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Editor's letter

The rattle is a favourite gift for a newborn baby, but did you know that these simple toys go back as far as the second century BC? Long ago they were made from dried gourds or hollowed-out bones and it was believed that the noise would ward off evil spirits who might harm the infant. Later, there were more sophisticated versions in glass, silver or gold which often became family heirlooms. Older versions may have borne little resemblance to the colourful wood or plastic toys we have now, but the rattle remains valuable in developing hand-eye co-ordination and giving a baby his first experience of cause and effect. You can check out the wide range of rattles for 2006 on page 16. Dolls have also been part of childhood for centuries and still remain a favourite toy in the nursery, helping the children to empathise, develop their social skills and enhance role play. If your current supply is beginning to appear a little too well loved, look at the fantastic selection on page 18 before you invest in some new ones.

Dolls have also been part of childhood for centuries and still remain a favourite toy in the nursery, helping the children to empathise, develop their social skills and enhance role play. If your current supply is beginning to appear a little too well loved, look at the fantastic selection on page 18 before you invest in some new ones.

Elsewhere in this issue you'll find some super cover-ups for wet weather and messy play (page 14) and some great weighing and measuring resources for early maths (page 28). In our out of school selection we look at how you can make your outside area more exciting for older children (page 30) and how to turn your book corner into a cosy comfort zone for happy reading (page 32).

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