A great new free teaching resource for young children from the BBC is Counting with Rodd, a series of 10 films on the Class Clips website: www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/ Search: counting with rodd
Each 6-minute episode features the irrepressible Rodd Christensen, who played Spencer in the much – loved Balamory series. In Counting with Rodd, Rodd encourages young children to delight in making their own number discoveries – just as he does: ‘You know, a car has 4 wheels and a horse has 4 legs and so does a chair!’ There’s counting ‘one at a time’, fun movements to join in and an action song for each number.
Rodd’s quirky take on activities that will be familiar to early years children and their adults will inspire lots of chatting and hands-on learning. The films are ideal both at home and as a starter for circle or small group times in early years settings.
Early Years Learning 
Hi I have just come across your informative site, thank you.
I am a parent of a 4 year old starting school in September & they learn to write in the cursive style. Could you possibly share your opinion on this for early years children?
Thanks
Many thanks for your comments. I have personally never taught children to write using a cursive script, but understand that although the process might take longer for children to master than learning to write individual letters with ‘flicks’, in the long run it does help children to become fluent and speedy writers. It is also thought to help with spelling. Do, of course, as I am sure you will, ask your child’s Reception teacher about how the school views the advantages. Ask for a copy of the script and for advice on helping your child at home. I hope this may be of help.