Equipment and Resources
Enabling Environments: Equipment - Gym Bench; Sensory Blocks; Wall Graphics...
This round-up of new products compiled by Ruth Thomson is the first of a new monthly series.
Sensory Blocks from Reflections on Learning
THREE-IN-ONE GYM BENCH AND BALANCE BEAMS (£75.00)
BALANCE STAIRS (£125.00)
Reflections on Learning - www.reflectionsonlearning.co.uk
Settings short of space but keen to promote the all-round physical development of the children in their care should check out these versatile and space-saving pieces of physical play equipment.
The gym bench can be converted in seconds into two types of balance beams and also provides a bench seat, ideal for storytime. The balance stairs, made up of eight stackable steps, can be arranged in various ways for physical play activities, double as tables and chairs and require minimal storage space.
Both pieces help develop children's balance and co-ordination in a fun way, and can be incorporated into imaginative play - convert the single beam into a jungle river crossing and beware the snapping crocodiles below! Much more imaginative and effective than the scaled-down adult gym equipment now on the market.
SENSORY BLOCKS (£29.99)
Reflections on Learning - www.reflectionsonlearning.co.uk
These sensory blocks are an innovative multi-sensory resource that support Knowledge and Understanding of the World, Exploration and Investigation, and Creative Development in the EYFS.
The set of 16 blocks comprises large hardwood surrounds containing beads, transparent acrylic, coloured sand and water/glitter-filled pockets in four different shapes. They can provide an interesting way to explore shape, light, sound, colour, texture and properties of materials and are very effective when used on a light box.
They won this year's Best Early Years Resource at the Education Resources Awards.
WALL GRAPHICS (£30.00)
Wee Gallery - www.weegallery.co.uk
Wee Gallery specialises in baby products with black and white geometric shapes and figures, which babies find so appealing, given their limited range of vision.
The company's latest product, Wall Graphics, come in a variety of themes, including sea, jungle and safari. The graphics are self-adhesive, removable transfers that can be repositioned without damaging the walls - just peel and stick - and all are made of eco-friendly polypropylene.
The 47-piece Woodlands collection has a deer (406mm), a fox (203mm), an owl (64mm), a woodpecker (102mm), a hedgehog (152mm), a raccoon (114mm), six trees and six mushrooms of varying sizes, and 29 landscape pieces. The 27-piece elephant set has one 483mm elephant, three 305mm elephants and 23 spirals in two sizes.
SMARTSACK PEG (£4.80 each for 20-50 bags. See website for other rates.)
The Smartsack Company - www.smartsack.co.uk
The Smartsack Peg is a neat little bag offering a smart solution to cloakroom clutter. The long, slim design means that the bags can hang comfortably side by side from cloakroom pegs, and are big enough to hold shoes, water bottles and so on. There are two net side pockets, a front pocket (suitable for letters, etc), and a name pocket for easy identification. Its magnetic fasteners make it easy for children to open and close.
FREE-FLOW CURTAINS (from £86 + Vat)
If you're committed to free-flow play for young children but want to keep in the heat in winter and the bugs out in summer, then a simple and cost-effective solution is now available.
Free-flow curtains are made of high-quality, transparent PVC - the same material used to cover supermarket fridges. It has fantastic insulation properties, yet is lightweight and strong enough for constant use by young children.
The curtains are easy to fit and unhook for cleaning and fit most standard door sizes. The company says they will pay for themselves many times over through reduced heating bills.
PRODUCTS FOR REVIEW?
If you have a new product that you would like reviewed, then e-mail details to: ruth.thomson@haymarket.com
