Special making it REAL was originally funded as part of Early Years SEND partnership run by the Council for Disabled Children and is now available nationally.
The programme reached over 500 families with children with SEND and was based upon our Making it REAL programme, which has been delivered in over 80 local authorities. A combination of exciting and developmental Special Treasure Chests and workshops for families and practitioners led to excellent outcomes.
It was great, Noah loves it and it’s been really helpful for calming him, distracting him when his behaviour challenges and just generally for him to play.
Thanks so much for it, we are very grateful! (Parent – Special Making it REAL)
Free activities and vodcasts are available below. If you would like to find out more about the programme and opportunities for you area please contact [email protected]
Environmental Print is everywhere: look up, look down, look all round!
The first steps to learning to read are recognising the signs, symbols and logos that have meaning to your child; pointing these out in a fun way will encourage children to recognise print carries meaning. Make it into a fun game in the supermarket, on the high street or on a bus. You will be surprised just how much print you will find!
Environmental print activity sheet
Allowing children to explore and make marks is the beginning of early writing; recognising these marks have meaning to your child will give them the confidence to explore. These activities develop the concentration, creativity and skills they will need for early writing as well as developing fine motor skills.
Messy play and mark-making with cornflour
Have fun blowing bubbles and repeating words and expressions to help your child’s early language.
Explore different textures and surfaces with a spikey ball and enjoy talking about them with your child.
Sing songs together that encourage your child to use their imagination. For example, try singing The Wheels on the Bus and ask your child to suggest other things on the bus and describe what sound they make.