Snuggle Up!
Fabrics and Soft Furnishings
What is it?
Cosy areas, comfy sofas or chairs, fluffy blankets and cushions – places to snuggle into or to rest or nap in. A space in the nursery where a little quietness can be found.
Why is it important?
Some children can be in nursery for a long stretch of time and may just need a quiet nurturing moment or have an emotional check with an adult or a focused opportunity for some reassurance or comfort, these spaces help to provide these opportunities.
Some children like the security of being ‘enclosed’ in a blanket or in a den/tent. Many children need these spaces and experiences now more than ever.
How to bring it back
Following your settings current infection control procedures for using these resources, you can recreate or update these areas. You may have drapes/curtains to add in part of the area like a den, adding some soft toys will add to the cosy feeling. Make it inviting!Pictures of children displaying different feelings or even sleeping may encourage children to talk about their feelings.
Sharing with home
You could remind families of the importance of these opportunities and share photos of the area you create and explain how the children use it.
This is one of a weekly series of posts highlighting different spaces, experiences and interactions that practitioners have told us are not all easy to get back after the pandemic restrictions.
It’s all about playing, talking, and having fun together – so we hope they are useful. If there are any ideas you’d like us to highlight, just get in touch with your link EYESO.
For ideas about family engagement, you will find a “home” version of this post on bumps2bairns.com