Early years education plays a vital role in child development, shaping social, emotional, and cognitive skills that last a lifetime. To provide the best possible learning environment, educators need reliable resources—a combination of digital tools to streamline teaching and traditional materials to encourage hands-on learning.
This guide explores the best digital and traditional resources for early years educators and explains how they can be integrated to create engaging and developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
The Evolving Landscape of Early Childhood Education
Early years educators must balance two key responsibilities:
- Supporting children’s development – Encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence.
- Meeting curriculum requirements – Aligning with frameworks such as the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
With the rise of technology in education, many nurseries and preschools are turning to digital tools to enhance efficiency while maintaining the benefits of traditional, play-based learning.
Why Use a Mix of Digital and Traditional Resources?
- Digital tools improve organisation, track progress, and offer interactive learning experiences.
- Traditional resources provide sensory, hands-on learning crucial in early childhood.
- A blended approach meets the diverse needs of children, accommodating visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners.
For example, an educator can combine an interactive phonics app with physical flashcards to reinforce early literacy skills.
Benefits of Combining Digital and Traditional Resources
Educators can maximise engagement and personalise learning experiences by integrating digital and traditional resources.
Key Benefits:
✔ Efficiency: Digital tools automate attendance, lesson planning, and assessments, saving time.
✔ Engagement: Interactive learning apps make literacy, numeracy, and science fun.
✔ Parent Involvement: Digital communication tools enhance transparency and collaboration.
✔ Hands-on Exploration: Sensory play and physical activities build motor skills and creativity.
✔ Cognitive Development: Using a mix of visual, audio, and hands-on resources reinforces learning.
Top Digital Resources for Early Years Educators
Digital resources help educators plan, organise, track progress, and engage children. Below are the best digital tools to support nursery managers, preschool teachers, and childcare providers.
Early Childhood Education Software
Early years software simplifies administration, allowing educators to focus on children’s learning.
✔ Nursery in a Box – A comprehensive nursery management system that handles attendance tracking, curriculum planning, parent communication, and reporting.
✔ Tapestry Online Learning Journal – Tracks children’s development and securely shares updates with parents.
✔ 2Simple’s Purple Mash – A creative educational platform with interactive EYFS-aligned activities.
2. Learning Apps for Children
Gamified learning apps make literacy, numeracy, and cognitive development more engaging.
✔ Khan Academy Kids – Free app with interactive early learning activities.
✔ ABCmouse – Popular phonics, maths, and creativity app for young learners.
✔ Busy Things – UK-based digital learning platform designed for nursery-aged children.
Parent Communication Tools
Transparent communication strengthens parent partnerships and enhances collaboration.
✔ Nursery In a Box parent App: This app lets educators share updates, milestones, and activity logs with parents.
✔ ClassDojo – Allows teachers to send parents messages, photos, and progress reports.
4. Digital Curriculum & Lesson Planning Tools
Online curriculum resources support structured lesson planning and professional development.
✔ Twinkl EYFS Resources – A leading platform offering lesson plans, worksheets, and activity ideas.
✔ BBC Bitesize Early Years – Free interactive learning materials for preschool-aged children.
5. Assessment & Reporting Tools
Tracking progress ensures children meet developmental milestones.
✔ Evidence Me – Monitors child progress against EYFS learning goals.
✔ Famly – Offers nursery reporting, documentation, and assessment tools.
Essential Traditional Resources for Early Years Educators
Despite technological advancements, traditional resources remain fundamental in the early years of education.
1. Sensory Activities
Sensory play stimulates creativity and develops fine motor skills.
✔ Sand & Water Tables – Encourages hands-on exploration and sensory learning.
✔ Sensory Bins – Filled with textures like rice, beans, or foam for tactile engagement.
✔ Playdough & Clay – Supports fine motor development and creativity.
2. Manipulatives for Early Maths
Physical math resources make learning tangible.
✔ Counting Beads & Number Blocks – Reinforce number recognition and one-to-one correspondence.
✔ Shape Sorters & Pattern Blocks – Introduce geometry and spatial reasoning.
3. Storybooks & Flashcards
Reading supports literacy development and language comprehension.
✔ BookTrust’s EYFS Book List – A curated list of engaging books for preschoolers.
✔ Flashcards – Useful for phonics, letters, and vocabulary building.
4. Art & Craft Materials
Creative play enhances self-expression and fine motor development.
✔ Paints, Crayons & Chalks – Encourage artistic exploration.
✔ Collage Materials – Buttons, fabrics, and stickers support creativity.
5. Outdoor Play Equipment
Outdoor learning builds coordination and teamwork skills.
✔ Balance Beams & Climbing Frames – Develop gross motor skills.
✔ Mud Kitchens – Encourage imaginative play and role-playing.
Balancing Digital and Traditional Approaches: Tips for Educators
✔ Start Small – Introduce one digital tool alongside a familiar hands-on method.
✔ Rotate Activities – Maintain engagement by switching between digital and physical resources.
✔ Personalize Learning – Use digital tracking to tailor activities to individual needs.
How to Choose the Best Resources for Your Classroom
✔ Align with EYFS Standards – Follow guidelines from the EYFS framework.
✔ Cater to Multiple Learning Styles – Choose resources suitable for visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners.
✔ Prioritize Usability – Digital tools should be user-friendly and intuitive.
Setting Educators Up for Success
A well-equipped early years setting combines the efficiency of digital tools with the engagement of traditional resources. By adopting a balanced approach, educators can create rich, interactive learning environments that cater to all children. For more support, check out our guide on understanding and implementing early years curriculum.
Explore more nursery management solutions with Nursery in a Box!
Hannah
Marketing Manager
