Hi, the most effective resources are 'open ended ones .. toys, equipment and resources that can be used differently by everyone, as they want, when they want and how they want, with and without support:
Rattles, teething rings, mirrors, chimes, climbing frames, balls - not necessarily bats, buckets, spades or spoons, sand/soil pits - not water until safe, pushalong/sit and ride toys - bikes, scooters & skateboards. Building and craft items - wool, sticky tape, boxes, glue .. each age group will have different interests and enjoy resources that match - 12 - 16 age range may involve Game consoles, cd /dvd / music players, allowed use of mobile phones, suitable reading materials, solo, two and more player board and card games .. as an example the things provided at a youth club that wouldn't be so obviously provided within a nursery.
Resources staff and others bring to the setting - songs, rhymes, play ideas - made additionally effective by planning and meetings.
When you look at the toys, equipment and resources available in your setting and around generally, see what age they are recommended for and what developmental skills are needed to use them, how much use and enjoyment they recieve and you'll be able to make judgements on their overall effectiveness in your setting ..
Hope this helps a little
xx
|