What are interest trays, and what do they mean to you and the children?

"My interest trays tend to be based on a theme, and I generally change them weekly. I will keep the resources out for longer if the children are showing a particular interest. It’s important the children can return to, repeat and extend their ideas over time. I believe my interest trays and the wider learning environment in my home support the children to do that. I find it helps children make sense of the subject if they can touch it, rather than us just talking or me reading it to them in a book. I like to work with trays, I’ve always worked with them. The children find them easy to tidy up as they have to just put them back on the tray. This teaches them how to respect the resources."

"As World Book Day was approaching I planned these trays/activities to engage the children with the stories and make them come alive and be more memorable. Children learn more if they interact with props and toys related to the different stories."

How did the children engage with the resources? What did you notice?

"The children loved the resources provided for World Book Day, they dressed up as different characters, used the props to retell the stories and made up stories of their own. The children were able to remember parts of the story they liked best and explore the way stories are structured. I encouraged the younger children to focus for a little time on the books and using props and puppets helps them with that. When they’re able to be physically involved by handling the resources, it helps to keep them involved and gives them the opportunity to sit and listen. Even if it’s just for 5 minutes then I’m happy with that. The older children really engaged with the props and used them to make up their own versions of the stories. You can see their imaginations come alive when they’re given the chance to immerse themselves in a scene and set of characters. "

Did you change anything as the week went on? If so, why?

"During the week we focused on the different books, one a day, so I would leave just the toys/props for that specific story and add a different one the following day. At the end of the week we revisited all the stories and the children chose their favourite. The children will often bring in other toys to mix with them, so this shows me what they’re interested in. If they show a particular interest I will look on YouTube or Pinterest to see if I can extend it in another way."

What do you enjoy about being a childminder?

"I enjoy the fact that I watch children develop from babies into curious children. I love the close relationship I develop with the children and their families. Most of the children start with me as babies and stay until they start school. Getting to watch the children grow up is a real privilege. I get to know the whole family, even the grandparents. The progress I see is magic, and I’m able to accompany them on their journey. Working with a small group of children suits me well. I like the freedom we have to go out. We go to the library, to museums, to the park. I don’t have to plan these things weeks in advance, we can be spontaneous if we want to and if the children are interested. The mix of ages in my setting recreates the family feeling, and the environment is a home from home. The older children have to be patient with the younger children, and the younger children learn from the older children."