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National Week of Play 2024: Magic moments – a celebration of childhood

Childhood serves a purpose; it isn't something to "get through" or speed up. It's there to protect developing minds. To nurture young souls. So, let's give our kids the space to be unbusy. Let's unschedule. Let's "miss out”. Let's hold the space for childhood. Because childhood isn't a dress rehearsal for adulthood. —Tracy Gillett

We all know just how important the first five years of life are to a child's later outcomes – but how can we ensure that we are also celebrating what makes this period such a unique time in life itself?

Childhood isn't just a runway to take off to adulthood; it's a magical time in and of itself. That's why the Alliance's National Week of Play 2024 will focus on savouring those magic early moments and celebrating a child's right to just be, without the pressure to become.

Through a variety of free resources and ideas, we will encourage both early years providers and families to find the magic in each moment. We will share low-cost and no-cost ideas on how you and the children you care for and educate can enjoy play not only as a development opportunity, but for the wondrous moments in time that it so often offers. 

This year, as you're teaching your children how to navigate the world, let them also teach you how to enjoy and savour every moment.

Events

For providers

The ABCD of Do Re Mi: harness the power of music in early years - 6.30pm - 7.30pm, Wednesday 26 June

Informed by Dr Anita Collins, neuromusical researcher and founder of Bigger Better Brains, Liv Mclennan, trainer and teacher for Boogie Mites Music Community Projects CIC will give an overview of Boogie Mites' ABCD Music Methodology, informed by neuroscience evidence and 20 years of feedback from educators, parents and children. 

Learn how regular interactive music and movement activities in early years impacts brain development to strengthen neural pathways ready for language, literacy and learning in the school environment:

• Attention
• Motivation
• Fine and gross motor skills
• Rhythmic awareness
• Melodic awareness
• Phonological awareness
• Hearing in noise
• Comprehension and cognitive skills
• Self-regulation
• Social cohesion
• Memory
• Foundations for maths and literacy

Liv will present the Boogie Mites methods with sample activities that have been tried and tested in early years settings and homes across the UK and internationally. Liv will explain why you don’t need to be a musician to lead brain boosting music activities in early years; you just need the knowledge, the confidence, training and resources. She will also consider the impact of daily music making in early years, on adult cognitive development and wellbeing.

The four pillars of Boogie Mites ABCD Music Methodology are:

• Active Attention - Harness the power of music to hold children’s attention
• Brain Boost - Harness the power of music to strengthen neural pathways across the brain
• Community Cohesion - Harness the power of music to bond the class and wider community of families
• Daily Dose – Music activities every day for greatest impact

For families

Play Week Family Connect: what a wonderful world! – 1pm - 2pm, Thursday 27 June 

Children have a natural sense of awe and wonder and want to find out more about the world in which they live – and what better way to do this than to use all that nature provides?

During this Connect session, we will explore ways in which you can use the outdoors to support children’s innate connection with the natural world. We will share eco-friendly ideas that will not only support their learning but also their wellbeing, and develop an understanding of how we can empower our children as future caretakers of the world.

WIN 1 of 3 Iridescent Lustre Boulders 12pk worth £84.99!

All attendees of Play Week will also be entered into a prize draw to win 1 of 3 Iridescent Lustre Boulders 12pk, worth £84.99, kindly sponsored by .

Carefully tested and suitable from birth, these blocks are perfect for immersive construction play - no wonder they are a favourites of parents/carers and children alike!

And don't forget, as an Alliance member you can get 20% off one order, and 10% off all orders - get your exclusive discount code by contacting membership@eyalliance.org.uk.