We believe play really matters!

One of our volunteers has been researching the history of the toy library and has produced a fascinating summary of how the service developed. If you would like to read it, then click on the "toy library history" link in the menu on the right hand side.

The Toy Library Tree

The toy library is taking part in Shepshed's Rotary Christmas Tree Festival.

The tree is decorated with toys, decorations made by the children, and baubles bearing the words of feedback we have had from our members about the toy library.

You can see the trees until Sunday evening.

Many thanks to everyone who helped to decorate our tree.

Project Dragonfly

An exciting project to encourage active family play

and quality family time.

This project is kindly supported by local businesses including Hanson, SIP Industrial Products and Campbell Scientific. See the project page in the left hand menu for more details.

http://shepshedtoylibrary.blogspot.com/p/project-dragonfly.html

Christmas Party Tickets

Our Christmas Parties will be held on Weds 14th and Mon 19th December. Tickets are £2.50 per child and include songs, craft, games and a buffet lunch.

Due to great demand tickets must be purchased in advance.

November Evening Opening

Our next evening session will be Thursday 24th November 6:30-7:30pm. We will have special Christmas gift craft activities available for a small fee.

Behaviour Management

Behaviour management is a topic often raised by members at the toy library.

A checklist of what schools can do to instill good behaviour in the classroom has been developed and published by Charlie Taylor, the Government’s Expert Adviser on Behaviour and is entitled "Getting the simple things right”. Consistency and clarity were seen to be the most important factors. The checklist contains many items that can also be applied at home by parents. For example:

• Ensure absolute clarity about the expected standard of behaviour.
  

• Display rules clearly.
  

• Display a tariff of sanctions and rewards.
  

• Ensure that children never miss out on sanctions or rewards.

• Model the behaviour you want to see from your children.
  

• Praise good behaviour.
  

• Celebrate successes.
  

The checklist can be downloaded here http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/pupilsupport/behaviour/a00199342/getting-the-simple-things-right-charlie-taylors-behaviour-checklists