Investigate the wonder of mathematics in the early years and consider the potential of maths in everyday activity – looking at a range of ideas and strategies for further enhancing provision and skills-based teaching. The session will focus on developing an inspiring environment that truly connects with children’s natural desires and supports children’s mathematical thinking, reasoning and problem solving. It will also start to explore the role of the adult in supporting and extending children’s mathematical language and thinking.

As children become more confident and excited about their mark making and begin to understand real writing, it is critical to offer support in ways that maintain children’s love of writing and its meaning in a range of contexts – for notes, lists, letters, stories and so on.

Leading children’s mark making towards writing is a skilful process and in this practical workshop practitioners will consider the experiences, activities and support they can provide to promote children’s passion, confidence and skill in writing. Delegates will gain inspirational ideas to help to develop mark making opportunities indoors and out in ways that ensure that, as children develop the skills of writing, they apply these within their play with greater complexity.

We know that high quality interactions play a vital part in developing higher level thinkers and motivated learners. Alongside this, engaging in conversation during child-initiated activities helps children readily absorb new vocabulary and language structures. Developing, sustaining and evaluating the richness of interactions within our busy environments can be challenging.

This course will explore the clear links between creating continuous provision, and high quality enhancements. We will discuss the importance of providing an environment rich in interaction; a space which promotes questioning, discussion, imagination and shared thinking.  Practitioners will leave the training with a clear vision for improving the quality of interactions within their setting.