Learn a bit more about the show and maybe get 1 or 2 good parenting tips too.
Hey guys, and welcome to The Baby Club Diaries. I was inspired to write this set of blog posts after filming The Baby Club for CBeebies. It’s a new show hosted by myself and Giovanna Fletcher that centres around encouraging parents/carers and their babies to explore everyday objects. This is done through playing, singing and reading stories together. Plus there is the opportunity for the viewer to join in with everything we do.
Being part of the show has been an absolute joy. And even though I’m no longer parent to a baby or toddler (my kids are 11 & 9 now), it’s made me revisit what it was like, and the best practises. As we all know parenting is a minefield and sometimes we forget how beneficial some of the simplest things are. Especially when we are too busy living it to take a moment to ask why?
What have I learnt?
One of the great things about working on the show was that I became a Peep Practitioner. Peeple are a charity who support parents/carers babies and children to learn together. With this in mind they created the Peep Learning Together Programme which is practiced by early learning professionals all over the UK. The programme is great and helps parents provide the best start for their children through singing, listening, talking, playing and sharing books and stories together.
Having learnt so much becoming a Peep Practitioner, I realised what an amazing help the knowledge gained would be for parents going through it. So I’m sharing what I’ve learnt along with a few of my personal thoughts. I feel that knowing why you are doing things that we may model on The Baby Club will only help with the tasks themselves. And this will in turn aide with your baby’s learning. Hopefully it will help you feel more confident while exploring your baby’s developmental journey.
What will I find on The Baby Club Diaries?
For all the episodes that I’m in, I’m going to try to give you a breakdown of the prop we used, how we used it and what I learned about how it’s helping your baby develop. Studying the Peep Learning Together Programme really helped me see things from a different perspective and I wanted to share this. I must remind you the information here is based on things learned while becoming a Peep Practitioner and through being a parent myself. These posts are separate to The Baby Club but do follow Peeple’s Learning Together Programmme. Peeple and the Foundation Years Trust charities were consultants on the Baby Club.
I hope they are helpful and that they provide you with an insight into some good parenting practices. Please feel free to ask questions and let me know your thoughts in the comments sections at the bottom of each post.
Click on the photos below to see the full diary entry.
The Dadvengers
Support for Dads everywhere
Join Nigel in supporting fathers with anything and everything on the journey through parenting. Asks questions, Tell stories, offer advice, and hear from other parents who are going through it, or have been through it. Mums we want you to join in too.
The Baby Club – Episode 2
Playing with Ribbons
In episode 2 of The Baby Club we were playing with Ribbons. There are some interesting things you can do with ribbons that you may not be aware of, or thought about. Find out how they can help your baby learn and find out which nursery rhymes can help you.
The Baby Club – Episode 4
Playing with Socks
In episode 4 of The Baby Club we were playing with Socks. All you have to do is head to the sock drawer then you can join in and find out how they can help your baby learn and find out which nursery rhymes can help you.
The Baby Club – Episode 7
Playing with Bath Toys
In episode 7 of The Baby Club we were playing with Bath Toys. Most of you have bath toys for your children, many of them love splashing around in the water. Find out how this can help your baby learn and find out which nursery rhymes can help you.
The Baby Club – Episode 9
Playing with Cardboard Tubes
In episode 9 of The Baby Club we were playing with Cardboard Tubes. Found inside kitchen roll and wrapping paper, find out about some of the different play techniques and how they can help your baby learn. Plus find out which nursery rhymes can help you.
The Baby Club – Episode 10
Playing with Leaves
In episode 10 of The Baby Club we were playing with Leaves. You can find leaves in many places, the park, your garden, maybe even your fridge. Find out how they can help your baby learn and find out which nursery rhymes can help you.
The Baby Club – Episode 12
Playing with a Saucepan
In episode 12 of The Baby Club we were playing with a Saucepan. We all have saucepans in the cupboard, so make sure you choose one that is clean and safe. Find out how they can help your baby learn and find out which nursery rhymes can help you.
The Baby Club – Episode 13
Playing with a Ball
In episode 13 of The Baby Club we were playing with a Ball. Probably one of the most common items for a child, find out how the associated play techniques can help your baby learn and find out which nursery rhymes can help you.
The Baby Club – Episode 15
Playing with a Stick
In episode 15 of The Baby Club we were playing with a Stick. It’s easy enough to find a stick in your garden, local park or just underneath a tree near where you live. Find out how they can help your baby learn and find out which nursery rhymes can help you.
The Baby Club – Episode 16
Playing with Gloves
In episode 16 of The Baby Club we were playing with Gloves. We’ve all got a pair of these some where at home (or maybe you can only find one). Find out how they can help your baby learn and find out which nursery rhymes can help you.
The Baby Club – Episode 18
Playing with Paper
In episode 18 of The Baby Club we were playing with Paper. You should all be able to find some at home, just make sure it’s safe for your baby. Now find out how it can help your baby learn and find out which nursery rhymes can help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Advice for parents
No. There is no need to go through my Baby Club Diaries in any specific order. These posts are designed to give a little insight into things you may see us do on the show. They will hopefully help you see how beneficial some of the practices are.
Most of the things you will find discussed here are beneficial way past the first few years of a baby’s life. Hence it’s never too late to start using these everyday opportunities to talk, sing, share stories and aid the development process.
Every person and every baby is different, we all develop at different rates and have our preferred activities. It’s natural for babies to do their own thing. As long as baby is safe and happy don’t be too rigid in your expectations.
The first place to start would be with your health visitor, they should know groups in your area. If you have a children’s centre near you, that might be another port of call. Also libraries can sometimes have information and some even run story groups. Finally make sure you check if there is a Peep group near you.
Want to learn more?
If you have found The Baby Club Diaries helpful and want to find out more about supporting your child’s learning, please check out Peeple’s Facebook page. If you’re a practitioner, you can find out about the Peep Learning Together Programme and training on the Peeple website, or email Charlotte on info@peeple.org.uk.
