planting seeds!

This year we've had great success growing herbs in pots, especially basil, we finally learning not to over water it! It's so satisfying for the children to get the pots ready, sprinkle on the teeny tiny seeds and then write the label, water and wait.... when the first seedling show it's really exciting for them to see the results, not to mention taste the lovely leaves when they're big enough to harvest. I CAN claim responsibility for converting a number of children who claimed not to like tomatoes, salads, peppers or herbs, but once tasted- minds changed for ever, especially if they've had a hand in planting and nurturing the plants from seed. Fabulous!

Dressing up

A good dressing up box is an essential part of a childminder armoury! Most children cannot resist the temptation of taking on a new persona and inventing new characters and games. I love listening to the chatter between the children as they decide, negotiate and learn to share when they are planning their games. I try not to intervene unless I really have to with the older children as its a good skill to learn how to problem solve and sort out minor disputes. I have lots of scarves and bits of material so the children can really use their imaginations when playing dressing up.