The Inspire Philosophy: Loose Parts 🍃
Play doesn't always need a fixed outcome.
So often now, toys are made with an intended start, middle and end, and once that end has come, there's little incentive to revisit it.
But what if the word 'toy' was redefined? For children, toys can be just about anything. From napkin rings to dried lemons, a tray of nuts and bolts, woodblocks, and unique rocks. Anything and everything is new and interesting in the eyes of a child!
Endless collections of man-made or natural materials can be put together and made into play staples. As long as they are inviting and engaging, children will gravitate towards them naturally,
It's essential for adults to play a role in loose part play, especially at the beginning when it is introduced. Help guide the children by modeling how you would play with the objects, self-talk and teach them how to look after them and tidy them up. Despite it being open-ended play, there still needs to be structure and direction to a certain degree.
Children will always find a way to play, invent and imagine with whatever is presented to them and it's almost a guarantee that they will play for longer when there is no limit put on their play. #theinspirephilosophy
As an eco nursery in Dubai who has been established in Jumeirah for the last 30 years, we are honored to welcome the next generation of students into the Kid’s Island Nursery in Jumeirah family and it is rewarding to hear parents say “I remember what it felt like when I experienced this at the nursery for the first time”. It is important to cherish your warm childhood memories and even more important to create new ones with your child.
The Inspire Philosophy: Plants in Play 🌿
Whether you have walked around our nursery on your tour or you see it everyday during drop off and pick up, one thing will be very evident: We love plants!
Plants are not only an essential part of our eco-system and it is important that we educate children on how to care for them and understand them.
They provide the perfect opportunity to learn about growth, self-care, insects, the world, what is in it and how it works!
It creates a sense of wonder in children and encourages them to look around the world around them for magic in nature.
The way the bees cover themselves in pollen and bounce from plant to plant, how birds pick up fallen twigs to make their nests, why trees grow tall towards the sun.
So get out there, explore and discover! #theinspirephilosophy
As an eco nursery in Dubai who has been established in Jumeirah for the last 30 years, we are honored to welcome the next generation of students into the Kid’s Island Nursery in Jumeirah family and it is rewarding to hear parents say “I remember what it felt like when I experienced this at the nursery for the first time”. It is important to cherish your warm childhood memories and even more important to create new ones with your child.
The Inspire Philosophy: Settling Smoothly ✨
The settling period is an exciting, nerve-wrecking and emotional time, not only for the little ones embarking on a new learning adventure or the ones who are returning for another year of fun; it’s also a change for their families too.
The adjustment is massive, as children have to learn to be independent and establish a new layer of safety and security out of their home and without their parents there to fall back on. And, that’s where we come in.
Every person involved in the child’s day is there to make an impact that lasts and with time, patience and compassion, we are able to make that incredible bond grow strong and unbreakable.
It is also a time where communication is absolutely key. Between the teacher and the parents, between parents and their children, between staff members, between the nursery and the families themselves. In order for a machine to work well, all parts have to be well oiled and ready to go in order to play their part properly and the same rule applies for the first few weeks of nursery.
So, start the day with warm smiles, loving arms and positivity that is endless. And never forget, we are always a team! #theinspirephilosophy
As an eco nursery in Dubai who has been established in Jumeirah for the last 30 years, we are honored to welcome the next generation of students into the Kid’s Island Nursery in Jumeirah family and it is rewarding to hear parents say “I remember what it felt like when I experienced this at the nursery for the first time”. It is important to cherish your warm childhood memories and even more important to create new ones with your child.
The Inspire Philosophy: Pikler Triangles: Building Confidence ⛰️
You will see these wonderful wooden frames frequently on our page, but it's high time we take the time to explain what incredible learning tools the Pikler Triangles are.
The Pikler Triangle fosters ideals of building confidence, strength, and belief in children without crossing their boundaries and respecting the ones they set for themselves.
The Pikler Triangle was brought about by the Hungarian pediatrician, Dr. Emmi Pikler, over 100 years ago. They are used by young children from 6 months to 4-5 years old but can even be used straight from birth if you do it right!
The concept surrounding the triangles is that children will only attempt to do what they are physically capable of. So, in theory, you won't see a four-month-old scaling the frame and hopping over the peak!
The frame can be used to hang mobiles and other objects from the rungs for the youngest of infants to look at in wonder. When children begin to crawl and walk, those rungs will help pull them up to their feet.
From there, children will start to experiment with going up one rung and down again, until they get higher and higher as their confidence grows. And someday? They can pretend to climb the Himalayas and scale to the peak, only to hop over and descend on the other side triumphantly. #theinspirephilosophy
As an eco nursery in Dubai who has been established in Jumeirah for the last 30 years, we are honored to welcome the next generation of students into the Kid’s Island Nursery in Jumeirah family and it is rewarding to hear parents say “I remember what it felt like when I experienced this at the nursery for the first time”. It is important to cherish your warm childhood memories and even more important to create new ones with your child.
The Inspire Philosophy: Luminosity 💡
The warmth of sunlight makes us happy. Not too hot – as we can experience in the summers of Dubai – but a kiss of sunlight on your face can be one of the best feelings in the world.
The harshness of electric light can sometimes be necessary but it is our belief that kind of lighting should play a minimal role in a nursery setting.
When children are in a classroom environment, how do we want them to feel? Safe, secure and at ease. This is why we try to use as much natural lighting as possible, to help those feelings establish themselves as quickly as possible. Plenty of windows, salt lamps and fairy lights and you have yourself a cozy, comfy space to explore.
Something you may have noticed about snack time in the nursery is that the lights are always low and the fairy lights and salt lamps are on. When we eat, our bodies are nourished and comforted; which in itself, requires calm. Almost always, it’s like a switch flips within the children that tells them that they can stop, rest and recharge.
And after a busy morning at nursery, that’s definitely what they need! #theinspirephilosophy
As an eco nursery in Dubai who has been established in Jumeirah for the last 30 years, we are honored to welcome the next generation of students into the Kid’s Island Nursery in Jumeirah family and it is rewarding to hear parents say “I remember what it felt like when I experienced this at the nursery for the first time”. It is important to cherish your warm childhood memories and even more important to create new ones with your child.
4 minute play dough recipe
If your having trouble finding activities during the summer in Dubai and it is simply too hot to play outside play dough is the perfect thing. Play dough is a fun creative activity for children and a great way to train little muscles in their hands to develop dexterity, build strength and refine fine motor skills! Encouraging your child to use both hands to roll, shape and even pound play dough can improve their bilateral hand coordination!
Play dough can be a great outlet for emotional stress and a wild imagination so simply refrain from distracting them and just let them play freely.
Not many nurseries are willing to share their secrete recipes but we simply couldn't keep this one to ourselves. We at Kids Island and Cocoon Nursery believe in "sharing is caring!" so here is our recipe for play dough we actually use.
Ingredients:
2 cups of plain flour (all purpose)
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1/2 cup of salt
2 tablespoons of cream of tartar (powder) or replace with 6 tablespoons of lemon juice. Note: If you use lemon juice you will require less water.
1.5 cups of boiling water (Should be poured away from the children, on an adult counter top)
Food colouring or natural pigments such as turmeric, cinnamon… (optional)
Food essences strawberry, mint… (optional)
Recipe method:
Mix the flour, salt and cream of tartar in a large mixing bowl
Add food colouring/food essences (lemon juice if not using cream of tartar) and oil to the hot water, then add into the dry ingredients
Stir continuously until it becomes a sticky, combined dough
Allow it to cool down, then take it out of the bowl and knead it vigorously for a couple of minutes until all of the stickiness has gone. This is the most important part of the process, so keep at it until it’s the perfect consistency!
If it remains a little sticky then add a touch more flour until just right
Storage & Use:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Will last for months ☺. If it gets a bit dry just add a few drops of water and knead through until it’s a nice consistence again. To make it interesting and interactive, gather bits and bobs from around the house or garden, such as stones, sticks, leaves, bits of wool, acorns… and let your children explore!
Recipe created by The Imagination Tree
Creating a kindness and sharing framework
Within every day life, families have routines and expectations in place to ensure that each day progresses without any hitches. When adding children to the mix, all bets are off and the day may not progress as smoothly as planned. Young children are very focused on their own needs and may struggle with set boundaries, especially when it comes to kindness and sharing. For toddlers everything within their reach belongs to them and the idea of having to share can result in cataclysmic meltdowns. So how can you guide your little one on their kindness and sharing learning journey?
Kid’s Island Nursery, kindergarten in Dubai, believes that modelling the desired behavior is the best place to start. Teachers speak to the children in a respectful manner while using magic words such as “Please” and “Thank you!” They consistently remind and encourage the children to do the same, ensuring that a healthy expectation is set within the class. Laying down boundaries helps children to understand their environment and is vital when setting expectations for kindness.
As children develop, they become more aware of their surroundings and emotions as they interact with others. With this awakening comes a whole new world of emotions: happiness, joy and gratitude. Kid’s Island Nursery in Jumeirah, Dubai provides children with opportunities to practice their kindness skills. The children’s expectations are set before they begin playing. They are gently guided and shown that sharing, gentle hands and kind words will be the expected norm.
The expectations within the Nursery are also applicable within the home. Modelling empathy and kindness at home is one of the easiest ways to reinforce the kindness lesson and ensure consistency.
As a parent participation project, Kid’s Island Nursery recently launched a Kindness Challenge. Children and parents were challenged to complete acts of kindness to reinforce the message being delivered at Nursery. Parents were encouraged to discuss and explain why they were showing gratitude. The purpose behind the challenge was to help parents create a kindness and sharing platform, from which the children could learn from and refer to in the future.
Kindness ideas suggested to parents:
Count how many times a day you can use the magic words Please and Thank you.
Watch the sunrise or sunset together. Just sit together and enjoy the moment.
Visit the Fire station with a thank you card for all the brave firefighters.
Leave a flower on someone’s doorstep.
Draw a picture on a postcard and send it to a family member in another country.
Make a thank you card and give it to the person who made you feel special.
Paint kindness rocks and place them in a friends flowerpots or garden.
Cut out hearts and give them to the nurses next time you go to the doctor office.
Draw a happy message with chalk on the sidewalk.
Compliment five people and enjoy their smiles.
Embrace your family with a group hug.
Draw a big heart on the beach and leave it for beach goers to enjoy on their walk.
Hold the door for someone and wish them a nice day as they enter.
Learn to say “thank you” in a new language.
Make someone happy!
Kid’s Island Nursery, believes it is the primary job of parents, caregivers and educators, to nurture and guide children to be naturally kind so it eventually becomes a lifelong habit. Once the framework has been created, the roots of kindness and gratitude will be planted and give children a solid foundation to grow from in the future.
Creating Memories at Kid’s Island
Kid’s Island Nursery in Dubai invests time in providing food exploration and kitchen creativity opportunities for the children. Purpose built Creative and Sensory Studios are filled with items that children may not normally have access to, to entice them to explore.
Under the guidance of their teachers, they are encouraged to cut, pour, sift, taste and laugh as they immerse themselves in the moment. Sensory words like melt, sprinkle, sift, fold, scrape, roll and blend are used by teachers to describe the sensory play. Children are encouraged to describe what they see, feel, hear, taste, and smell.
Apart from exploring new tastes, these sessions also allow children to create new positive food experiences similar to those they may have already experienced at home, like when families bake together.
Think back… Do you remember the time as a child when you were baking the tastiest chocolate cake with your grandmother or your mum? Do you remember the melted chocolate cake smell when you walked in the kitchen?
Close your eyes and you are there, in the kitchen. Grandma is seated at the table and mum is standing next to you, holding the dish while you stir in the sugar, the eggs then add the melted chocolate. The flour is sprinkled on the swirling mass of chocolaty goodness. Then the miracle of watching this chocolate cake baking in the oven, rising, cracking, steaming begins to unfold in front of you until it eventually cools down and you can have a piece.
Keep your eyes closed… can you see yourself cleaning the dish, scraping the leftover chocolate on the side of the dish and accidentally, on purpose, covering your fingers with cake mix, so you can enjoy licking it off later. You will never know the true value of a moment until it becomes a memory.
These are priceless sensory filled memories which is why taking time to create childhood memories, which shapes our lives and make us who we are, will stay etched in our minds for all time. As a nursery in Dubai who has been established in Jumeirah for the last 30 years, we are honored to welcome the next generation of students into the Kid’s Island Nursery family and it is rewarding to hear parents say “I remember what it felt like when I experienced this at the nursery for the first time”. It is important to cherish your warm childhood memories and even more important to create new ones with your child.
Give the gift of time this festive season
It’s the most wonderful time of the year or so the songs on the radio keep telling us. But for parents around the world, the festive season can be the most stressful time of the year.
Thoughts of shopping, cooking and entertaining can often times overshadow the beauty of the festive season.
Agathe Jameson, Principal at Kid’s Island Nursery in Dubai, comments, “One way to bond with your children during this festive season is to practice being mindful. You can be mindful with your children by staying present and fully engaged in the activities that you do together. Carve out quality chunks of time and give your full attention to the task at hand. Your time is more precious than any gift you can give this festive season”
At a recent parent presentation morning at Kid’s Island Nursery in Dubai, parents were given five ways to practice mindfulness as a family this holiday season:
Get Messy in the Kitchen Together the best memories are the unexpected ones. Pick an easy and quick recipe that the children can help with. Let them help mix and stir ingredients. It may be messy but it’s worth it to see how proud they are of their decorated Christmas cookies.
Go Outside what better time than the present to go out and enjoy Dubai’s winter weather. Leave the cell phones and tablets inside and spend some time collecting leaves, throwing a Frisbee on the beach or going for a bicycle ride next to the canal.
Be Playful being a parent doesn’t mean you can’t be silly or have fun with your children. Let loose and just be in the moment, you’ll be surprised how much fun you will actually have. Dance to a silly song or see who can sing Jingle Bells the loudest.
Movie Night make a big bowl of popcorn and settle next to your little one to enjoy their favourite Christmas movie. It’s a time to cuddle, focus your attention together, and share the experience of seeing and hearing the same thing, just like story time.
Make Festive Decorations take some time this holiday season to make some adorable homemade ornaments with your children. Your children will love seeing their baubles hanging on the tree, and you will treasure these keepsakes for years to come. Embrace the imperfectly perfect tree and enjoy making memories.
“It’s what we played, and who we played with, that often leaves a mark on our memories long after childhood passes. Given the positive effects it has on our well-being and happiness levels, family play should be the most important ‘homework’ of all.”
Kid’s Island Nursery in Dubai, believes bonding time is important for healthy brain development in children. It is through parent-and-child-bonding-time that children at a very early age, learn how to engage and interact with the world around them. For parents, the pressures of hectic schedules and technology have changed the meaning of bonding time for many families. Throw in the countdown to the holidays and a perfect storm of distractions can occur. So this festive season, take a moment, slow down and be present!
Inspire your Child to Eat the Rainbow
At Kid’s Island Nursery, we understand that healthy eating is easier to say than it is to put into action within the home. Time constraints can in many cases steer families away from healthy eating options. The Nursery regularly provide parent presentations regarding this topic to help provide parents with a framework to introduce healthier eating options.
Lyndsay Bettles, a cook, food stylist, writer and creator of the I eat my peas website, says “Feeding a young family can be an extremely stressful time. It is easy to get caught up emotionally when feeding our family.” Eating should represent a social time for children and adults. Eating in a relaxed and positive environment allows a child’s healthy relationship with food to flourish. An enjoyment of food and company creates a special bonding time and helps children to learn about healthy eating. It is important to remember that adults are the most important influence on a child‘s eating behaviour.
At a recent Inspire your Toddler to Eat the Rainbow presentation at Kid’s Island Nursery, it was suggested by Lyndsay that parents should focus on making mealtimes “SIMPLE, FRESH & COLOURFUL!”
Simple: Cook simple family meals and enjoy the process of preparing it.
Fresh: Remove processed foods and encourage children to learn about real food and how it is grown.
Colourful: Eat the rainbow! Feed your child nutrients and vitamins. Stock the fridge and cupboards with a variety of fruits and vegetables, which will expose your child to those foods and help shape their understanding of good food forever.
Lyndsay’s viewpoint on healthy eating is mirrored within Kid’s Island Nursery. Snack time is an important part of the Nursery’s daily routine and is organized so that it’s a social occasion in which children and staff participate together. Children are encouraged to develop independence through making choices and feeding themselves. Suitable containers are provided to parents so a variety of food can be packed for a healthy and colourful snack box.
Lunchboxes need not be dull and boring and once you get into a colourful mindset you may even get a bit creative. Lyndsay suggests different shaped rolls or cut sandwiches with a cookies cutter into fun shapes. It makes snack time in the nursery a lot of fun. A child’s favorite pasta or some mini pizzas will also encourage a little one to eat independently. Start with carbohydrates as the backbone and continue with protein and fruit & veg to provide additional nutrients and minerals. Rather than looking at the specific foods you pack in the lunchbox try to concentrate on giving at least 2 handfuls of fruit & veg and capture at least 2-3 colours daily.
Encourage children to help choose their own healthy snacks. Empower them to be involved in cooking and the preparing of food. Be adventurous and never stop exposing children to new foods in fun ways. Keep them interested by not venturing too far our of their comfort. Most important, MAKE IT FUN! Children love to feel in control so let them explore and experiment with food in their own way.
The Learning Garden Award
This year Kid’s Island Nursery received the Learning Garden Awardpresented from the BeUnique Foundation,in recognition of our unique nature-inspired curriculum. Our Nursery community has grown immensely over the last three decades. During this time, we have firmly established our reputation as a trailblazer amongst early years providers in Dubai by continuously enriching the British Curriculum with innovative ideas aimed at meeting our community’s diverse and changing needs.
Our vision is to reinforce that learning can occur anywhere and should not be strictly confined to the classroom. We have created learning experiences which span across the curriculum and which flow between the indoors to the outdoors. We build on children’s innate curiosity and enthusiasm by providing a variety of inspiring settings. We have developed rich and varied opportunities to make learning concepts less abstract and more relevant by placing them in a more realistic, nature-led context. Children are exposed to limitless resources within the Nursery setting. The nature enhanced environment creates a platform for the children to discover and collaborate while they develop a life-long love of nature and the outdoors.
Vibrant, lush nature-based outdoor areas at Kid’s Island Nursery spur non-sedentary learning through active movement and provide for different learning styles. Childrens’ minds are free to explore and develop a sense of wonder. Imagine listening to a story while birds are chirping and shadows from garden trees play against the walls. Imagine sorting sticks and leaves to construct nests and create fascinating structures. Imagine the excitement of watching sand and water travel through colourful pipes, creating mud pie recipes while becoming a Nature Detective. When children are engaged, relaxed and happy they are more open to learning new concepts. Early mathematical concepts, literacy and language development are introduced within outdoor activities involving a garden trail, a fully equipped mud kitchen, exciting multi-sensory stations and a sorting/counting woodland terrace. The curriculum at Kid’s Island Nursery continues to embrace the traditional values of communication, working together, manners, respect, honesty and empathy, while instilling an appreciation for nature.
Building an appreciation and understanding of the world around us is as essential as traditional learning. Our aim at the Nursery is to plant seeds of curiosity within the children, while creating an awareness of nature. We believe that our children should be taught to be environmentally responsible as one day, they will be the eco-warriors of our future.
For more information about Kid’s Island Nursery please visit our website www.kidsislandnursery.com or complete a simple enquiry form on our contact us page www.kidsislandnursery.com/contact-us/
Helping Families Settle in an Expat World
Becoming an expat parent comes with its own set of challenges, none more so emotionally charged than settling family in a new country. Moving abroad typically means leaving behind extended family, friends and close neighbors, who form a web of support on a daily basis. The prospect of relocating and rebuilding close friendships can seem daunting to parents let alone the children involved in the move. The initial transition can prove to be tumultuous, filled with tears and tantrums.
Navigating through parenthood is hard enough, but when relocation is added to the mix there is no telling how children will adjust or adapt to new situations. While children do adapt easily, many parents know that the experience is hard on them especially in the initial transition. Parents may yearn for the stability they left behind, but how can they recreate the network of support again in a new country?
Isabelle Amatoury, founder of Kid’s Island Nursery in Dubai, has dealt with many families transitioning into the region. She prides herself on the fact that the Nursery is known for working closely with families to ensure that a stable foundation is created from which the family can grow. “Our belief at Kids Island Nursery is that children thrive on love, laughter and security. When there is no extended family around, the Nursery takes its place. We provide an inspiring, progressive, nature- themed environment for our children to learn and explore, while helping them settle into their new routine. However, it’s not only the children we are concerned about but the parents as well. Moving is stressful especially when moving abroad. We understand that parents may be feeling overwhelmed and our goal is to give guidance and support where needed. We also offer cuddles on the really rough days because nothing beats a cuddle from someone who cares!”
Isabelle recommends that new families find ways to connect to the city, “Set aside time within the week to explore the beaches, parks and malls around the area. Accept invitations to dinner or play dates. Join local clubs or Facebook groups. The sooner the family feels settled, the sooner they will find that Dubai is filled with many like-minded, caring people, who will start to help rebuild the network of support that has been left behind.”
Kid’s Island Nursery has been in Dubai for 30 years, and has provided a stable network of support to thousands of families over the years. The Nursery is an extension of the family, providing parents support to settle in an expat village, while offering guidance and stability. Their team of caring staff strives to create a loving, nurturing environment from which the families and children can grow.
Nature Inspired Learning
Imagine a Nursery where children are encouraged to incorporate elements of nature into all aspects of their play and learning. Where dry leaves & twigs are used for painting and rocks are used for counting. Where classes are mindful of all that surrounds them and are encouraged to stop and watch a caterpillar munching on a crunchy leaf or observe a busy bird making a nest. This rich description refers to everyday moments at Kid's Island Nursery in Jumeirah, Dubai.
Kid's Island Nursery believes that nature based learning teaches children to be curious which in turn allows them to express greater creativity. Introducing children to a nature rich environment such a mud kitchen equipped with real pots and pans, vegetables, water and mud, facilitates the role playing that will take place and provides endless teaching moments. The environment triggers their curiosity, while creating opportunities for sharing and getting dirty leading to a total sensory experience. Learning moments like this are intended to foster a love of nature and learning within the children.
Nature centered learning also provides teachers with a platform to educate children about environmental responsibility. This may manifest itself in children growing herbs in recycled plastic pots, or creating wind chimes from recycled items from around the home. Teachers will use these learning moments to initiate conversations about where things come from, how they are made and how they should be disposed, to create a greater awareness of the importance of nature within their lives. It is with this goal in mind that Kid's Island Nursery strives to nurture a positive attitude towards learning and the environment.
Founder of Kid’s Island Nursery, Isabelle Amatoury, offered us a glimpse into their practices: “We believe that each child is unique and deserves the opportunity to experience the best start to their educational journey. We offer a diverse nature-based learning program that fulfills the requirements of the British Curriculum, while nurturing a love and appreciation of the environment. Our aim is to plant seeds of curiosity and awareness while inspiring creativity.”
“Mum, read me a story”
In this technology-driven world, curling up with your little one and a good book is increasingly rare. Some reasons you should make time for it and benefits it can have for you both are;
1. Bonding
Story time with your child on a regular basis, whether it’s each evening before bed or during the day, can help further strengthen your relationship with your child. The physical closeness of sitting together and hearing your voice with no distractions is hugely comforting to them. Many children look forward to this undivided attention as much as they enjoy the actual story. Reading together can also improve a child’s confidence as they are secure in their bond with you.
2. Exploring emotions
Story books are an excellent way for your child to see how other people deal with new and challenging situations. Whether the plot covers positive or seemingly negative emotions, using a character to explore them opens up the communication lines with your child. Ask questions like “What do you think they are feeling? What do you think is going to happen next? How would you feel if…?” Books can be especially useful as a way of starting the conversation or dealing with situations such as starting school, moving house or a new sibling.
3. Boosting language, interest and curiosity
Even if a book doesn’t have many words, the images held within are fantastic for teaching children new terms and sounds. You may look at the same book time and time again and by describing the illustrations it can be a new experience every time. By prompting your child to tell you what they see in the picture, identify letters or numbers and by praising them, you will begin to build positive associations with reading.
4. Understanding real vs make-believe
From magical lands to outrageous beasties, books can open up a whole world of imagination for children. By identifying what they see around them in the real world and what appears on the pages of their books, your little one will become aware of what’s possible and be inspired to use their imagination. Encourage them to take the story further, draw their own pictures and even spot subplots or characters in the images for older children.
5. Improving listening and concentration
It’s no secret that people of all ages are experiencing reduced concentration. With our children growing up in times dominated by screen time and countless choices, this situation is unlikely to improve unless we take major steps at home. Setting up boundaries for screen time is essential. By sitting quietly with a book a child’s listening skills improve as well as their concentration and their ability to remember details. Ask them about characters, the story so far and descriptions to further boost their visual memory.
6. Learning other languages
Books are also a way to introduce second or even a third language to your child. Those aimed at younger children, with sing-song styles or rhyming, are a fun way to explore new words and vocabulary. Books set in different countries can also help children understand the wider world where a multitude of cultures can be explored and respected.
7. Social and communication skills
Sitting, listening, taking turns to choose a story all contribute to your child’s social skills development. As they grow older their concentration levels will improve and they will continue to thrive at school. Remember that by reducing screen time and increasing reading they will have a head start in their growing up years!
Exploring at my own pace
As parents it’s so easy to rush and push towards the next milestone, and walking is the big one, with mums and dads using it as a benchmark for so-called progress. However, every stage that our children go through is precious and critical, helping them develop in specific ways, and only when your baby’s nervous system is ready and operating at its full potential will they move on to the next activity.
By the time your baby is 12 months old, their brain will be 50% of its adult size, and it will continue to expand, with experiences and movements creating connections between nerve cells. You might not realise it, but the most simple (and fun!) activities can have brain-boosting capabilities.
Floor time and movement on the floor is essential for learning. Your little one must be able to spend up to 20 minutes of ‘tummy time’ per day from around 3 months old.
Why is it so important?
It strengthens your baby’s neck and shoulder muscles - as they will want to look up to see what’s happening around them. This will encourage your child to sit up, roll over and crawl earlier and this can prevent “positional Plagiocephaly”, which is flattening on the back of the head.
Between car seats and strollers, today’s babies spend most of their time on their backs or upright. You might find that your child initially resists floor time and persistence is key, building up from even just a few minutes.
To have the best of Tummy Time, position a favourite toy or child-proof mirror within their gaze and encourage them to reach for it.
Avoid tummy time shortly after eating to make sure it’s as enjoyable and comfortable for them as possible.
Building up strength
You might also see your baby push off the floor using their hands, which is the beginning of rolling over and crawling. It will assist in developing their will and determination to take action and complete a task. Their hands will become strengthened, assisting with holding a pencil when a little older.
Floor time also builds spatial awareness
Informing babies of their environment and helping them to build an internal map of their physical position in the world, such as next to a toy, on the rug, in the playpen, which helps with movement and navigation later on in life.
So what happens if your baby doesn’t get enough floor time?
Skipping the crawling stage can have a major impact later on. While this may appear inconsequential from a brain development angle, it can lead to challenges once your child reaches school age. By not crawling, their eye tracking can be compromised, and there might be less integration between left and right sides of the brain, which can inhibit fine motor skills such as tying shoe laces, cutting paper and doing up buttons.
How to get the most from floor time:
Do a little every day, building up the time to around 20 minutes.
To stimulate, regularly change the toys.
When they’re ready, offer a smooth space where your baby can try to move (leave hands and feet uncovered for grip).
Get down to their level. Eye contact and talking will help with bonding and model each other’s movements for fun.
Use this opportunity to safely stretch and massage your baby. Gently try cross-body movements to introduce the brain to patterns for crawling.
Floor time can be continued into childhood, with families interacting on the same level, playing, reading and discussing topics.
The importance of teaching our children to be independent
The importance of teaching our children to be independent
As parents it’s tempting to do everything for our children and often WANT to do it, as well as it being easier and faster! Teaching them independence from an early age has the most impact to build a child’s self-esteem and confidence.
A child’s brain starts developing from day one and by acknowledging that they’re capable of doing things for themselves, we as parents can have a positive impact on their overall development, understanding of the world, self-confidence, as well as emotional maturity. When a child feels empowered, they want to do more.
Children learn by watching those around them and model their parents.
For example, when a child starts to feed themselves, it not only helps with sensory development, and meal times become a social event. They might start by eating with their fingers and progress to cutlery once their skills develop over time. We might need to deal with a ‘mess’ and should welcome this as it is about the experiences for the child.
For children there is no right or wrong way to eat. Eating with the fingers is the best way to start. www.babyledweaning.com
So what small changes can we make every day to nurture independence?
Set realistic targets. Allow the child to go through the process over and over to make the experience a learning curve and fun. Enjoy the time with your child and bestow a lot of praise. Adding pressure builds up stress for parents and children.
Very early on we should be encouraging children to eat by themselves, wash their hands and sit at a table with their parents for mealtime with the family. There are some activities that children can help with too, such as packing toys away and pushing a baby shopping trolley. As children get older, their independence grows along with their self-confidence, therefor they will want to participate and contribute more.
We should encourage this from little things like, throwing their bib in the laundry basket, fetching shoes when it’s time to leave the house, putting their shoes on by themselves, wiping their face with a wash cloth and happily playing alone.
We can stimulate the children by singing together as we clean up (sing ‘Clean up, clean up, everybody do your share’) and appreciate these moments with your child. Give them your full attention and focus. Take a break from your phone and your laptop. It might take a little time - a child learns to talk by being spoken to, by experiencing and articulating sounds / words and then one day a sentence will form.
As our children navigate their way through life, learning right from wrong, forming opinions and personalities, the independence they acquire from an early age can put them in great stead for taking on challenges with confidence. Support your child, by encouraging them to help themselves.
Sand Dough Recipe!
Sensory Activity Objective:
What a great way to let the children mix, kneed and explore this special sand dough and at the same time develop their language and fine motor skills in a very creative way!
Engage in a conversation that supports this activity i.e.
What textures do you feel? Is it soft, hard…?
What happens to the flour when we add water?
Where can we find sand in Dubai?
What can you do with wet sand, and dry sand?
Activity Words: Soft, hard, gritting, rough, squeeze, roll, pull, cut, mold, create…
Items required:
Clean play sand – 4 cups
Flour – 3 cups
Water – 1 cup
¼ cup vegetable oil
Equipment required:
Glass mixing bowl
Wooden spoon
Rolling pin
Method:
Combine the flour, salt, water and oil in a mixing bowl.
Knead with your hands until the mixture forms a ball.
If the mixture is too dry, gradually add water until it reaches a nice dough consistency and if the mixture is too watery, gradually add more flour.
Let the child’s “creation” dry on a tray.
Change, one small step at a time
February has just burst through the door! The thought that we are well into the second month of 2016 creates a response of nodding heads and tut-tuts about how quickly time seems to fly. And yet it seems as if it were only yesterday that January arrived in a shower of confetti-shaded hopes, wishes and resolutions for the new year ahead. For many of us, this is the time of the year that we look at the year gone by and assess what we could have done better or achieved more with ourselves, our children or our family. And so during the beginning of the year, we often create grandiose resolutions during which, with steely resolve, we promise ourselves that we are going to do more or change more. By February all those plans have faltered, as we protest at how difficult it has been. Actually, those plans were more than likely to fail because we are trying to change too much, too quickly without enough resources or without enough time. Perhaps, instinctively, we know that they are going to fail and so we give up before we have even started.
The “One percent Principle” goes a long way in explaining why resolutions or long-term plans often fail. It basically suggests that we often avoid setting major goals because achieving them seems so overwhelming. Sometimes changes we are trying to establish may be too great. Interestingly, the theory continues to support that small, often subtle changes create a momentum that increasingly brings about much larger change. I would say that when it comes to our children this idea makes a lot of sense.
Very often we, working in early years children’s nurseries in Dubai, hear parents saying that they are going to start disciplining their children more, spend more time with them, establish better eating habits or help them achieve better grades. The plans come from a good place but are often too general, broad or too drastic. With children, we cannot start changing established habits all at once. It creates too much insecurity as children do not know what to expect. Yet, if we change small things incrementally and consistently, we stand a better chance of succeeding which in turn will bring about confidence in ourselves and our abilities as parents. If dad arrives at home half an hour earlier to read a story to his child he has basically started and achieved in measure the change planned. Scheduling family dinners together over the weekend and at least once during the week creates the basis for a habit that impacts language, communication and cognitive skills. Half an hour less on the I-pad will mean half an hour more time playing and developing physical skills. Speaking to our children and others using “and “instead of “but” will reinforce that respect and love are not conditional. Small, positive changes that we apply with consistency can have the potential to create a lasting effect.
The "W" Sitting Position: What It Means and Why It Matters
The "W" Sitting Position: What It Means and Why It Matters
Lying. Rolling. Sitting-up. Crawling. These aren’t just adorable baby milestones, they’re critical steps in your child’s motor development journey. Think of them as Mother Nature’s way of prepping little humans for upright life. Each stage lays the groundwork for the next, building the coordination, strength, and muscle tone necessary for the grand finale: walking (and then running, climbing, dancing on the sofa, and generally keeping you on your toes).
But what happens when your little one skips a step or hangs onto a habit that might not be doing them any favors? Enter the mysterious (and surprisingly common) “W sitting position.”
What is the "W" Sitting Position?
The "W" sitting position happens when a child plops down on their bottom, knees bent and legs splayed out to either side, forming the shape of, you guessed it, a “W.”
Picture a child with their bum on the floor, knees forward, and feet flung out beside their hips. Cute? Maybe. Harmless? Not always.
This position gives children a wide base of support, making them feel more stable when they’re playing, building towers, or launching imaginary tea parties. It keeps them centered and balanced, which sounds great, except this stability comes at a cost.
Why Do Kids Sit in the "W" Position?
It’s actually very common and even natural for toddlers and preschoolers to choose the W sitting position. Here’s why:
Greater stability: It’s easier for kids with developing muscles and balance to stay upright in this position.
Less trunk control required: They don’t have to engage their core as much.
Comfort: For some children, especially those with joint hypermobility or low muscle tone, this position just feels more comfortable.
However, the long-term effects of habitual W sitting can create developmental challenges.
The Hidden Risks of the W Sitting Position
So what’s the problem with a little W-shaped lounging? A lot, actually. Here’s the scoop:
1. Trunk Rotation and Balance Issues
When children sit in the W position, they don’t develop proper trunk rotation (twisting their torso), which is essential for:
Reaching across the body
Crossing the midline
Maintaining balance during physical activities
Fun fact: Without proper midline crossing, your child may struggle later with skills like handwriting, reading, and tying shoelaces.
2. Muscle Development and Walking Patterns
The W position can cause the muscles in the hips and legs to shorten and tighten, which may lead to:
Pigeon-toed walking
Toe-walking
Difficulty with gross motor activities like running or skipping
3. Clue to Underlying Issues
A strong preference for W sitting can be a sign of:
Joint hypermobility
Sensory processing disorder
Unintegrated reflexes (like the STNR or Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex)
These reflexes are supposed to disappear after infancy. When they stick around, they can lead to:
Poor posture
Difficulty concentrating
Poor coordination
Reading and writing challenges
Understanding STNR and the Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex
Let’s dive deeper into the two primitive reflexes most often linked to W sitting position: the Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR) and the Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR).
What is the Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)?
The STNR is a transitional reflex that helps babies move from lying on their tummy to crawling on all fours. It typically appears around 6–9 months and should integrate by 11 months.
When STNR is active, you’ll see:
When the child looks up, their arms straighten and legs bend.
When they look down, their arms bend and legs straighten.
This reflex encourages the creeping (crawling) motion, which is vital for bilateral coordination and visual tracking.
Unintegrated STNR may lead to:
Poor posture when sitting
W sitting as a compensation for weak core strength
Difficulty with tasks like copying from the board or reading while seated
Problems with coordination during sports or playground play
What is the Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)?
The TLR is one of the earliest reflexes, present from birth, and is linked to a baby’s head movements and overall muscle tone.
When TLR is active:
Tilting the head back causes the body to stiffen and straighten.
Tilting the head forward causes the limbs to curl inward.
Unintegrated TLR may cause:
Poor balance
Challenges with proprioception (knowing where your body is in space)
Overcompensation with stabilizing postures like W sitting
Difficulty with tasks requiring head movement and coordination
How Kinesiology Helps with Reflex Integration
Here’s where it gets exciting, Kinesiology is a holistic therapy that can play a powerful role in supporting children with unintegrated reflexes.
At Kinesiology Dubai, practitioners use muscle testing to detect imbalances in the body. They then use gentle physical techniques, movement patterns, and energetic balancing to help integrate primitive reflexes like STNR and TLR.
Benefits of Kinesiology for W Sitters:
Identifies which reflexes remain unintegrated
Uses body-based movements to support reflex maturity
Enhances core strength, balance, and posture
Supports coordination and concentration
Complements occupational therapy and educational interventions
Good news: This approach is non-invasive, child-friendly, and often enjoyable for little ones!
If your child shows signs of habitual W sitting position or struggles with posture and coordination, consider booking a session at Kinesiology Dubai. Their team is experienced in working with children and can tailor strategies to suit individual needs.
Spotting W Sitting in Your Classroom or Home
At our British nursery in Dubai, we make it a point to observe how children move, sit, and play. Spotting physical red flags early gives us the opportunity to work together with parents and specialists to make real developmental progress.
Signs to look out for:
A child always sits in a W shape without transitioning to other positions
They struggle with balance when sitting cross-legged
You notice toe-walking or pigeon-toed feet
Alternative Sitting Positions to Encourage
Here’s where your toolkit of fun (and healthy) sitting options comes in. If you notice a child sitting in a W position, gently redirect them into one of the following:
Criss-cross applesauce (cross-legged)
Long sitting (legs straight out in front)
Side sitting (legs bent to one side)
Tummy time or prone on elbows (great for building shoulder and core strength)
Make it playful, have a "silly sitting day" or a "zebra pose challenge." Let imagination lead the way!
What Should Nurseries in Dubai Be Doing?
If you’re looking at nurseries in Dubai, go beyond the glossy brochures and colorful classrooms. Ask yourself:
Do the teachers observe children’s posture and motor development?
Are staff trained to spot early signs of physical delays?
Does the school collaborate with occupational therapists or developmental specialists?
At a top-tier British nursery in Dubai like Kid’s Island Nursery, our educators are trained to observe not just behavior and language, but also physical milestones and movement patterns. We believe that early intervention is everything.
We also work closely with partners like Kinesiology Dubai to support holistic development for every child.
Home and School: A Dynamic Duo
You know what they say: it takes a village (and possibly a good cup of coffee). When teachers and parents work hand-in-hand, developmental challenges don’t stand a chance.
Share observations regularly
Keep a consistent message about healthy sitting
Celebrate progress ("Look! You’re sitting like a yoga master today!")
Bonus: Movement Break Ideas for Preschoolers
Animal walks (bear, crab, frog)
Balance beam games
Obstacle courses with crawling, jumping, and turning
Yoga for kids
Balloon volleyball or beanbag toss
These are not just fun, they help build the core strength, balance, and coordination needed for healthy motor development.
Infographic: Effects of W Sitting and Better Alternatives
Caption: W sitting can hinder trunk rotation and balance. Try cross-legged or side sitting instead. | W sitting position, nurseries in Dubai
FAQs About the W Sitting Position (and Everything You Were Too Polite to Ask)
Is W sitting ever okay?
Occasionally, yes. It becomes a concern when it’s the child’s go-to position.
Does W sitting mean my child has a developmental issue?
Not necessarily. But it’s worth monitoring, especially if accompanied by other motor concerns.
Can I just tell my child to stop sitting like that?
You can redirect, but it’s best to do so gently and consistently. Show them other fun ways to sit.
What if my child resists sitting differently?
Make it a game. Use stories, songs, or animal poses.
Are there exercises to help children stop W sitting?
Yes! Core-strengthening, balance exercises, and yoga can help.
How do nurseries in Dubai address this?
Quality nurseries have trained staff who can spot and support children’s motor development.
Can W sitting cause pain?
Over time, yes, it can strain hips, knees, and ankles.
Should I be worried about unintegrated reflexes?
If your child shows multiple signs (poor balance, clumsiness, etc.), talk to a specialist.
What professionals should I consult?
An occupational therapist, pediatric physiotherapist, or kinesiologist can help.
Where can I learn more?
Visit Kinesiology Dubai or consult your nursery’s educational coordinator.
Final Thoughts: Let’s Sit on This (But Not in a W!)
Children are naturally curious and quirky, and sometimes their bodies reflect that in interesting ways. While the W sitting position might seem harmless at first glance, staying aware and proactive is key.
At our British nursery in Dubai, we take these little posture quirks seriously, not to panic, but to empower. Together with families, we aim to create a nurturing space where every child can move, grow, and thrive.
Understanding reflexes like STNR and TLR, and working with tools like Kinesiology, can make a world of difference.
So here’s to raising strong, confident, and well-balanced little humans, one seated stretch at a time.
Looking for more expert tips and playful insights? Check out our upcoming blog series on physical development milestones and how top nurseries in Dubai are making a difference.
Got a question or story to share? Drop us a message, we’d love to hear from you!
Easy Clay Ornaments!
Easy Clay Ornaments!
Looking for a recipe to make ornaments for the holidays?
We found the best one and you only need everyday kitchen ingredients to do it!
What you will need!
2 cups baking soda
1 cup cornstarch
1.1/4 cup water
Cookie cutters/stamps
Straw for the holes
Ribbons for hanging ornaments
What to do
Mix the baking soda and cornstarch in a pan. Add the water and mix. Place on stove (medium heat) and bring to a boil stirring constantly throughout.
In few minutes, the watery mixture will thicken and suddenly become almost like mashed potatoes. Straight away remove from the heat and place mixture onto a cookie sheet in one lump. Cover with a damp cloth and leave to cool.
Once it is cool enough to work with, lightly dust the surface with cornstarch and roll it out into a snake roll. Divide it into smaller chunks. It will have the smooth consistency of fondant.
Stamp it with stamps (with or without ink) and then cut it with the cookie cutter, finishing it off with a hole using the straw.
Leave it to air dry overnight.
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Activity
- Aug 9, 2015 Ice Cube Painting
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Blog
- May 14, 2018 Helping Families Settle in an Expat World
- Feb 14, 2017 “Mum, read me a story”
- Jan 14, 2017 Exploring at my own pace
- Nov 30, 2016 The importance of teaching our children to be independent
- Feb 10, 2016 Change, one small step at a time
- Feb 8, 2016 The "W" Sitting Position: What It Means and Why It Matters
- Aug 9, 2015 Ice Cube Painting
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Recipes
- Mar 1, 2020 4 minute play dough recipe
- Nov 23, 2016 Sand Dough Recipe!
- Dec 13, 2015 Easy Clay Ornaments!