How to Organise an Early Years Art Area for Independent Use
An effective Early Years art area allows children to see, choose, use and return creative resources with increasing independence. Materials should be accessible, clearly organised and appropriate for the children using them. By offering purposeful choices, establishing manageable routines and protecting opportunities for experimentation, practitioners can support creativity without creating an unsafe, cluttered or overly adult-directed space.
Emma Davies
Storage Baskets for Loose Parts: An EYFS Setting Guide
Storage baskets help EYFS practitioners organise loose parts so children can see, choose, use and return resources independently. The most effective storage is accessible, clearly arranged and matched to children’s developmental needs. By selecting suitable baskets, limiting the number of materials available and reviewing provision regularly, settings can create calmer enabling environments without restricting open-ended play.
Sarah Jenkins
Pencil Grips and Fine Motor Development: What EYFS Settings Need to Know
Pencil grips can help some children hold and control writing tools more comfortably, but they are not a universal solution for developing an effective pencil grasp. EYFS settings should first provide varied opportunities to strengthen children’s hands, coordination and movement. Where a grip is introduced, it should respond to an identified need and be monitored carefully.
Clare Harrison
How Whiteboard Pens Support Early Mark-Making in EYFS
Whiteboard pens support early mark-making by giving children a responsive, wipe-clean way to draw, write, experiment and try again. When used with suitable whiteboards, they can build confidence, develop controlled movement and support early literacy, phonics and creative expression. Their greatest value comes when children use them purposefully across play and continuous provision.
Natalie McMunn
How Mark-Making in EYFS Supports Early Writing Skills
Mark-making supports early writing by helping children understand that movements can create visible marks and that those marks can carry meaning. Through drawing, painting, scribbling, pattern-making and pretend writing, children develop the physical control, language, confidence and symbolic understanding needed to move towards letter formation, spelling and purposeful written communication.
Natalie McMunn
How to Organise EYFS Resources for Children's Independent Access
Organising EYFS resources for children's independent access helps create an enabling environment where children can confidently make choices, develop independence and take ownership of their learning. When resources are thoughtfully organised and easily accessible, children spend less time waiting for adult support and more time exploring, creating and learning through meaningful play experiences.
Rachel Pangburn
What Glue Is Safe for EYFS Children to Use Independently?
The safest glue for EYFS children to use independently is typically a non-toxic glue stick designed for educational use. Glue sticks are easy for young children to control, support developing fine motor skills and create less mess than many liquid adhesives. When chosen carefully and introduced through clear routines, appropriate adhesives can help children develop independence, creativity and confidence while maintaining a safe learning environment.
Adelle Whitfield
Writing Tools for EYFS and Nursery Children: A Buying Guide
The best writing tools for EYFS and nursery children are those that support their stage of physical development, encourage confident mark-making and make writing feel purposeful and enjoyable. From chunky crayons and paint markers to triangular pencils and clipboards, choosing the right tools helps children develop fine motor skills, pencil control and positive attitudes towards writing long before formal handwriting begins.
Carla Bonner
Which Pencils Support Handwriting Development at Each EYFS Stage?
The best pencils for EYFS children are those that match their stage of physical development rather than their age alone. As children progress from early mark-making to forming recognisable letters and words, their pencil needs change. Choosing developmentally appropriate writing tools can support grip strength, control, confidence and handwriting readiness while helping children build positive attitudes towards writing.
Jack Clarke
Classroom Organisation Ideas
25 tips, tricks and ideas for getting a hold of your classroom organisation and sorting it into the educational space of your dreams.