The 50 Fantastic Things series is a no nonsense, ideas bank .no frills, just 50 examples of great ideas already in practice!

Children are naturally drawn to mark-making. Long before they pick up a pencil or a paintbrush, they will experiment with making marks using their own bodies as well as various found objects that they come across in day-to-day life. By collecting together a whole host of ideas for different mark-making utensils, as well as exploring numerous substances and surfaces that children can mark-make on and in, this book supports both individual and group mark-making.

"50 engaging reproductible activity sheets, management strategies, and tips for differentiating instruction that help kids build key strategies independently"--Cover.

Revised and updated, this invaluable resource includes ready-made lessons, extensive word lists, quick assessments, and so much more to help struggling readers develop the skills they need to successfully decode.

Experts are raving about this "must-have" resource for primary teachers that includes dozens of fun activities to help children listen to language and play with sounds. Activity cards can be cut out and laminated to create a handy reference file of fun ideas. A wide selection of reproducibles (picture cards, word cards, and manipulatives) is included.

Essential reading for all Reception and Year One teachers, presenting a clear and practical map for effective transition to support children's emotional, social and academic development. Bestselling author Dr Alistair Bryce-Clegg presents a clear map to support children as they move from the Early Years into Key Stage 1. Helping children make the transition into Year One is a challenge. When done well it can have a significant impact on children's social, emotional and academic development, but when done badly it can set some children's development back by up to a year. Dr Bryce-Clegg is determined to help practitioners conquer this challenge. Having been involved in a number of transition projects that specifically focus on children's development throughout this period, Alistair draws upon his experience in this book. Packed full of practical ideas to help practitioners to plan for and create an effective learning environment that promotes high levels of attainment in Year One based on the effective principles of EYFS practice, this book should be in every Reception and Year One teacher's library.

There's no better way to get children moving, laughing and learning than with songs and dance, but sometimes it can feel like you've exhausted your rhyme repertoire or simply run out of musical steam. 50 Fantastic Ideas for Songs and Rhymes offers a mixture of traditional favourites, fresh alternatives to well-known rhymes, action songs, original rhythms and funny verse that will have everyone giggling. All activities include suggestions for actions and dances and tips for incorporating songs and rhymes into other areas of children's learning. Adults will feel confident singing and moving to music with children, whether one-to-one or in groups, and children will love the repetition, rhymes and rhythmic movements of these activities. Drawing on developmental research to compile the very best musical activities, this book will boost practitioners' confidence and improve children's cognitive abilities and movement skills. With over 40 books in the 50 Fantastic Ideas series there's something for everyone – whether you're a practitioner looking for new ideas or you want to try out a popular well-loved activity with a new twist. Each book offers a wide range of fun and creative activities to carry out with children aged 0 – 5 years, with lists of resources, step-by-step instructions and information about the benefits for children.