All nurseries encourage children to engage in small world play using play figures, puppets, dolls, playmats, model farms and toy vehicles. This kind of play helps children to discover the world around them in an accessible and manageable way. This book provides structured play activities which involve using commercial resources such as play-people and encouraging children to create their own props. All the activities are based on the School Curriculum and Assessment Authority's recommended Areas of Learning for under-fives. There is a chapter each on language and literacy, mathematics, personal and social development, knowledge and understanding of the world, physical development and creative development. The introduction includes tips on areas such as observation, assessment, making links with home and safety. There are also six photocopiable activity sheets providing reinforcement and extension ideas.