Alexis Ralphs

I'm Alexis, father of four and founder of One Hundred Toys, Get Set Five and A Year With My Child. I taught in London primary schools for thirteen years, specialising in the early years. I studied at the Institute of Education, part of the University of London, both for my PGCE and my as-yet-unfinished masters. I'm especially interested in schemas and how they help us understand the motivations behind toddlers' play.

Seriation: Mastering the Art of Ordering and its Role in Child Development

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Wooden tunnels in ascending order of size

Imagine a child meticulously lining up her toys from smallest to largest or a toddler arranging his coloured blocks from darkest to lightest. These seemingly simple acts are powerful indicators of a cognitive skill known as seriation – the ability to order objects based on specific attributes such as size, colour, or shape. This ability …

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Gross motor skills: a playtime essential

Physical development, The 100, Uncategorized / By
A girl climbing steps

As a parent of a young child, you play a crucial role in supporting the development of their gross motor skills. Gross motor skills involve the control and coordination of large muscle groups, enabling movements like crawling, walking, running, jumping, and playing sports. These skills form the foundation for your child’s physical abilities and overall …

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Hand-eye co-ordination games

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A child using hand-eye co-ordination to put a ring on a stick

Hand-eye coordination is the ability to perform tasks that require simultaneous use of the hands and eyes. It involves processing visual input from the eyes and translating that information into precise, controlled movements of the hands. This skill is essential for various day-to-day activities and sports, such as writing, typing, driving, and playing musical instruments. …

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Time and sequencing activities for preschoolers

Preschooler Activities / By

Understanding time and sequencing can be challenging for preschoolers, but it’s an essential skill that underpins learning, communication, and daily life. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of sequencing, visual timetables, and various activities to help your child develop these crucial skills. The Importance of Sequencing Sequencing is a hidden skill that supports reading, …

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Geoboard Activities for Preschoolers

Preschooler Activities / By
A geoboard with elastic bands

Geoboard activities for preschoolers provide engaging methods to gain early math skills, spatial awareness, fine motor skills, and coordination. If you want to offer endless opportunities for open-ended play that help increase your children’s potential for academic achievement, then check out these geoboard activities for preschoolers. What Is a Geoboard? When you’re looking for math …

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