different religious festivals around the world, this month’s issue resonates with the essence of the festive season.
Join us as we share the joy of learning, and embrace the magic that December brings to our lives. Our beloved publication is
a festive adventure waiting to be explored! All our content is lovingly created to help you with the smooth and efficient running
of your setting and the development and well-being of the children in your care.
Don’t forget to share the magic of our magazine with your friends, colleagues, and parents alike. They can receive their own
copy in digital or printed format by signing up at www.parenta.com/magazine.
Allan
12
Regulars
10 Write for us
36 EYFS Activities: Expressive Arts & Design
News
Advice
22
4 Congratulations to our Parenta Learners
6 Enhancing early childhood education at Fledgelings
with Parenta’s support
8 Childcare news and views
14 International Volunteer Day: celebrations and
opportunities
22 Affordable and thoughtful gift ideas: easy to
make and buy
26 Join in the festive fun on Christmas Jumper Day
30 How furry friends transform early years
34 Beyond Christmas: exploring December’s
multicultural festivals and celebrations
Industry Experts
30
12 I think they have sensory needs what can I do?
Be curious
18 Every setting needs an emotional well-being library
20 Unmasking child anxiety: understanding, nurturing
and recognising the signs
28 Fostering community cohesion through a
child’s perspective
32 “Snow is falling” - snow painting in the early years
38 Embrace storytelling - enchantment of mythical
beings & magical kingdoms
2 December 2023 | parenta.com
parenta.com | December 2023 3

What do our customers
say this month?
“So far I feel really positive about the service I am
receiving. I feel as if Kaye is very supportive and
provides beneficial feedback and opportunities.”
Leanne Watson
“Couldn’t be happier with the support provided.
Always checking in and so patient. I’m so looking
forward to learning with Parenta and starting a new
chapter. Thanks to a lovely lady Denise McGuire who
has been so wonderful and on the phone if and when
I needed help.”
Natasha Leahy
“I am writing this review to thank Yvonne Pickin
(my extra support tutor for professional discussion)
for her two sessions supporting the Professional
discussion exam. After Yvonne’s two sessions, which
was just one day away from the second professional
discussion exam, I finally passed the exam. Yvonne
has demonstrated a high-quality professional skill
for supporting learners get ready for the professional
discussion exam. Her encouragement has promoted
my confidence which has helped me relax without
being nervous during the exam.
I felt like I am so lucky and so glad to have Yvonne
support my study. If I can have the opportunity to
recommend a tutor for learners, Yvonne would be the
first highly recommendation tutor for them. I wish more
and more learners benefit from her teaching support
towards the professional discussion exam.”
Deli He
“Amazing, since getting Ayse she has been nothing but
understanding. I have a sick family member, Ayse has
been nothing but supportive and has helped me figure
out how to be there for my family member while also
getting my assignments in on time.”
Kaira Gowers
“Kaye has done a fantastic job taking me on as a
student after I transferred from my previous tutor. She
was able to pick up a lot of unique information about
me as a learner, responded quickly to a lot of my
questions and queries and got me right up to speed.”
Andi Taylor
“I can’t recommend enough my last tutor, Naomi
Paternoster. Without her, I would not had the courage
and confidence to finish the course and passed my
exams. Many thanks for incredible support and your
diligence and warmth.”
Sebastiana Medina Santana
“I think Kaye has done an amazing job of helping me
get to where I am on the course especially as she only
took over as my tutor a couple of months ago. She
has always been there when I have needed to contact
her about an assignment and is always very good at
explaining things to me in a way that makes it easier
for me to understand. We have regular reviews which
helps me to see where I am on the course and where I
can raise any concerns I may have.”
“I had a really good professional discussion with my
tutor Sarah O’Dwyer and I have moved from 28% to
“Amazing! Kaye has been so supportive throughout
52%, all thanks to my tutor who is the best.”
my course, always offering me aids, keeping me up to
Javine Phillips
date, pushing my knowledge."
Luanne Cridland
“As always, Parenta support team are so helpful
with any issues that I have.
“Charlotte went into details and often paused to ask if
we had any questions. The training was quick
Thank you as always!"
and thorough.”
Nemos Nursery
Alpha Nurseries,
Middlecoat House
Congratulations
to all our Parenta learners!
Massive CONGRATULATIONS to all our Parenta
learners who have completed their apprenticeships
and gained their qualifications!
4 December 2023 | parenta.com
Faryal Malik
parenta.com | December 2023 5

Enhancing early childhood
education at Fledgelings
with Parenta’s support
G O
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Introduction
Fledgelings Day Nurseries, with four
settings across Essex, is dedicated to
providing exceptional childcare and
early years education for children in the
community. The nurseries, located in
Hornchurch, Romford, South Hornchurch,
and Rainham, cater to a combined total
of 260 children and employ 78 dedicated
staff members. Nursery Owner, Salma
Khodabaksh reports on how the Parenta
solutions Fledgelings is using has
transformed the way they work.
The challenge: staffing woes
Like many childcare providers, Fledgelings
Day Nurseries faced challenges in the
recruitment and retention of qualified staff.
Hiring and training competent childcare
professionals who could deliver topquality
education and care were critical
concerns for the owner of the settings,
Salma Khodabaksh. The need to recruit
and nurture apprentices to support the
staff was paramount to maintaining the
nursery’s high standards.
Discovering Parenta
The journey with Parenta began when
Fledgelings Day Nurseries chose the
early years education solutions provider
to develop its website. It was through
this engagement that they discovered
Parenta’s full range of services
and solutions, including childcare
apprenticeship recruitment and training.
Parenta’s contribution
Parenta played a crucial role in addressing
Fledgelings Day Nurseries’ staffing
challenges and provided vital support to
enhance its day-to-day operations:
Website development: Parenta’s
expert website team built and maintains
a responsive, professional website,
strengthening Fledgelings’ online
presence, and making them more
accessible to parents seeking childcare
services.
Apprenticeship support: Parenta’s
involvement extended beyond web
development. They provided essential
support in the hiring and training of
childcare apprentices, ensuring they could
seamlessly integrate into the nursery’s
workforce and created individual learning
plans for apprentices to fit the setting’s
business needs.
The transformative impact
Since partnering with Parenta, Fledgelings
Day Nurseries have witnessed numerous
positive changes:
Operational improvement: The
nursery’s day-to-day operations have
improved significantly. With a focus on the
hiring and training of apprentices, they
have enhanced their staff’s capabilities
and the quality of childcare provided.
Better staffing: Parenta’s involvement
has directly contributed to more efficient
and effective hiring, enabling Fledgelings
to maintain their reputation for excellence.
Enhanced childcare: The dedicated staff
members, empowered by the support
of Parenta, have excelled in providing
high-quality childcare and early education,
ensuring a nurturing environment for the
children.
Recommendation
Fledgelings Day Nurseries’ experience with
Parenta has been overwhelmingly positive.
When asked if they would recommend
Parenta’s services to other settings with
similar challenges, their response was
a resounding “yes.” The improvements
in staffing, operational efficiency, and
the quality of childcare delivered are
a testament to the invaluable support
provided by Parenta.
For settings seeking solutions to their
staffing concerns, Fledgelings Day
Nurseries serves as a testament to
the transformative impact of Parenta’s
services.
Courses available now with
achievements of up to 96%
EPA pass rate:
Level 2 Childcare (EYP)
Level 3 Childcare (EYE)
Level 3 Team Leader
Level 5 EYLP
Did you know...
An impressive 75% of employers consistently choose Parenta, reaffirming our
unparalleled excellence in childcare training!
Call 0800 002 9242 and quote ’Magazine’
6 December 2023 | parenta.com

Childcare news
and views
Retention and return:
Delivering the expansion of
early years entitlement in
England
Over three-quarters (77%) support
the removal of the single-word Ofsted
grading
In the past year, around two-thirds
(67%) suffered with anxiety, fatigue
(65%) and loss of motivation (64%)
A third (35%) are considering leaving
the sector due to stress and mental
health difficulties
The Alliance is calling for a review of
the Ofsted inspection process and
administration demands on providers,
alongside the consistent provision of clear,
plain-English early years guidance for
the sector, and resources to help support
discussions around mental health and
well-being – all underpinned by adequate
funding and a comprehensive recruitment
and retention strategy.
You can read the report here: Minds Still
Matter | early years alliance (eyalliance.
org.uk)
In the 2023 Spring Budget, the Chancellor
announced a substantial increase in
government-funded childcare support,
aiming to provide 30 hours of ‘free’
childcare to specific eligible parents by
2025. While the announcement primarily
addressed the funding aspect of this
expansion, there was limited discussion
about the workforce responsible for its
implementation.
A round-up of some news stories that
have caught our eye over the month
A recent study conducted by the Early
Education and Childcare Coalition, the
University of Leeds, and the Women’s
Budget Group integrates modelling
focused on the anticipated additional
demand resulting from the expansion. This
modelling is coupled with an examination
of the working conditions and experiences
of both current and former employees in
the sector.
The objective of this new report is to gain a
deeper understanding of the current early
years workforce (including those in group
settings and childminders), assess the
implications of the extended entitlement,
and identify the necessary measures
to ensure the successful expansion of
access while maintaining the high-quality
provision that children deserve.
number of professionals considering
leaving our sector has to be a wake-up call
for ministers.
“Our research with the sector showed that
75% of providers would need more staff
to be able to increase their capacity but
with high turnover, this research shows
the scale of the mountain that needs to
be overcome. It is disappointing that the
Government has not taken forward the
Education Committee’s recommendation
for a workforce strategy which was echoed
by experts in NDNA’s Blueprint this year.
Early Years Alliance publishes
new report on mental health
and well-being pressures
The Early Years Alliance has published a
new report shining a light on the mental
health and well-being of the early years
workforce.
Minds Still Matter provides a
comprehensive analysis of the results
of an Alliance survey of early educators,
conducted earlier this year, which found
that:
More than eight in ten (81%) were
regularly stressed about a workrelated
issue during the month before
the survey, with Ofsted inspections,
sector-specific government policy
and pay listed as the most common
causes
Do you have an early years news story you’d like to see featured in the Parenta Magazine?
Send one in today to marketing@parenta.com to be featured in next month’s edition!
We can’t wait to read all about it!
Purnima Tanuku OBE, Chief Executive of
NDNA said: “NDNA has been warning of
the growing workforce crisis for a number
of years and we are now reaching a critical
juncture as this research shows. If early
education and care settings are to offer
more funded places to children, it’s clear
the workforce needs to grow, but at the
moment, recruitment and retention remain
the number one issue for providers. The
“Investment in the workforce through
better funding rates and more training are
urgent requirements but without a clear
workforce strategy there is no direction, no
plan and the Government’s policy will be
undeliverable.”
You can read the report here:
earlyeducationchildcare.org/early-yearsworkforce-report.
PVI settings invited to take part
in early language trial
PVI and state-maintained nurseries are
being invited to take part in a trial of the
Nuffield Early Language Intervention
(NELI) programme.
www.nurseryworld.co.uk/news
Ongoing early years staffing
challenge highlighted in Ofsted’s
annual report
Ofsted’s latest annual report states that
the ongoing recruitment & retention
challenges in the sector are putting the
quality of early years provision at risk.
www.eyalliance.org.uk/news
More than 1/2 of teachers
worried about keeping up with
household bills
More than half of teachers are ‘very’
or ‘extremely’ worried about keeping
up with household bills and finances,
according to new findings.
www.nurseryworld.co.uk/news
8 December 2023 | parenta.com
parenta.com | December 2023 9

Write for us!
We continuously seek new
authors who would like to
provide thought-provoking
articles for our monthly
magazine.
If you have a subject you’re eager to explore
in writing, why not submit an article to us for a
chance to win?
Every month, we’ll be awarding Amazon
vouchers to our “Guest Author of the Month.”
You can access all the information here:
https://www.parenta.com/sponsored-content/
Congratulations
to our guest author competition winner, Paloma Forde!
Congratulations to Paloma Forde, our guest author
of the month! Her article, “Early screening and
intervention for dyslexic children: Breaking myths
and ensuring success” explores the critical role
of early dyslexia screening and early intervention
while providing insights into how these practices
can support dyslexic children in today’s schooling
system.
A massive thank you to all of our guest authors for
writing for us. You can find all of the past articles
from our guest authors on our website:
www.parenta.com/parentablog/guest-authors
Call 0800 002 9242 and quote ’Magazine’
10 December 2023 | parenta.com

Joanna Grace
I’m Jo Grace: a Sensory Engagement and Inclusion Specialist and Founder of The Sensory Projects. In this series of 10 articles, I am going
to share some of my passion for understanding the sensory world with you.
The first three articles of this series
focused on why sensory engagement
is so powerful for supporting learning,
engagement and mental health. The next
three looked at the sensory landscapes
that surround us in our settings, now it is
time to think about particular children.
When you work in early years settings,
quite often you are the first people to
notice that a child has a need that is
slightly other than what is considered
the norm. A child at home is just them,
they are known for being themselves and
accepted and loved as who they are and
how they are. I have often heard parents
use their child’s name in their explanation
I think they have
sensory needs
what can I do?
Be curious
of a quirk in their behaviour that they had
noticed but not questioned: “We always
just thought that was Jake being Jake” or
“We just took that as Amira being Amira”.
There is something beautiful about these
explanations. They say we saw the person
and we accepted the person as they are.
In this article, we are thinking about that
child in your setting who appears to have
quite different sensory needs from the
other children and what you might seek to
do about it.
First off, be curious. It is likely something
unusual that they are doing that has made
you think about possible sensory needs.
Are they moving a lot? Do they seem to
need to bite down hard on things? Are
they repeatedly moving things in front
of their eyes? Do they vocalise oddly?
Sometimes people’s first move is to try
and stop whatever the odd behaviour is.
Just telling them not to do it is essentially
asking someone not to sense the world
as they do. Imagine telling a blind child
to stop bumping into objects they cannot
see! It is ridiculous, but when what you
are witnessing is a result of sensory
differences, just demanding that it stop is
akin to making this demand.
Be curious and think sensory. What is
it that they get out of that activity at a
sensory level? Maybe explore a little with
them: if they are making loud noises, do
they like activities that involve making loud
noises in other ways? If they are moving
things about in front of their face, do
they enjoy for example, brightly coloured
spinners? Think about their behaviour and
try to articulate it in a sensory way. View it
as reasonable.
It is worth chatting with their family about
it, not raising it as an issue or a cause
for concern. Just noticing it together. “He
enjoys things that spin”, “She loves to
make loud noises when we are all having
our snack”. Do this so that parents know
that you have seen these behaviours too
and do it so the communication channel
is open. Parents can be worried by their
children behaving in ways that are viewed
as unusual, there is always someone
within a family willing to put their foot in it
and address the anomaly in a less than
tactful way: “Why does he always do that?
Why don’t you tell him to shut up?”
Carry on being curious, after you’ve
thought about what they are getting out
of the experience (is it visual stimulation,
auditory stimulation, is it the blocking
out of other stimulation?) Think about
the where and the when of what they
are doing. Is it something they do all the
time? Or are there specific times of the
day when they seem to do it more? What
is different about those times of day, is it
when they are hungry, is it when everyone
is together, is it when another child does
a particular thing? Where do they do it?
Are they only doing it when they’re inside
and stop when they’re outside, do they
take themselves to a particular place in the
room to do it?
These curiosities can lead you to new
understandings: Amira seems more
agitated when waiting for food, when
other children make noise, or when the
chairs are pulled in and out she begins to
shout random words. Jake loves to twiddle
things in front of his eyes and seems to
get lost doing that, he does it inside and
outside but will stop if there is another
activity he is interested in like storytime or
snack time.
Carry on chatting to their families about
your curiosities: “Jake was enjoying
twiddling the sparkly string we got him
today but he stopped when we were
telling our story about the frog.” (Make
sure not to celebrate the stopping,
your aim is not to block the child from
addressing their sensory needs or to
indicate that their withholding from
activities that serve to comfort or orientate
them in the world is good, it is just
interesting to notice when that comfort is
needed and when it is not). “I think Amira
gets agitated when everyone brings their
chairs over for a snack, she shouts quite
a bit. I’ve asked the other staff if tomorrow
the adults can lift the chairs for the children
so they’re not dragging over the floor, we
are going to see how she is with that.”
If the families seem at ease with the
conversation, extend your curiosity into the
time the child spends outside your setting.
“Does she shout much at home?” “Has
Jake got things he likes to spin at home?”
You are not there to diagnose these
children, but if your recognition of their
sensory needs makes you think that
they might be neurodivergent, it is worth
mentioning this to their families. Not as
a cause for concern, just as a provider
of information: “Lots of children who are
autistic like to twiddle things”, “Sometimes
children with neurodivergent conditions
process sensory information in different
ways to neurotypical children and this can
mean they do things that seem different.”
You are not telling them they need to get
their children diagnosed, it is not your
role to decide that, you are sharing the
information you have. If you do this in a
non-judgemental and open way, you will
be a wonderfully steadying presence for
that family.
Parenting in the early years is a
bewildering and sleep-deprived
adventure. When your child is other than
how you expected them to be, it can be all
the more disorientating. Being supported
by staff who recognise your child’s
differences but aren’t flustered by them
can be deeply reassuring. Better still if
those staff have ideas about how to begin
to support your child even before things
like formal diagnosis or assessments
and the like... which leads me to my next
article.
In my next article we will look at ways
you can support a child you think might
have particular sensory needs. Until
then, do feel free to connect with me on
social media to watch my current sensory
adventures unfurl. All the connection links
can be found on my website
www.TheSensoryProjects.co.uk
Scan here for
more resources
from Joanna:
12 December 2023 | parenta.com
parenta.com | December 2023 13

International Volunteer
Day:
celebrations and
International Volunteer Day, observed
on December 5th each year, is a global
celebration that provides an opportunity
for governments, non-governmental
organisations, community groups,
and various organisations relying on
volunteers to recognise and commemorate
the invaluable contributions made by
volunteers worldwide.
Many countries and organisations
globally rely on volunteers to bolster their
workforce, and many could not exist
without the service and support of these
dedicated people.
Some of these include:

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Call 0800 002 9242 and quote ’Magazine’
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Stacey Kelly
Throughout my parenting and teaching
journey, I have used storybooks as a tool
to teach and guide children. However, over
the years, I’ve come to realise just how
powerful they are and how much they can
enhance children’s development and most
importantly, support their emotional wellbeing.
Here are the 2 main reasons why I
think storybooks are the best resource we
have in early years:
Every setting
needs an
emotional
well-being
library
They can instil values
As a parent and teacher, I have always
placed importance on nurturing emotional
well-being and tried to instil important
values and life lessons that will give my
children, and others, an internal blueprint
that is programmed for success and
happiness. I’m a big believer in leading by
example and have always demonstrated
the behaviour and attitude that I want
to see in them, but no matter how much
I do this, I find that sometimes, children
still need extra reinforcement with these
concepts.
Seeing how much my own children doted
on characters in everyday storybooks
and how much they held them in high
regard, gave me the idea to create a
range of storybooks about characters
who personify and teach a key life lesson
or value. I had witnessed how much my
children absorbed the storyline in their
favourite books and how they would bring
the imaginary characters and narrative
into their own reality whilst playing - and
this made me wonder if the same would
happen with fun characters who taught
important concepts and values. I started
creating storybooks teaching the main
values I wanted to instil in my children like:

Unmasking
Managed well, this can positively impact
their growth, confidence and resilience
with effects that will last a lifetime, building
the foundations upon which our children
shape their identities and navigate the
world.
Dr. Kathryn Peckham
Childhood, often synonymous with
innocence and carefree exploration, is
increasingly marred by anxiety - a mental
health condition that profoundly affects
a child’s well-being. With an alarming
number of children today grappling with
anxiety at levels that can significantly
impact their overall well-being, we must
look to unravel the factors contributing
to child anxiety and provide insights and
guidance for all the adults in their lives.
So where does anxiety come
from in young children?
Children’s mental health is a multifaceted
issue influenced by a combination of
genetic, environmental, and social factors.
However, when we are mindful of these
factors, we can create a supportive and
nurturing environment for our children.
A family history can make a child more
susceptible to anxiety if they have
experience of it, with heightened sensitivity
child anxiety
Understanding, nurturing and
recognising the signs
and a greater vulnerability to stress. The
environment in which a child grows up
also plays a significant role in emotional
well-being. A chaotic home life, family
conflict, neglect, abuse or exposure
to violence can all contribute to the
development of anxiety.
But so too can excessive pressure to
perform well, even when this may be
intended as encouragement and drive.
Overprotective styles of care, excessive
control or a lack of autonomy can also
hinder their ability to develop coping
skills and manage stress. Conversely,
consistently ignoring a child’s emotional
needs can also lead to feelings of
insecurity and anxiety.
Experiencing traumatic events, such as
accidents, natural disasters or witnessing
a violent act can also put children at
higher risk of developing anxiety disorders.
Disrupting their sense of safety and
security can lead to persistent feelings
of fear, helplessness, and anxiety. Don’t
forget, what might not seem that traumatic
to you may have been a frightening
experience and persistent worry for a
child.
In a world of constant exposure to
technology, children are being exposed
to unrealistic expectations and negative
images from increasingly younger ages,
impacting their self-esteem, and fostering
anxiety and self-doubt. No matter how
much we think we monitor what our
children see and get pulled into, as soon
as you give a child access to a device,
these images will often find a way.
Why is a child’s self-esteem
so important?
Supporting early years, we play a
vital role in nurturing children’s selfesteem,
shaping their self-perception
and cultivating their overall well-being.
Self-esteem also provides our children
with a cushion of resilience that helps
them bounce back from the setbacks
and challenges that are an inevitable
part of life. When children believe in their
abilities and self-worth, they develop
a growth mindset, viewing obstacles
as opportunities for growth rather than
insurmountable barriers. They are more
likely to persevere, problem-solve and
learn from their mistakes, as this too
fosters resilience and adaptability within
them. They are more likely to approach
challenges with confidence, believing
in their abilities and embracing new
opportunities.
A child with a healthy level of self-esteem
is more likely to form positive relationships
and communicate and express their needs
effectively, as they surround themselves
with stronger and healthier relationships.
A healthy self-esteem empowers children
to step out of their comfort zones, embrace
new experiences and pursue their dreams
with determination and enthusiasm. While
it is not the only ingredient, imagine trying
to do these things with a self-esteem that
is hurting.
Lastly, fostering healthy self-esteem can
also promote a positive self-image. By
cultivating an environment of acceptance
and appreciation for their uniqueness,
we can help our children develop a
strong sense of self-worth. This can
protect them from the negative impact of
media influences and promote a healthy
relationship with their bodies, which sadly,
is lacking in many of our children in today’s
media-rich world.
Identifying the signs of
anxiety
We all feel anxious about things from time
to time, this is simply a natural system
within the body letting us know that there
is something we need to be aware of.
However, feeling anxious in ways that
impact our day or feeling this way a lot
of the time is detrimental to our health.
At this stage, it is becoming anxiety and
something we need to be aware of in
our children of all ages. It can manifest
in various physical symptoms such as
frequent stomach aches, fatigue, muscle
tension, restlessness, difficulty sleeping,
changes in appetite or unexplained
physical complaints.
Children may try to avoid situations or
activities that trigger anxious feelings or
express strong desires to stay within their
comfort zones. They may become easily
overwhelmed, irritable or have frequent
emotional outbursts. All these symptoms
may indicate an underlying anxiety
that they may not have the words or
understanding to express to you.
Early years anxiety can also manifest as
perfectionism or a strong fear of making
mistakes. They may display an intense
desire to please others, or they may look
to set excessively high standards for
themselves and be overly self-critical. So
pay close attention, especially if this has
come on suddenly or they are looking to
avoid things that they used to enjoy.
Witnessing any child experiencing anxiety
can leave you feeling concerned and
desperate to help but by recognising
the signs early on, you can provide
the necessary support. Through open
communication, empathy and a supportive
environment, you can nurture children’s
mental health in the early years as you
develop healthy coping strategies.
Remember, if you observe signs of anxiety
that interfere with a child’s daily life,
consult with a healthcare professional or
mental health provider. Early identification
and intervention are vital tools in helping
our future generations navigate anxiety.
Together, we can forge a world where
children grow up with a sense of security,
resilience and mental well-being. So
whether you are a parent, practitioner or
family worker join me at the Nurturing
Childhoods Academy where you can listen
to talks and access lots more tips and
suggestions. There are also materials for
you to print out and keep handy, giving
you all the key bits of learning at your
fingertips.
If you become a member of the Nurturing
Childhoods Community, you can come
and talk with other parents and carers
about the experiences you are having. You
might like to swap a funny story or ask
for some advice. You can also read all the
new blogs or have a go with a Childhood
Challenge!
Scan here for
more resources
from Kathryn:
20 December 2023 | parenta.com
parenta.com | December 2023 21

Affordable and
thoughtful gift ideas:
easy to make and buy
As the holiday season approaches, our
focus naturally shifts towards sharing
heartfelt gifts with our loved ones.
Considering the persistent cost-of-living
challenges, we’ve curated a selection
of simple yet delightful DIY gift ideas for
young children. Explore a handful of our
favourite suggestions from the wealth of
inspiration available online.
Christmas wreaths
We all know the traditional Christmas
wreath made of pine leaves, holly, and ivy,
but how about extending your creativity
this year and making your wreaths and
decorations from less traditional materials?
Here are some ideas for you:

Lee Connelly
As we get into the colder months, let’s dive
into the wondrous world of gardening with
toddlers. Who says the garden is only for
summer? Let’s debunk that myth and start
creating festive memories and connections
right in your garden.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s
talk about setting the stage for our
winter gardening adventure. Picture this,
your garden transformed into a winter
wonderland, adorned with twinkling
lights, festive decorations, and a sprinkle
of holiday magic. Creating a festive
ambience not only sets the mood but also
enhances the overall experience for both
you and your little ones. We often think
about decorating the front of our homes,
but this year how about looking out back
Festive gardening
fun ideas to share
with parents
too? By creating a winter wonderland,
it sets up a space where incredible
memories can be made.
Once you have a garden ready for
magic, we are ready to kick off our
festive gardening extravaganza with
some hands-on DIY Christmas planters.
Gather pots, soil, and a variety of winterloving
plants like holly, ivy, or miniature
evergreens. Involve the children in the
process of arranging these plants in the
pots. It’s a fantastic sensory activity that
stimulates their creativity and connects
them with nature. I often get my daughter
to paint or decorate the pots first, then
together we explore our outdoor space
to gather the materials needed. We also
head to the garden centre to see what we
can find, which makes for a great day out
together. As you plant, share some facts
about the chosen plants, their resilience in
winter, and what they bring to the garden.
These little moments of learning and
exploration lay the foundation for creating
memories together and bring a closer
connection to nature for you all.
To bring some education into the garden,
let’s talk about mulching. It may not
sound like the most glamorous gardening
activity, but trust me, it’s a game-changer,
especially during winter. Get the children
geared up with their mini gardening tools,
and let’s take the first step to the magic of
mulching. Mulch is like a protective layer
that we put around plants in the garden. It
can be made of different things like wood
chips, straw, or even leaves.
When we spread this cosy mulch around
plants, it helps them in a few amazing
ways! Explain the importance of mulch
in protecting plants from the winter chill.
As you work together to spread that cosy
blanket of mulch around the plants, you
are teaching the importance of caring for
plants even in the colder months.
Now, let’s add a dash of excitement with a
festive scavenger hunt.
Create a list of Christmas-themed items
hidden around the garden, such as
candy canes, mini baubles, or even tiny,
wrapped presents. Equip the children with
a little basket and watch their eyes light
up as they discover each hidden treasure.
This activity not only brings a sense of
adventure to the garden but also helps
develop essential skills like observation
and problem-solving. I love this idea as it’s
an excellent way to reinforce the idea that
the garden is a magical place, brimming
with surprises, no matter the season.
Christmas is a time of giving, and what
better way to instil this value than by
hosting a bird feeding party in the back
garden? Craft simple bird feeders using
pinecones, lard, and bird seed. Let your
toddler take charge of spreading the lard
and rolling the pinecones in the seeds.
It’s a messy make, but a really fun one
to create in the warm. You can pop this
in the fridge overnight and then hang
these festive bird feeders in strategic spots
around the garden, creating a feast for our
feathered friends. Place them somewhere
in the garden that toddlers can see from
the warmth of the home and then sit back
and watch the party happen.
As it gets dark and the garden transforms
into a glittering wonderland with fairy
lights, gather your cosy blankets and
snuggle up for a storytime under the stars.
Choose a garden-themed or Christmas
storybook and let the magic of storytelling
unfold amidst the enchanting outdoor
setting. We are lucky enough to have a
trampoline that we do this on when it’s dry
outside. With the stars above us, it makes
for an incredible experience, although with
the cold temperatures, not a long one.
This simple yet profound activity reinforces
the idea that the garden isn’t just a place
for physical activities but also a haven for
imagination and bonding.
The Skinny Jean
Gardener’s top tips
for winter gardening
success
1. Choose winter-hardy plants, look
for plants that thrive in colder
temperatures, such as winter pansies,
heather, or ornamental cabbages.
These additions ensure your garden
remains vibrant even in the chilliest
months
2. Invest in child-sized tools, make
gardening accessible and enjoyable
for your toddler by providing
them with their own set of pintsized
gardening tools. This not
only enhances their sense of
independence but also makes the
activities more manageable and
safer. Look out for tools that look just
like adult-sized ones, so that toddlers
feel part of the gardening action, and
that it’s not just another toy
3. Celebrate small achievements,
whether it’s successfully planting
a bulb or spotting a robin in the
garden, celebrate these small
achievements with the children.
Positive reinforcement teaches and
encourages continued engagement
4. Embrace messiness, gardening is
a hands-on activity, and it’s okay to
get a little messy. Embrace the dirt
and the joy it brings to the children’s
exploration. After all, a dirty hand is a
happy hand in the garden!
5. Create a year-round calendar,
plan seasonal gardening activities
throughout the year. From spring
planting to summer harvesting,
autumn leaf collections, and winter
preparations, having a year-round
calendar keeps the excitement alive
and the garden relevant in every
season
In the world of children’s gardening, the
garden is not just a summer affair; it’s
a year-round haven of discovery and
connection. By embracing the magic of
Christmas and infusing your garden with
festive spirit, you’re creating a space where
memories blossom alongside the flowers.
So, wrap up warm, don your favourite
festive sweater, and step into the winter
wonderland that is your garden. With
a little creativity and a lot of love, you’ll
discover that the garden is not just
for summer, it’s a canvas for endless
possibilities, even in the heart of winter.
Happy gardening, everyone!
Want a great Christmas gift to
continue the gardening journey?
Me and my daughter have put all
our ideas into the “How to Get Kids
Gardening” book. Over the years
we have created memories by
making and growing with upcycled
and recycled ideas. It’s available
this Christmas for just £10 (RRP £12.99)
signed and ready for Christmas at
skinnyjeangardener.co.uk/shop/
how-to-get-kids-gardening-book or
with the QR code below.
Scan here for
more resources
from Lee:
24 December 2023 | parenta.com
parenta.com | December 2023 25

Join in the festive fun on
Christmas Jumper Day
Are you ready to embrace the holiday
spirit and bring a touch of festive magic
into your early years setting? As the days
grow shorter and the world is illuminated
by twinkling lights, it’s time to embark
on a jolly journey with your little ones to
celebrate Christmas Jumper Day in style!
This heartwarming tradition is not just
about wearing cosy and quirky sweaters;
it’s about creating an enchanting
experience for children while making a
positive impact on the world. So, gather
your elves, dust off those Christmas
jumpers, and let’s make the season bright!
The origins of Christmas
Jumper Day
Back in 2012, Save the Children had a
brilliant idea: what if we could make
the world better, one sweater at a time?
That’s how Christmas Jumper Day was
born. It’s not just a day to showcase
your most outlandish holiday attire; it’s
a day to draw attention to the millions of
children worldwide who face poverty and
hardship. This heartwarming initiative
uses the slogan “Make the World Better
with a Sweater,” and over the years, it
has garnered support from countless
celebrities and generous souls. Together,
over £35 million has been raised to help
children in the UK and across the globe.
Who can join the festive
frenzy?
The beauty of Christmas Jumper Day
is that anyone can join in the fun! Even
four-legged friends can get in on the
action. Last year, around 15,000 schools
and four million people participated in this
heartwarming event. So, whether you’re
an early years educator, a parent, or a pet
lover (or all three!), you can play a part in
spreading joy and making a difference.
Why Save the Children?
We all know that Christmas is a time
of joy, togetherness, and celebration.
However, for many children, this season
can be anything but magical. It may bring
feelings of loneliness, fear, and isolation.
Some families struggle to make ends
meet, especially when the pressure to
buy presents adds to their burdens. The
current cost-of-living crisis has made these
difficulties even more pronounced.
This is where Save the Children steps in.
The money raised on Christmas Jumper
Day goes toward helping children living in
poverty. The charity provides emergency
food, shelter, and education, offering hope
for a brighter future. It ensures children
have access to medical services they
may otherwise go without. In 2022, £5
million was raised for children, including
£2 million of match funding from the UK
government and over 2 million school
children and 24,000 workplaces took part
in Christmas Jumper Day last year.
How to make a difference
Participating in Christmas Jumper Day is
as easy as decking the halls with boughs
of holly.
Here’s how you can get involved:
1. Wear a Christmas jumper:
Christmas Jumper Day is on Thursday
7 December 2023 - but you can take
part any day you want! Remember,
you don’t need to break the bank for
an expensive one. Get creative and
upcycle an old sweater into a festive
masterpiece
2. Make a donation: While wearing
your Christmas jumper, consider
making a donation to Save the
Children. A suggested contribution
is £2 for adults and £1 for school
children, but any amount is
appreciated
3. Craft your own Christmas
jumper: Get the children involved
in the festivities by creating their
own Christmas jumpers. There are
plenty of resources available online,
including upcycling ideas to turn
ordinary jumpers into extraordinary
ones.
Fun ideas for decorating
Christmas jumpers
Boost the holiday cheer by crafting your
own unique Christmas jumpers. Here are
some simple ideas to get you started:
1. Tinsel magic: Add tinsel to the neck
and cuffs of an old sweater and
attach tree decorations (ensure they
are child-safe)
2. Felt festivities: Cut festive shapes
like snowflakes, Christmas trees,
reindeer, and presents from felt and
pin them onto a jumper
3. Christmas pudding chic: Turn
a brown jumper into a Christmas
pudding by cutting out a jagged white
collar
4. Santa’s helper: Transform a red
sweater into a Santa costume with
large black buttons, white faux fur
cuffs, a black belt, and a cushion for
extra ‘Santa volume’
5. Stocking surprise: Sew an old
Christmas stocking to the front of a
jumper and add a soft toy inside for
an authentic touch
6. Gifted jumper: Tie a large ribbon
around your waist in a bow and
create a large label to wear like a
necklace, turning yourself into a giant
Christmas present
Spreading festive joy in
your early years setting
Getting everyone in your early years
setting involved in Christmas Jumper Day
is a fantastic way to teach children about
empathy, giving, and the joy of helping
others. Here are some engaging and
budget-friendly ideas to infuse the spirit of
Christmas Jumper Day into your setting:
1. Design your own jumpers:
Download or draw a plain jumper
template and encourage children and
staff to design their own Christmasthemed
jumpers. It’s a creative and
collaborative activity that’s sure to
spread joy
2. Jumper mobiles: Use a scaled-down
jumper template and coat hangers to
create a festive mobile. Hang these
adorable decorations around your
setting for a touch of holiday magic
3. Fashion show extravaganza: Host
a Christmas jumper fashion show or
competition. Invite parents to join in
the fun and add music, face paint, fun
wigs, and commentary to create an
unforgettable experience
4. Bake sale bonanza: Organise a
bake sale in your setting to raise
money for Save the Children. It’s a
delicious way to make a difference
5. Bring and buy sale: Encourage
families to donate goods for a
Christmas bring and buy sale. This
event not only raises funds but also
promotes a sense of community and
sharing
Remember, every little effort counts,
and together, we can light up the
lives of children in need. Share your
festive endeavours and heartwarming
moments with us at hello@parenta.
com. Let’s make this Christmas truly
magical for all, one jumper at a time!
Scan here for
more references
& information:
26 December 2023 | parenta.com
parenta.com | December 2023 27

Mona Sakr
Children are at the heart of community
cohesion. In this article, I explore what
community cohesion means from the
child’s perspective and how children’s
everyday interactions contribute to our
sense of local connectedness, belonging
and pride.
I am lucky enough to lead an amazing
research team of psychologists,
sociologists, network analysts and
historians on a project called Beyond
School Gates: Children’s Contribution to
Community Integration, which is funded
by the Nuffield Foundation and the British
Academy. Through our research, we
want to rewrite the narrative around
community cohesion by helping people
see just how important children’s everyday
lives are to the cohesion experienced in
neighbourhoods, towns and cities. Our
founding belief is that children’s day-today
interactions and friendships are a
launchpad for adults to connect across
diversity.
Fostering community
cohesion through a
child’s perspective
What is community
cohesion?
Community cohesion revolves around
connection. For communities to be
cohesive, individuals need to feel that they
can connect with others and that these
connections happen across diversity.
Community cohesion is strong when
people feel able to comfortably interact
with others who have a different ethnicity,
language or religion to them.
As researchers, we can measure
community cohesion by plotting the
connections that people make on a dayto-day
basis. For example, we could ask
you to reflect on the day you’ve had so
far and to plot the social connections you
have had up until this point and who these
connections have been with.

How furry friends
transform early years
Britain, renowned for its love of animals,
showers nearly £10 million a year on
our beloved pets, a testament to our
nation’s deep affinity for furry (and not
furry!) companions. A staggering 57% of
households in the UK welcome creatures
as pets into their homes, adding up to a
whopping 38 million pets nationwide. The
joy and happiness they bring resonate in
the hearts of children and families across
the country.
The wonders of having pets extend far
beyond companionship, with numerous
documented benefits. Imagine the
possibilities for the children in your care
as you advocate for the magic of pet
ownership. Whether you encourage your
little ones’ families and friends to embrace
the joy of pets or contemplate bringing
some into your setting, you’re not just
fostering relationships with animals –
you’re unlocking a world of transformation
for the early years.
The benefits
Some of the benefits for children include:
Immune systems and educational
attendance
Studies suggest that children who keep
pets at home have stronger immune
systems and show higher attendance
rates at school. In some studies, children
who have pets at home were less likely to
develop allergies and asthma.
Comfort and support
Pets can give physical and emotional
support when we are feeling at our lowest
– many people believe they intrinsically
know when we are going through a
bad time and can recognise this. They
can help children develop empathy
and understanding about non-verbal
communication, and children can learn to
self-regulate their own emotions by caring
for pets.
Loyalty and friendship
Pets can make the most loyal friends; they
never judge you and will listen to your
problems for hours on end.
Reduced anxiety and improved
mental health
Pet ownership has been shown to reduce
anxiety and depression in children, reduce
stress and improve symptoms of PTSD.
Some charities use animals such as horses
and dogs as therapy to help improve
mental health in children.
Life lessons
Pets can help teach people about the life
cycle and how to care for other sentient
beings. They can also be the first occasion
that children experience loss and grief but
if this is the case, children will need careful
support to guide them through the loss of
a beloved pet.
Links to natural science
Animals can help teach about the natural
world, different environments, and
habitats, and be an introduction to the
natural sciences.
Teaching children how to nurture
Learning how to care for a pet helps
children understand responsibility, the
needs of others, and the role we all have
in creating a compassionate world where
everyone can thrive.
Self-discipline and the value of
routine
Looking after a pet can also help children
learn about self-discipline because they
may have to feed the pet or clean its cage
at various times. This will depend on the
age of the children involved as adults will
need to teach and oversee the processes
to ensure the safety of the pets and the
children.
Cognitive development
Research from Proresky et al made
an association between the bond that
children have with their pets and improved
cognitive development. It has also been
suggested that owning a pet can help
facilitate language acquisition and
enhance children’s verbal skills.
How to introduce pets
into your setting
If you want to introduce a pet or pets
into your setting, then it must be done
properly because it is not without risk.
However, with careful planning, governor/
staff and parent buy-in, and robust risk
assessments, the benefits will far outweigh
any potential disadvantages.
Some of the things that you might need to
consider include:

Frances Turnbull
A Finnish study, (Lehikoinen, 2023)
considered 6 different ways to explore
early years creative activity for 1- and
2-year-olds. The focus was on successful
engagement as this age is known to be
tricky, with limited ideas for under 3s in the
arts. To achieve this, 6 early years activities
were devised, specifically for this age
group:
❄ Dance-painting – paint feet, move to
song
❄ Magic dough – create playdough
objects from songs
❄ Digital drawing – taking pictures or
creating pictures using technology
❄ Musical drawing – drawing or
painting while listening to music
❄ Balloon painting – painting using
balloons, and paint-filled balloons
❄ Snow painting – painting using snow!
This month, we are focusing on snow
painting.
Snow painting is literally that – painting
on snow! It looks great and is easy to do
“Snow
is falling”
Snow painting in the
early years
This current 6-part series of early years music articles features a new activity each month from a number of arts activities trialled for 1-
and 2-year-old children, along with musical suggestions, with recordings on YouTube.
– and if it’s too cold to stay outside for too
long, bring it in on trays or tubs, and keep
going!
For this early years painting idea, it is
useful to use:
❄ Liquid watercolours in pots/tubs –
diluted in cold water (so that the ice
doesn’t melt)
❄ Small containers/trays (bring snow
inside if children get cold)
❄ Different size paintbrushes
❄ Pipettes/droppers
Make sure the colours are bright enough,
and be aware that colours will run into
each other as the snow melts. Then drip
colour or paint it onto the snow and watch
a picture appear! Bonus tip: make snow
creatures to add to your snow picture!
It is this simple and needs no further
explanation, so as a painting activity for
children, it is perfect for this age group!
Weather can be so magical, and the songs
this month celebrate it. This is also a great
creative way to develop awareness of how
the weather changes through the seasons.
Frosty weather
Frosty weather
Snowy weather
When the wind blows we
All stick together
This song can be used as a circle dance
or a free movement song, depending on
the confidence of the children in the group.
1) As a circle song, children hold hands,
walking around in a circle as they sing the
first three lines, “Frosty weather, snowy
weather when the wind blows, we ...” As
they start the next line, children run to the
middle of the circle to “stick together”.
As a free dance, use words to create the
imagery of soft, gentle leaves, blowing
where the wind takes them, as children
move freely to the first three lines of the
song. In both situations, the last line
could become chaotic, so it will help to
emphasise beforehand that leaves blow
together gently, they don’t bump and bash
each other, but gently touch and move
away.
Rain Rain
Rain, rain go away
Come again another day
Rain, rain go away
All the children want to play
This is a lovely song for a few reasons.
Songs that involve chanting to rhythm are
wonderful ways to get new or unfamiliar
groups working and singing together. This
song only uses two notes, so it is a great
way to get children to hear the difference
between high and low notes – this is a
lovely way to develop their ability to sing in
tune. Finally, once children can hear and
copy the high and low notes accurately,
they will be able to play the tune on
simple tuned percussion instruments –
xylophones or glockenspiels, chime bars,
and even ukuleles (the two middle strings).
Twinkle Twinkle
Twinkle twinkle
Christmas Star
How I wonder
What you are
Up above the
World so high
Like a diamond
In the sky
Twinkle twinkle
Christmas Star
How I wonder
What you are
Singing along to this Christmas variation of
“Twinkle Twinkle” is a magical way to get
children exploring the paint and ice/snow
while keeping them focussed on different
ways to think of stars: multiple pinpricks in
the sky, bright guiding lights, ornate and
fancy shapes, or a burning streak of light
shooting across the sky! Creating a few
different examples for children to imitate
often leads to some children creating their
fanciful ideas of stars, while it gives other
children a starting point to copy and begin
to develop their imagination.
Snow is falling
Snow is falling
All around me
Children playing
Having fun
It’s the season
Of love and understanding
Merry Christmas
Everyone!
The first verse of this popular Christmas
song is perfect for this time of year,
celebrating snowfall! Dance around and
sing if you are lucky enough to be together
in snowfall or use indoor ways to explore
playing in the snow. If you are “being”
snowflakes, it is helpful to remind children
that snowflakes never crash into each
other, never knock each other, but gently
blow up into each other and away. Play
scarves are fantastic reusable items that
can gently float if you’re indoors.
Alternatively, a box of white tissues or
sheets of kitchen roll could be used, giving
children the opportunity to develop their
hand-eye coordination as well as fine
motor control. This is as they practise
keeping tissues uncreased and level
so that they can gently float to the floor.
Clean-up tip: once the floor is covered with
white tissue, announce a “snowball fight”,
gathering up tissue to throw, first gently at
each other – and then in the bin!
Snow is such a magical experience
for children, turning the world into a
completely different environment. Not only
the appearance but the sounds and the
smells, change everything, making the
whole world different when it snows. Enjoy
this musical exploration!
Scan here for
more resources
from Frances:
32 December 2023 | parenta.com
parenta.com | December 2023 33

December, in the Western world, has long
been synonymous with the enchanting
spirit of Christmas. Yet, amidst the
shimmering lights and festive carols, this
month also hosts a tapestry of diverse
religious celebrations, each weaving its
own unique tale of faith and festivity.
Saint Nicholas Day (6th)
Beyond Christmas:
exploring December’s
multicultural festivals
This day remembers the birth of Saint
Nicholas, the inspiration behind the
concept of Santa Claus or, as we know him
in the UK, Father Christmas. Saint Nicholas
is believed to have secretly given gifts to
the poor and children in some European
countries leave a shoe outside their
bedrooms on the eve of St Nicholas Day.
Legend has it, that if they have been good,
Saint Nicholas will leave them a treat, and
if not, they can look forward to receiving a
lump of coal or a stick!
and celebrations
You can celebrate Saint Nicholas Day in
your setting by getting the children to
put out a shoe or sock on the night of
December 5th and have them come in on
the 6th to find a treat… hopefully!
Bodhi Day (8th)
This is the day that is observed in
many Buddhist communities across the
world marking the day that Siddhartha
Gautama, a wandering religious teacher,
and the founder of Buddhism, (the
Buddha), finally attained enlightenment
and the state of nirvana. He described
reaching this state in three stages:
the realisation of his past lives; the
knowledge of the laws of karma; and the
understanding of the laws of, and true
nature of the universe. The day is also
celebrated as Rōhatsu in Japan, and Laba
in China.
Why not celebrate Bodhi Day in your
setting by having a meditation/relaxation
session, listening to some calming music
and asking the children to notice how their
body feels in the moment? They could
also draw pictures about what makes
them happy to represent the states of bliss
obtained in nirvana.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast
Day (12th)
The 12th of December is the Feast Day of
Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the Patron
Saint of Mexico. According to tradition,
in 1534, Mary appeared several times
to a Mexican peasant called Juan Diego
and once to his uncle, Juan Bernardino.
Mary asked them to build a chapel on
the site where she appeared. Juan told
the archbishop of Mexico City who was
initially sceptical, but when a miraculous
image of Mary appeared on Juan’s cloak,
the archbishop agreed, and a chapel was
erected, now known as the Basilica of
Our Lady of Guadalupe, the most visited
Catholic shrine in the world.
You could celebrate this day with an
art project to either draw the Lady of
Guadalupe (you can find images online)
or you could do a craft making red
roses, which were also said to appear
miraculously.
Hanukkah (7th - 15th)
Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday,
the Jewish Festival of Lights. Many Jewish
households celebrate by lighting a special
candlestick (a menorah). Traditionally, this
represents how a small group of Jewish
people were able to survive in a temple
during a siege after their dwindling supply
of lamp oil lasted 8 days instead of just
one. After this time, the group emerged
from hiding victorious in their war with a
powerful Greek/Syrian army.
People celebrate by lighting one candle a
day and you could mark Hanukkah in your
setting by creating a battery-operated tea
light display in one corner of your room to
mark this time.
Yule (21st)
Yule is also known as Midwinter’s Day and
has the shortest amount of daylight and
the longest period of darkness. Wiccan
and Pagan people have celebrated
this time for centuries, with feasts and
celebrations to mark the time of the year
when the days begin to grow longer
again. One tradition is to burn the Yule log
to remind people that the sun will return.
Yule is one of the oldest winter festivals
and is commonly celebrated by Germanic
and Scandinavian people wherever they
are in the world.
In your setting, you could collect sticks,
leaves, pinecones, and other natural
elements to make a display showing our
connection to the natural world. You could
also make a sun/ moon/stars mobile and
hang them around the setting to remind
you of the cyclical nature of day and night,
as well as the seasons.
Christmas Eve, Christmas Day
and Boxing Day (24th - 26th)
In the Christian tradition, Christmas Eve
marks the night on which Jesus was born
in Bethlehem to Mary and Joseph. The
Christmas story tells of how the Romans
ordered all the Jews to return to their
home village for a census. Joseph and his
heavily pregnant wife, Mary, journeyed
to Bethlehem where they could find no
place to stay since the city was full of other
travellers.
An innkeeper took pity on them and
offered them his stable for the night.
Mary gave birth to Jesus during the
night and tradition tells of multitudes
of angels appearing to shepherds in
nearby fields, proclaiming the birth of the
son of God. Christians around the world
celebrate this time with feasts and by
exchanging presents. Some cultures such
as Germany, Scandinavian countries and
Spain celebrate Christmas Eve more than
Christmas Day, gathering to sing carols
and dance around a Christmas tree.
Boxing Day is a British tradition sometimes
attributed to Queen Victoria and the British
gentry who gave their servants a rare day
off after the toils of Christmas Day. Others
believe that the term derives from early
churches opening their charity boxes to
distribute to the poor on the day after
Christmas.
You can celebrate the run-up to Christmas
by creating Christmas cards, baking
Christmas cookies, offering a ‘secret Santa’
or making Christmas decorations and
putting up a Christmas tree.
Zarathosht Diso (26th/27th)
Zoroastrianism is one of the world’s oldest
monotheistic religions and was founded
by the Prophet Zoroaster in Iran more
than 3,000 years ago. Zarathosht Diso
falls around the 26th or 27th of December
depending on the Iranian calendar and is
when Zoroastrians mark the death of their
prophet, Zarathustra. The day is marked
across the global Zoroastrian community
by reflecting on the prophet’s life, praying
at the temple, or studying religious texts.
You could celebrate this day by talking
about the different beliefs that people have
and showing the children a map of the
world, explaining that different countries
have different beliefs. You could make a
display showing the origins of some of
the world’s religions, marking Iran as the
origin of Zoroastrianism.
Scan here for
more references
& information:
34 November 2023 | parenta.com
parenta.com | December 2023 35

EYFS activities:
Bubble wrap painting – a sensory sensation!
Expressive Arts &
Design
Expressive Arts and Design activities are a crucial aspect of the EYFS curriculum and encompass a range of creative
and imaginative experiences, including art, music, dance, and drama. These activities contribute to the holistic
development of children, nurturing their physical, emotional, social, and cognitive aspects, including:
• Creativity and Imagination
• Communication and Language Skills
• Cultural Awareness
• Fine and Gross Motor Skills
• Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Preparation for Later Learning
You will need:
• Plastic sandwich bag – one that has been
used and washed
• Bubble wrap
• Paint
Preparation:
• Cut a small square of bubble wrap and
slide it into the sandwich bag, laying it flat
Adding the Paint:
• Add a squirt of paint onto the bubble wrap
inside the sealed bag
Exploration:
• Let the children push and squeeze the bag,
causing the bubbles to pop and the paint to
splatter
Sensory Experience:
• Enjoy the sensory experience of exploring
the texture of the bubble wrap and the
colours mixing
More on this activity and others can be found
here: theottoolbox.com/mess-free-bubblewrap-painting
Shaving foam marbling - great for messy play!
You will need:
• Shaving foam
• Liquid food colouring
• Watercolour paper
• Tray
• Ruler
• Stick or pencil
Getting ready:
• Cover the tray in shaving foam, ensuring
there are no gaps
• Add drops of different food colouring over
the shaving foam in a random pattern
Creating patterns:
• Use a stick or pencil to swirl the food
colouring around in the shaving foam,
creating patterns and effects
Paper placement:
• Place a piece of watercolour paper on top
of the colourful shaving foam and press
lightly to cover it
Reveal the Image!
• Gently peel the paper off the shaving foam
and place it to the side
• Scrape off the shaving foam using a ruler to
reveal the transferred image
Drying:
• Allow the artwork to dry
More on this activity and others can be found
here: rainydaymum.co.uk/shaving-foammarbling-fun-art-activity-for-toddlers-andpreschoolers/
Magic paper towels – a favourite with the children!
You will need:
• A dye
• Markers (permanent and washable)
• White paper towels/kitchen roll
• Water in a small tray
• Child-friendly scissors
Preparing the paper towels:
• Take a square of paper towel and fold it
in half
• Cut the paper towel to have a small square
with another small square behind it
Designing pictures:
• Use a marker pen to draw an image on the
top layer of the folded paper towel
Colouring and bleeding:
• Lift the top layer to reveal the outline on the
layer below
• Colour in the outline or add more details
using washable markers that bleed in water
Magic reveal!
• Place the paper towel into the water and
watch as the colours from the bottom layer
appear through the top layer, creating a
magical effect
More on this activity and others can be found
here: messylittlemonster.com/2020/04/magicpaper-towel-art-science.html
36 December 2023 | parenta.com

Gina Bale
Embark on a captivating journey into the
historical origins of fairy and folk Tales,
discovering their timeless influence on
storytelling and sparking early years
imagination. From the inception of the UK’s
first printed fairy tale, “Tom Thumb”, to the
ancient “The Smith and the Devil” these
tales have left an indelible mark across
diverse cultures. Are you ready to explore
the educational significance of these
enchanting narratives and understand
their pivotal role as powerful tools for
fostering creativity and imagination in
children? Dive into the magic now!
Fairy tale vs folk tale
The term ‘fairy tale’ grew out of ‘folk
tales’ which were an oral tradition across
all cultures. Folk tales are filled with
characters that are generally animals that
can talk and have human characteristics.
The tales are rooted in human scenarios,
Embrace
storytelling
Enchantment of mythical
beings & magical kingdoms
not magic, to relay a moral and are not
credited to an author.
Fairy tales are written folk tales that include
mythical creatures and magical kingdoms.
Fairy tales unlike folk tales are rooted in
magic and accredited to an author.
There is so much evidence now that some
fairy tales accredited to authors such as
Johnson, Perrault and the Brothers Grimm
go further back than classical mythology
and have been told before English, French
and Italian languages even existed.
The earliest surviving printed fairy tale
in the UK “Tom Thumb” was published
by Richard Johnson in London in 1621.
This makes it, according to Nottingham
University, the first printed fairy tale native
to the UK.
History of our fairy and
folk tales
Research by anthropologist Dr Jamshid
Tehrani and the New University of Lisbon
social scientist, Sara Graça da Silva,
has determined that “The Smith and the
Devil” is the world’s oldest fairy tale. They
believe that this tale spread throughout
the Indo-European-speaking world from
India to Scandinavia. They believe it was
possibly first told 6,000 years ago during
the Bronze Age.
“Jack and the Beanstalk” also evolved from
a group of stories and can be traced back
to when the Eastern and Western Indo-
European languages split, making this a
tale from over 5,000 years ago. “Beauty
and the Beast” and “Rumpelstiltskin” are
thought to be about 4,000 years old.
Dr Tehrani in his research also found that
the tale “The Wolf and the Kids” originated
in the 1st Century AD and “Little Red Riding
Hood” appeared 1,000 years later. The
best-known version of “Little Red Riding
Hood” was published by the Brothers
Grimm 200 years ago, based on the 17thcentury
story by Perrault. This story has
two endings and fortunately, the version
with the huntsman saving Red Riding
Hood is the most popular. There are times
when a happy ending is needed.
“Little Red Riding Hood” teaches children
not to trust strangers (even elderly wolves),
give out personal information, learn that
appearances can be deceiving (someone
or something is not what it appears to be),
and of course, care for the elderly. There is
a subtle message in the fairy tale as well
for parents - don’t let your child go into the
deep dark woods as you never know who
or what could be lurking!
A variant of this “The Wolf and the Kids”
is a story about a wolf impersonating a
nanny goat and eating her kids, and is
also popular in Europe, the Middle East,
Africa, and Asia. When Perrault was
writing about “Little Red Riding Hood”
the Chinese poet Huang Zhing (1644-
1912) was writing another variant “Tiger
Grandmother” which is popular in China,
Korea and Japan.
The benefits of fairy
and folk tales
All these stories and beliefs help to lay
the foundations for creative thinking and
problem-solving. The stories show them
the differences between good and evil,
right and wrong, punishment and reward,
moral and immoral, male and female, and
birth and death. Folk tales and fairy Tales
are valuable for cross-cultural comparison
and human behaviour.
Our use of mythical and indigenous
fairy and folk Tales can be a powerful
tool that enables children to explore
the world around them. The belief in
mythical creatures and magical worlds
provides children with so much exciting
and engaging context for imaginative
play, ranging from small world play to
adventures in Forest School.
These tales spark a curiosity that can offer
strong moral lessons through the mistakes
of the characters they are introduced
to including modelling behaviour. For
example, a ‘wicked witch’ probably doesn’t
have many friends but the character that
is kind and thinks of others has many. This
helps to provide children with a context to
evaluate their own and other’s behaviour
and decision-making and facilitate
emotional and social development. When
children immerse themselves in a magical
world, they take on different roles and
experiment with emotions. This helps them
to understand their feelings and those of
others better.
When children are encouraged to imagine,
they engage in processes that involve
memory, problem-solving and abstract
thinking. Their belief in mythical beings,
and magical worlds opens a world of
possibilities. This encourages them to
ask questions, explore and create their
narratives, which in turn helps to develop
critical thinking skills and intellectual
curiosity.
The use of these tales creates a languagerich
environment, enhancing their
vocabulary and communication skills.
Storytelling, no matter the genre, is a vital
part of language development but fairy
tales allow children to enter a magical
world of possibilities that help them to
express themselves and communicate
with their peers and adults.
Belief in fairies, mythical creatures, and
magical kingdoms can instil a sense of
wonder and curiosity in children. When
they believe in their existence, they see the
beauty and mystery of the world around
them. This sense of wonder and curiosity
will extend into other areas of learning
and can help them think outside the box,
developing their skills for innovation -
a vital skill set for all our children in the 21st
century.
As educators in early childhood settings,
it is so important that you nurture creative
thinking and imagination. Let fairy and
folk tales be part of your creative toolkit
and remember they don’t all have Happy
Endings!
Just think of all the fun the children can
have by creating a magical small world.
Making gooey messy magical potions
together or ‘chilling out’ by forest bathing
with mythical fantastical creatures and
fairies?
In conclusion, imagination and the belief in
mythical creatures and magical kingdoms
are invaluable tools in early years teaching
and they have been part of our culture and
oral history since the Bronze Age. Their use
in education provides a way for children to
express themselves within the confines of
the story and resolve conflicting emotions.
What is your favourite fairy or folk tale and
how do you incorporate the story when
parenting or teaching? Do let me know.
References:
✨ “The phylogeny of Little Red Riding”
Hood, Tehrani, J., PLOS ONE,
November 2013, Volume 8 Issue 11.
✨ ancientpages.com/2017/08/30/
worlds-oldest-fairy-tale-smith-devilsurvived-several-millennia/
✨ nbcnews.com/sciencemain/suchdeep-roots-you-have-how-little-redriding-hoods-2d11591047
✨ debeysklenar.wordpress.com/tag/
the-tiger-grandma/
Scan here for
more resources
from Gina:
38 December 2023 | parenta.com
parenta.com | December 2023 39

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