Going out into the world
By five, many children are out in the world, getting ready for school.
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Do it through play
Developing strength and co-ordination in the fingers is easy and fun. Try threading, washing-line games and play-dough.
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1Fine motor control
Get ready for writing
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Gaining independence
These are the years when our children go out into the world, to nursery and then eventually to school. They want to do things themselves, from putting on shoes to writing their name.Get our starting school guide here -
Experience new things
Rehearse real-life situations from the safety of the doll's house or the dressing-up box.
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2Imaginative play
Explore ideas and impulses without the consequences
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Bring it all together
Plan, cut out, orientate, connect. Whether it's junk-modelling, collage or clay, now's the time to show what you've learnt.
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3Making
Show off the full range of your pre-schooler skills
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The power of drawing
A stick man contains almost all the strokes you'll need for letter formation so keep it fun and focus on creative mark-making. Handwriting books can wait.
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4Mark-making
More than just letters and numbers
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Becoming independent
Whether you're off to school or learning at home, there are certain key skills you'll need.
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5Getting ready for life
Learning to do it yourself
The 100 Toys Method
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1Simplify
Get the free guideOur introductory guide will help you declutter and get back to basics.
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Recommended toys
Choose just a few open-ended basics and leave room for creativity to flourish.
Want to understand more about learning and development?
Do it yourself
Sometimes the best toys are the ones you make yourself
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