General
Does play always have to be fun?
This question was asked to me and it gave me food for thought, is play always fun? When we think…
Read More16 Play Types: What is Communication Play?
Communication Play is one of the 16 play types considered essential for child development. It was first defined by well-known…
Read MoreHow does Forest School Promote Self-Esteem and Emotional Intelligence?
At Smartkidz, we use parts of the Forest School approach to inform our practice, especially when it comes to our…
Read MoreWhat is the Play Cycle?
The Play Cycle is a theoretical model of play. Made up of different stages, it is a valuable tool to…
Read More16 Play Types: What is Deep Play?
Deep Play is one of the 16 play types considered to be essential for child development. It was first defined…
Read MoreReward Systems in Out Of School Clubs- A NO GO!
Reward systems are commonly seen as a useful tool to positively reinforce good behaviour. They are a familiar part of…
Read MoreWhat Impact Has COVID Had on Children and Their Play?
During lockdown, our lives and the lives of our children, including their play, looked very different. Some reports refer to…
Read MoreGun Play: Is it good for children?
Children playing with toy guns or creating guns as part of their play can be seen as a complex issue.…
Read MoreLoose Parts at Smartkidz
Have you ever wondered why children can spend hours sitting in an old box when there is a pile of…
Read MorePlay Parks Vs Natural Play Spaces
Play Parks have been a feature of towns, cities and villages for decades. Without looking at one, I bet that…
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