Last week, Captain Crackers visited Explorers Learning Academy, bringing energy, laughter and an important message about caring for our planet. Through songs, storytelling and hands-on activities, the children explored ways to reduce waste, recycle and protect our environment. This experience strongly connected with the Early Years Learning Framework, particularly Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world. The children developed a growing understanding of responsibility, respect and sustainable practices in meaningful, age-appropriate ways. At Explorers Learning Academy, we are sending a clear message that every small action matters. By empowering children to care for the Earth now, we nurture confident, informed learners who understand they can make a positive difference in their world.

Children learn about their world though playing. Dramatic play also known as pretend play is important for children’s development. Dramatic play helps support children’s social skills and supports their self-expression. Dramatic play also helps to build on children’s language skills as children will have conversations with other children during play. Children will bring their imagination to life by using dress-ups, home-corners, baby dolls, puppets and so much more.

At Explorers Lego play is a powerful learning tool that supports childrens development in so many ways. Building fine motor skills through snapping, stacking and connecting peices to strengthen little hands and fingers. Encouraging problem solving skills through planning, testing and adapting. Early STEM concepts such as balance , patterns, size and structure as well as promting creativity and social skills. We use Lego play to assist children to learn to persist, think critically and feel proud of what they create. It is hands-on learning that grows confidence and a love of learning.