It was a privilege to be able to visit Fair Isle this week. The community is the curriculum - real life, meaningful experiences for children, not as an extra but because of a way of life. Shared understanding and shared responsibility.

Children who don't connect with nature before the age of 12 are less likely as adults to connect with nature #learningthroughnature #connectiontonature #teacherquote

It was a privilege to visit Cunningsburgh Nursery with Gillian Hamilton from Education Scotland and Samantha Flaws today. The children were keen to show the newest members of the family! Tracey Malcolmson

It was a great morning - a big thank you to Melvyn and the team. Really great to see the play pedagogy and the CYPIC national writing programme in action. The new arrivals, and the children making rain in the nursery were added highlights!

I’m all for play in upper primary but unstructured loose parts for an hour yesterday 🙈 a step too far I had worried Obvs, I was wrong, their ingenuity was 🙌 & the role play on this bridge alone: off the charts hilarious! They should take it to the Fringe. #playinupperprimary

Visiting the same place frequently and documenting with photographs can be so valuable for children. Real life experience of seasons and an opportunity to notice and talk about changes. 🌸

The children at Cunningsburgh Nursery were so keen to show their jumping station. Children knew what the right amount of challenge was for them and they assessed their own risk with the support of adults nearby. #trustchildren #environment #interactions

It was great to hear about and see the development of outdoor learning at Sound School today. Increased opportunities to explore the local environment are having a positive impact on children and staff. This is a special spot to have on the doorstep! ☀️🌊

Grateful for the opportunity to discuss slow practices with you Konstantina and with Tracey and to consider the value of unhurried observations

Yikes! This is exciting! Our 📖 will be out on 3rd December 2024! Emerging Literacy: Unlocking Instruction for Every Child A research informed, practically written book for early years, teachers, psychologists, and therapists.

Looking forward to reading and listening to the ADES recommendations for summer books and podcasts. Thank you to colleagues for providing the inspiring ideas. Sheena Devlin Laurence Findlay

Informal conversation can often be the best professional learning. This comment made me stop and reflect: “Sometimes what I consider to be play is different to what a child considers play. Don’t try to assume what play is to a child.” This is why observation is so important.

“Our aspiration should be to promote in babies and children a sense of belonging by providing them with their entitlement to continuity of learning in a caring and respectful environment which reflects the setting’s unique culture.” 🩷 RtA, p.89 #transition #beingme

All the very best to colleagues across Scotland for session 2024/25. Many will be returning and many beginning their journey. Never forget you make a difference to young people. There are many negatives said about our education service but never underestimate the potential.

What schools do to prepare for children rather than what children need to do to prepare for school. 🩷

It’s always great to have ELC staff from across Shetland together in one space. Today we looked at continuous provision and skill development with the help of Dr Alistair Bryce-Clegg and then focused on rights-based practice supported by catherine mcculloch 💙 and Maxine Jolly. #teamelc

Many thanks to Pete Moorhouse for the guest blogpost Slow pedagogy at the workbench- looking at woodwork through a Slow lens. Photo credit: Pete Moorhouse alisonclarkinthemaking.wordpress.com/2024/08/16/ide…

Children leading their own learning. 🤍

The momentum for high quality play is not only inspirational but is making a difference to children and families.

Working in early years is special for many reasons and this is one of them… I came home to some post today. A very thoughtful friend sent some autumnal resources to share with children who might not experience aspects of this season in Shetland. 🩷 Helen Daniels thank you!