Welcome to
Granny’s Bag
Showing you ways to have lots of fun without screens!
Hi, I’m Claire!
I’m the retired teacher behind Granny’s Bag!
For most of my adult life I worked in early years education, which is why I am so passionate about helping children develop educational skills without phones and tablets in cafes and restaurants.
Watch this space!!
Our bags
This bag aims to encourage independent learning at the same time promoting strong language skills, social skills, and there will be opportunities for taking turns and fair play.
Content of the bag may vary - the image shows some examples of what it could include.
Free UK postage
This bag aims to create an alternative resource to tablets and phones.
Children have a choice of activities ranging from small world figures, puzzle and sticker books and activities designed to develop their imagination.
Content of the bag may vary - the image shows some examples of what it could include.
Free UK postage
This bag aims to create a safe environment with calming and soothing toys alongside storybooks and puzzles
Content of the bag may vary - the image shows some examples of what it could include.
Free UK postage
Say goodbye to screen time battles in cafes and restaurants!
Keep those little hands busy and brains growing with the help of a granny bag!
Have fun and engage with your children and grandchildren using a variety of activities all found in a granny bag !
The aim of the bag is to develop language skills, imagination, confidence, cognitive thinking and social skills without the use of tablets and mobiles. Why not give it a go. You will love it and more importantly so will the children.
Less Screen Time
Of course, everything is good in moderation but there are times and places for most things and that applies to screen time too!
Using screen time at a table whilst eating or just chatting is an easy option but the negatives far out way the benefits. Government and education sources indicate that 25% of children start school with poorly developed speech or language skills.
One time we may have used the television as an excuse but now we have tablets and phones to add to the equation!
Benefits of less screen time and more adult or child interaction include:
Better focusing
Learning through face-to-face interaction
Development of speech and language
Improves behaviour and develop social skills
Improves sleep quality
This is where granny’s bag comes in!
UK Government now advise:
“Under 2s: Avoiding screen time other than for shared activities that encourage bonding, interaction and conversation.
2 to 5-year-olds: Trying to keep it to no more than one hour a day. Avoid at mealtimes and in the hour before bed.”
Some examples of what’s in a bag:
Simple to Use
Granny’s bag is on hand every day. It’s not a chore
It’s a pick up bag, leave the house and off we go.
On return home, deposit the bag and leave until the next time.
You may want to add a new activity every now and then… just to keep little minds interested and curious to see
“What’s in the bag today?”
All bags will include items that will help to develop language, imaginative and creative skills.
Educational aims we consider:
Language development and imaginative play
Granny’s bag contains items conducive to the development of speech and language.
You will find books, games, cuddly toys and activities all to help with interaction with your child or grandchild.
Exposure to books lays the foundation for lifelong learning, language and emotional growth.
It helps prepare children for reading as they become familiar with letters, sounds and words.
Telling your children stories develops their imagination, holds their attention and helps with concentration.
Children model themselves on characters which helps with positive social behaviour .
Alongside books, cuddly toys and small figures or puppets also help children develop their language skills. Pretend play (especially in a cafe) is strongly linked to later language and social skills. A toy gives a child confidence if they are at all anxious about talking to an adult. The adult can then involve themselves in role play with the child and the toy. “What would teddy like to eat today?”
Simple games at the table encourage taking turns, sharing and fair play.
There are lots of simple games suitable for cafes that will fit easily into granny’s bag! Snap, dominoes, doble to name just a few.
Creative Thinking and Fine Motor Skills
Books, jigsaws, games, cuddly toys, crayons, pencils etc all contribute to this aspect of your child’s learning. How amazing when your child or grandchild suddenly draws a picture, describes what it’s about engaging with you in conversation! Creativity will develop curiosity, questioning and problem-solving too! Much more fun eating a cheese scone or croissant engaged in play rather than glued to a screen!
Social Skills
Use Granny’s Bag to contribute to your child’s social development including:
Use of appropriate language in a public area.
Encouraging good listening skills.
Showing kindness and respect.
Developing strong relationships with family and friends.
Increasing confidence.
Children learn by observing adults and interacting with peers. By leaving phones and tablets out of sight, children have a positive, encouraging and healthy environment where they can learn, develop and thrive on new found skills.
What’s in the bag?
All bags will include:
One cuddly toy
Two story books
One activity book + crayons
Three additional items appropriate to the age of the child
The intention is that the adult will add additional activities to the bag appropriate to the interests of the child or children
An example of what you may find in Granny’s Bag:
