Nursery World - Good practice: key points

There are various key points that practitioners need to bear in mind in selecting, using and teaching about tools and materials: * Ensure that materials and tools fit the purpose. Explain to the children why certain tools are used with specific materials, for their safety and to help them develop understanding of the possibilities within D&T. Explain why a particular tool works and how it can be controlled.

* Ensure that materials and tools fit the purpose. Explain to the children why certain tools are used with specific materials, for their safety and to help them develop understanding of the possibilities within D&T. Explain why a particular tool works and how it can be controlled.

* Teach children to recognise a wide range of natural and manufactured materials. Point out their importance in everyday life and explore their specific characteristics and qualities.

* Teach the correct words for tools and materials.

* Experiment with the materials and tools yourself to gain confidence and realise the potential of apparently simple resources.

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