We spoke to Rebecca to find out about her career as well as her inspiration for setting up London’s Little Thinkers, an online community which shares educational and engaging ideas for ‘London’s Little Thinkers’!

Why did you decide you wanted to work with children?  

My passion started when I worked at a school in Kenya for 2 weeks on a volunteer programme when I was 16. We taught the children English, played endless games and created a drama performance which they then performed to parents/teachers at the end of the week  (the most emotional end to a very special trip)! They were the most determined and passionate group of children I had ever had the pleasure of spending time with. They taught me to appreciate everything, especially the power of education. 

They inspired me on my career path and I then went to study Early Childhood Studies (BSc) at The University of Bristol. 

After completing my PGCE and my first 2 years as a class teacher, I worked in a school in Madagascar one summer holiday. I still feel incredibly lucky to have had this opportunity. I will forever remember this experience for many reasons, but mostly because these children’s enthusiasm to learn was infectious. We had children walking for miles and for hours to come to school to learn basic English from us. We had babies, toddlers, children, teenagers, parents and grandparents all piling into the one classroom to immerse themselves in the English language. No one felt embarrassed, no one was too old or too young – we sang songs, played games and, although with a huge language barrier, somehow we managed to communicate in the most powerful of ways. These children skipped into class (sometimes up to 100 people squeezed into the classroom!) and although they lived on the bare minimum, they had the love, desire and enthusiasm to think and to learn and to me that was so inspiring. Their smiles and their happiness lit up the room each day and it will always remind me to appreciate life and to remember that education and learning is something we should never underestimate. 

What was your inspiration for setting up London’s Little Thinkers?

It was when I was teaching in a Reception class that I decided to set up LLT. I would talk to parents about things going on in London during the weekends/holidays or send them ideas of things to do at home. I then decided to create an accessible and free resource which meant that all parents could access information in one place to help their Little Thinkers embrace their precious childhood. LLT has organically grown and I am absolutely loving the process. I spent some time doing events for children at the weekends and now offer advice through the form of the #LLTBlog. I try to use my experience of teaching both Early Years through to Key Stage 2 to offer a variety of activities, a range of advice and something for every Little Thinker. Now that my position is headmistress of a Nursery School I naturally sway towards Early Years focused activities, but I do my best to cater for everyone and I love it when my followers ask for specific advice on their Little Thinkers. Every thing I post comes with my ‘teacher’ hat so has an educational element but I also have a strong view that children must be encouraged to enjoy and embrace their childhood. Every post I do has the hashtag #Letthembelittle as we only get one childhood! 

What’s the most important thing for parents to remember when planning an activity?

Have fun! It is so important that children are encouraged to use their creative streak, to play, to imagine, to dream and to talk! You may notice a theme throughout my LLT posts, especially the quotes, but I passionately feel that children, especially in this fast paced, modern, technology fuelled world, need to use their imaginations (whatever their age!). As Einstein said “Logic will get you from A to B but imagination will take you everywhere!”. I often fear that PLAY is seen as an additional option to childhood – it really should be at the forefront of every child’s life. It is learning! Again, Einstein said “Play is the highest form of research” and I could not agree more. 

Have you got a favourite activity that you do with children?

Anything messy whatever the age – mud, water, shaving foam, chalk, paint  jelly …you name it, if it is messy I will love it and you can always add additional educational elements within these activities!  I once saw a quote that said “Children: 100% machine washable. Towel Dry.”.. just brilliant! 

When I was teaching Year 2 my favourite activity would be the storytelling and watching their imaginations spark. They would create the most magical stories and the adventures we went on were so exciting. 

Another favourite, is outdoor adventures. Seeing children embracing the outdoors is the best! Building dens, creating stories, making mud pies and potions, climbing trees and going on bear (or bug!) hunts!

We also love to create our own ‘London treasure hunt’ where you make a list of things you want to spot e.g. The River Thames, The Houses of Parliament, a red London bus, traffic lights, a zebra crossing, The Union Jack etc. 

I have to give a little shout out to my niece’s school in Leigh-on-Sea; Little Wild Tribe who always inspire Little Thinkers to learn through the most inspiring outdoor adventures. 

I must also note the power of reading – in my latest blog I quoted that “if you read just 1 book a day to your child they will have read 1825 books by their 5th birthday!”. Reading can offer children the most wonderful educational opportunities. See our ‘reading’ highlighted story for top reading tips with your Little Thinker. 

Where is your ‘go to’ place to visit with children in London and why?

I have so many that it is hard to say! I will give a few but I could be here for days! Personally though I love to explore London for free. You can spend hours exploring the city and the sights without having to spend a penny (well maybe some on transport otherwise you’d have some tired little legs!). I sometimes make myself look up when I am walking around London; I discover so much more. 

1. Favourite playground – Diana Memorial Playground (although it can get very busy!)

2. Favourite day out – Kew Gardens (their new children’s playground is amazing!), The Wetland Centre, Hampton Court, The Science Museum.

3. Storytelling – Discover Children’s Story Centre (it is amazing!) and The Bright Emporium.

4. Theatre – The Polka Theatre – I used to go as a child and it brings back so many happy memories!

It’s true and often said that ‘Play is children’s work’ and that ‘children learn through play’ - how do parents and carers make sure that children are given enough opportunities to play and how can they encourage it?

I think it is all about encouraging parents not to fear play. Teaching in the London system means that I am very aware of the pressures that children and parents face and this can be hard. However, playing will never limit a child’s future. Obviously a balance of structured work and play is important but play must be viewed as learning! Play teaches children to use their imagination, it nurtures their creativity, it gives them confidence and enhances them emotionally and socially … I could go on and on!  Every child needs play so my biggest advice would be allow your child some time every day (even in the midst of the school term) to play….with whatever they want but watch as they get lost in a world of imagination, concentration and learning. There is nothing better than seeing a child entirely focused on their play whether that be building something, imaginative play or role play. Every childhood is happier with play in it. 

Children say some funny things – is there a funny moment you can share with us?!

I have so many – my mum always says that I should write them all down in a book so that I don’t forget them! One of my favourites was when I was teaching a Reception class and I got a call from the office to say we had child x’s mum on the phone asking “does X know where the key for the house is”. I asked the child and she said “Ah yes, it is my cupboard – Cinderella put it there when she was doing the cleaning!”. We laughed and laughed… talk about a vivid imagination! 

What’s next for London’s Little Thinkers?

The LLT Website and Blog has been the latest project which I am really enjoying. I feel very fortunate to have met some incredibly inspiring people through LLT. There is something else just around the corner… hold tight!  

You can follow London’s Little Thinkers on Instagram @londons_little_thinkers

Don’t forget that we offer parent consultations should you need support with anything from sleep to behaviour and so much more! Details of the packages we offer can be found here.

We also have a podcast - ‘Newborn to Teen and Everything in Between’ - listen here.