LEARN, LAUGH, AND GROW TOGETHER
I started Teddy-cation because I wanted a class that provided fun educational, interactive learning opportunities that covered different subject areas and worked different areas of the brain firing the imagination of young minds. I wanted a class that also provided a rich combination of educational experiences and fun innovative ways of learning, which would give parents practical ideas that they could use at home with their children and help prepare them for school life. A class that didn’t already exist out there for my toddler twins.
I have 17 years of primary school teaching experience including being Deputy Head for a number of years. This experience as well as being school ambassader for BLP, (Building Learning Power) and Assessment Lead, has helped to create the Teddy-cation curriculum for children aged 2 ½ to preschool age.
Being a mum of 6 year old twins has made it clear to me how important it is to introduce children to new educational experiences in an informal fun format creating a foundation block to build upon for future learning. I use elements of the Early Years Curriculum to help structure my classes, with a clear learning intention and fun activities working alongside parents with time to reflect on what we have achieved.
I also offer educational consultancy services and I am currently working with the Children’s Play Village in Warwick.
Educational benefits
Teddy-cation is a unique pre-school group in Warwickshire that provides Budding Brains (Buddies) with an opportunity to take part in a range of practical and rewarding activities based on: Communication, Language & Literacy, Physical Development, Mathematics, Understanding of the World, Expressive Arts & Design, Personal Social & Emotional Development in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage. Using physical brain warm up technique principles helps to fire up neurons in the brain.
Many educators believe that using brain exercises helps improve childrens’ concentration, memory, physical co-ordination and self-responsibility in learning new skills and concepts. Learning takes places through explorative and imaginative play and through listening, talking and discussing.
These are short fun movements/exercises that take place at the start of the class designed to engage the brain for example:
This is an important developmental skill needed for everyday tasks such as putting on your shoes or hitting a ball. Crossing the midline with the dominant hand provides practise to develop good fine motor skills. It is suggested that not practising crossing the midline may make it difficult to track moving objects from one side to another or even tracking reading from left to right.
About our Classes
Teddy- cation is a new toddler class that combines education, with fun interactive activities covering different skills in the subjects areas; Art, English, Maths, Science, D&T, P.E. Geography and Music linked with Early Years Foudation Stage. By covering different subject areas and skills, each lesson is a new and exciting learning experience pitched at an age appropriate level .
Teddy- cation is tailored specifically to the pre school (2 ½ – 4yrs) developmental phase and develops language and communication skills, listening skills, social and emotional skills, confidence, co-ordination, imagination, enquiring minds, creativity and exploration of different subject area skills.
The classes follow a set structure with Teddy Neuron greeting each child, a brain warm up exercise, a mission set by Teddy Neuron, a fun practical activity based on a subject area, a circle time sharing and communication of the learning experience and sticker in their Super Hero Card, a self assessment activity to reflect on their learning and a good bye high five from Teddy Neuron. Each class teaches parents/carers simple skills and activities in different subject areas that can be used at home with the children.
Each class runs for 45 minutes over the course of a Warwickshire school term and has a maximum of 14 children attending each session. In the last week of each term Teddy Neuron’s Budding Brains (Buddies) get a certificate, and in the last week of the summer term they graduate into becoming Super Heroes themselves.
The Buddies are given the opportunity to speak and listen in a range of situations that will help to build their confidence and skills in expressing themselves. Through the class activities the children will respond to what they hear with relevant comments, questions and actions. The children will be given simple instructions involving several ideas and actions. The Buddies will be given opportunities to express themselves talking about events that have happened in the class and what might happen next, and to make connections between ideas and events e.g. at the end of the session reflecting on their experiences throughout the session.
The Buddies will be given opportunities to practise skills in counting numbers, identifying shapes and exploring measures (talking about sizes and comparing them).
This involves providing opportunities for the Buddies to be active and interactive and develop their co-ordination, control and movement. The Buddies will be given the experience to explore large and small movements to work towards becoming more confident in a range of ways, for example: safely negotiating space and controlling equipment to include throwing and catching balls; handling different tools to develop fine motor skills including using a pen, pencil and paint brushes.
The Buddies will be guided to make sense of the physical world through opportunities to explore and observe what is around them, looking at objects, materials and living things.
The Buddies will be supported to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials. We will provide opportunities for sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings for a variety of activities in art, music, dance, design and technology.
Buddies will be helped to:
We aim to encourage Buddies to become confident in trying new activities, to be able to speak in a familiar group about their ideas and work as part of a group following the rules of the class.
Sophie Bullivant reviewed Teddy-cation – 5 star
16th May 2015
..
First and foremost Becky is literally the Mary Poppins of the Midlands ! She has this really unique way of teaching whilst making the lessons oodles of fun ! Simply put this is exactly how teaching should be ! All the red tape and pen pushing measures from the government have put a stop to fun learning . These classes are so refreshing ! My kids have so much fun they don’t even know they are learning and can’t wait to go back ! A fantastic concept which I know is going to be a huge success …. So much so that I’m going to book ahead for as many sessions as I can !
Laura Foster reviewed Teddy-cation – 5 star
4 December 2016
We’ve just finished our 2nd term at Teddy-Cation and I really can’t recommend this class enough. Every single session is beautifully creative, engaging and so well organised. I feel these classes are really helping prepare my August baby for starting school next year. Thank you Becky & Teddy Neuron! �
Lisa Dennis reviewed Teddy-cation – 5 star
27 June 2016
..
Hi Becky
I just wanted to share my praise for the class you run on a Tuesday at Hatton Park Village Hall. Lexie really enjoys the class and loves the activities yourself and Teddy Neuron set. I like the way you use elements of the Early Years Curriculum to help structure your classes, which are fun and keep Lexie entertained while she is learning at the same time. I think it’s great that there are different themes each week and I love the fact that I can also take part and interact with Lexie on the activities which gives us great mum and daughter time especially when I want to make more use of our time together now that I have a newborn baby daughter. Keep up the great work and thank you.
Ayshea Tovey reviewed Teddy-cation – 5 star
19 April at 22:41 ·
..
Great session this week Becky thank you. D is loving the sessions and she counted the 11 studs on my jumper last night, touching one stud for each number she counted. Amazing since she wasn’t doing that 2 weeks ago when we did the giant dice activity. X
Donnamarie Davenport reviewed Teddy-cation – 5 star
29 April at 05:47 ·
..
What a fantastic class my little girl loved the variety of things to do. This week there were things to find and match relating to the seasons, things to create a lovely flower picture and things to plant our runner bean so a real opportunity to engage all the senses – there was a bit of avid listening too!
My little girl also enjoyed the class a few weeks ago and has really mastered using scissors since coming along. Great entertainment for me and my pre-schooler
Angela Lewis reviewed Teddy-cation – 5 star
13 October 2016
This is definitely the best class I do with my daughter (2y9m). She talks about it all the time, knows the day it’s on and is always enthusiastic to go even on grumpy days. It took her a few sessions to get used to Teddy Neuron but now she high-fives him with all her might grin emoticon:D
Each themed session has 3 main activities (a mix of crafty or active, all with an educational objective) aimed & timed well to suit all ages in the group, and we often have something to bring home to show Daddy.
Learning IS fun!
Sarah Tsang reviewed Teddy-cation – 5 star
1 December 2016
Fabulous class, well structured, educational and lots of fun. Lots of seasonal themes with plenty of variety in the activities each week. My son loves to tell everyone about what he has been doing with Teddy-neuron each week, and is always eagre to go to class. Highly recommended smile emoticon
Sarah Abercrombie reviewed Teddy-cation – 5 star
21 April at 13:18 ·
..
We had a great time at Teddy-Cation, the girls loved all the different activities and were constantly stimulated (no mean feat). Becky’s experience lends itself perfectly to this class and preparing the little pre-schoolers for the big day! Thank you
Sarah Abercrombie
James Dex reviewed Teddy-cation – 5 star
24 April at 14:08 ·
..
My son Isaac loved the session, just the right mix of brain teasers, dexterity and physicality for him. He was singing the teddy neuron song all day afterwards!
Andrea Docherty reviewed Teddy-cation – 5 star
3 December 2016
I have been taking my 3 year old twin sons to the class for a term now and we love it and have already signed up for the Spring term. It’s an extremely well run class, full of fun and activity. Every week is a different theme with extremely well thought through activities held in a really friendly environment. It’s the best pre school class we do and I’d highly recommend it.
Bally Wadalia reviewed Teddy-cation – 5 star
6 October 2016
Highly recommended, it was our highlight of the week! My boys loved going to Teddy-cation. Becky is fantastic – she is so encouraging that the children can’t help but throw themselves into the activities. It also gave me ideas for new play and games at home.
Helen Watkins reviewed Teddy-cation – 5 star
3 May at 00:07 ·
..
Ella and I had a fantastic time last she hasn’t stopped talking about teddy neuron and the things we did. Great mix of fun but learning and allows parent child interaction as well, we’re coming back
Photos taken by Lynne Gougeon and David Fawbert
loading map – please wait…
 |
 Hatton Park Village Hall |
|
Warwick Gates Community Centre |
|
Radford Road Church, Leamington Spa |
|
Cubbington Village Hall |
Starting School By Becky – Teddycation Starting school is a big milestone. It signifies a new chapter of independence and learning for your child! It is an exciting stage in your child’s development. As a teacher of 17 years you’d have thought I’d know the ropes when my twins started school in 2016, but being…
FACEBOOK FEED
Next week we will be using a pipette as part of our under water theme! 💦🐠🐟🐬🐳🦀🦞
Using pipettes in water play can encourage and develop the children’s fine motor skills. The children need to squeeze the top of the pipette to collect water then let go to keep the water in. This enables the children to practise their pincer grip, a vital skill needed when learning to write.
What a first week back 🐻 we have loved ❤️every minute of it! I think the calendars were a hit judging by the children’s self assessment results – reflecting on which activity they liked the best!! 🐻 I think the results below speak for themselves, we are a very proud of you all 🥰
One of our Buddies holding up her calendar masterpiece from yesterday’s class! We are very proud of her she did an amazing job!! #earlyyears #earlychildhoodeducation #preschoolactivities #preschoolclass #learning #creativity #imagination #learningisfun #finemotorskills #warwickshire #leamingtonspa #hatton #warwick #mumsofinstagram #preparingforschool
🐻Optional Home Learning🐻
💦Water Activities💦
Washing up bowl with floating objects (lids, plastic animals, letters etc)and large serving spoon. This activity has many learning benefits for the child just through playing with the objects and water but you could encourage your child to scoop out the objects and sort by colour, type or size. How many objects can they scoop on one spoon full? Set a target of a certain amount to scoop out. Stir with the spoon what happens to the floating objects? Can they add new objects that sink to the bottom? Can they scoop letters out found in their name?
🧚♀️Fairy Soup (a popular activity)🧚♂️
Grab ingredients from the kitchen (flour, sugar, salt, lemon juice, herbs etc) or from plants and flowers outside in the garden (practise scissors skills, cutting some leaves) and add them to a water filled bowl. Stir in ingredients one at a time (food colouring could be added) and mix together, encourage imagination and language skills (model examples) talking about the magic ingredients than could be added. What do they notice happening – colour change, smell or texture? If it is a Magic potion what could it be used for?
Car 🚗 Wash 🧼
Bucket or washing up bowl, soap, sponges, brushes and cars. Give them a good clean and dry them. Drive the cars in the garden first to make them muddy for added fun!
(Images taken from Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds and Lovepeaceandbeauty.com)
💦The importance of Water Play💦
This week we are using water in class in a very simple way to draw our numbers but playing with water has so many benefits for the development of young minds.
1. Develop Motor Skills
Water Play gives many opportunities to develop fine and gross motor skills.
Children will increase their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination through actions like pouring, squirting, scrubbing, stirring and squeezing.
Introduction of textures and sensory experiences introducing them to (slippy, slimy…) and temperatures. It will also help master the pincer grip which will enable them to hold a pencil correctly at school.
2. Problem Solving
Water play allows children to explore and make discoveries.
Observing something float or sink will teach them, in a very practical way, how and why things happen. It encourages them to use their imagination, develops creative thinking which plays an important role in problem-solving.
3. Language Development
Discover new words/terms whilst having fun with water and having conversations about it! Pour, Float, Sink, Cold, Deep, Drain, Flow etc.
4. Social, Emotional Growth
Water play can be a tranquil and repetitive activity (scooping, pouring and running their hands through the water). Gentle water play allows them to unwind, order their thoughts and relax.
It also encourages role play and crucial social skills like cooperation and sharing.
They learn to work with one or several children, to take turns and share the space and equipment with their friends.
5. Science and Maths Learning
Water Play builds the foundation for understanding various scientific concepts. It will introduce children to terms such as Full, Empty, Half, Less. The children can measure, compare volumes and observe motion and begin to understand the importance it plays in animal and plant life.
Water play isn’t just for the summer months this could be done through bath playtime, hosting a tea parties, painting with water on the pavement and many other activities.
Great first day back, the Buddies did so well creating their calendars. I was really impressed with their number recognition knowledge too!! 👍🏻🐻
Our seasons’ calendar we will be making in our first week back! Teddy Neuron and I can not wait to be back on Monday, we are looking forward to seeing you all! 🐻
Winter months can sometimes seem long, dark and miserable. Why not be inspired by some of these free activities you could do with your little ones that are absolutely free!! Teddy Neuron particularly likes the indoor picnic idea – he does love his food!! 🐻
From one bear to another, Teddy Neuron wants to join in on the fun 🐻
www.facebook.com/skynews/videos/1254301554584439/
Sky News
Not everyone’s weekend has been ruined by the US snowstorms – here’s Tian Tian the panda at a zoo in Washington DC. (Footage from Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute): trib.al/9b0AbCL
In the process of making an example calendar for next week, just waiting on the calendar tabs!! I will be spending my evening cutting out chicken 🐓 shapes – I lead a rock and roll 🎸 life style 😂 Can’t wait for next week to see the Buddies make one ☝️ #earlychildhoodeducation #preschool #calendar #seasons #newyear #finemotorskills #learningisfun #lifelonglearners #warwickshire #teddycation #lifelonglearners
I found this posted on Instagram by calmclassrooms and I loved their examples of positive language – a way to create positive behaviour. Using positive language conveys belief in children. To choose positive behaviours, children need to see themselves as capable individuals and responsible for their actions. Language matters. 🐻
A great part of the Teddy-cation curriculum is dedicated to focusing on fine motor skills. We plan for types of activities that work on fine motor skills in ways that strengthen fingers, works on hand eye coordination and helps with precision. These activities include using play dough, threading, using tweezers and so much more. Fine motor skills are essential for performing everyday skills as well as academic skills. Crucially they allow for independence and develop those essential life skills. #finemotorskills #lifeskills #independence #confidence #earlychildhoodeducation #preschool #lifelonglearners #fun #learningisfun #handeyecoordination #precision
Fab ideas for DIY games on the go 🐻
www.facebook.com/buzzfeednifty/videos/1906300429624680/
Nifty
Keep kids entertained on-the-go with these mini playsets made from mint tins! 🙌
Make your own here: bzfd.it/2eCH3V5
Next week is the start of term and we cannot wait to be back! We will be making our own calendar and exploring different seasons as well as looking at the digits that make up 2019. All activities are interactive, age appropriate and above all fun!! #newterm #newyear #imaginativeplay #havingfun #springterm #preschoolclass #warwickshire #toddlerclasses #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears
What’s new for 2019?
Well this term, each week we will be posting a tip or optional home learning for you to do at home if you wish to. We will focus on different skills and areas of learning each week but the point of activity is to have fun and spend time together 🐻
