Webinar Schedule
Monday 19th January 2026 7-8:15pm
Inclusive Parent Empowerment
Explore ways to engage and empower parents, including EAL families. Learn about inclusive activities that work well to aid communication and group bonding between children, parents and educators, some of whom do not share the same language.
Monday 16th February 2026 7-8:15pm
Musical Play
Co-presented with Alistair Bryce-Clegg MBE
Musical Play in the Early Years is about recognising that music isn’t just an activity for carpet time or special occasions, but something that can live and breathe throughout the setting. Whether children are clapping out a rhythm, experimenting with instruments, singing as they play, or simply enjoying the sound of their own voices, musical play supports communication, physical development, memory, and emotional well-being.
In this webinar we’ll look at how practitioners can create rich opportunities for musical exploration across continuous provision, indoors and out. We’ll explore how to notice and extend children’s spontaneous musicality and share practical ways to make music an everyday part of your environment. The focus is on playful, accessible approaches that celebrate children’s creativity and show how music can be woven naturally into the fabric of Early Years practice.
Monday 16th March 2026 7-8:15pm
Chat, Play, Connect: Bringing Oracy to Life
Co-presented with Twinkl National Education Lead for EYFS, Michelle Windridge.
Chat, Play, Connect is about recognising that spoken language isn’t just something that happens at group time or during adult-led activities, but something that can live and breathe throughout the setting. Whether children are talking through their play, negotiating with friends, retelling experiences, asking questions, or experimenting with new words and sounds, oracy underpins communication, thinking, social development, and emotional well-being.
In this webinar, we’ll explore how practitioners can create rich opportunities for talk across continuous provision, both indoors and outdoors. We’ll look at how to notice, value, and extend children’s spontaneous talk, and share practical, everyday strategies that encourage confident speaking and attentive listening. The focus is on playful, inclusive approaches that celebrate children’s voices and show how oracy can be woven naturally into the fabric of high-quality Early Years practice.
Monday 20th April 2026 7-8:15pm
Musical Entrainment in Storytelling to Promote Prosocial Behaviours
Co-presented with Astamarie Hodgson.
This April, join Music Education Specialist Astamarie Hodgson and Boogie Mites Trainer Tasha for an exciting, interactive webinar exploring how musical entrainment (synchronisation) can enhance cooperation, empathy, and prosocial behaviours in young children. Astamarie will introduce the concept of entrainment, share insights from her own research, and guide participants through a hands-on storytelling activity using rhythm and simple percussion to demonstrate its impact. Together, you’ll evaluate how these principles can be applied in your own context, with space for reflection, discussion, and Q&A. Tasha will then share two original Boogie Mites songs, highlighting the role of music and rhythmic awareness in nurturing social connection and emotional growth. By the end of the session, you will not only understand the science behind entrainment but also feel confident and inspired to incorporate imaginative, music-infused activities into both musical and “non-musical” storytelling sessions.
Previous Webinars
The Joy of Music
Music, without a doubt, brings joy. It provides the brain with a total workout, firing up various elements which build the fundamental architecture for all of our basic skills. Singing can even help to build up our lungs and cardiovascular system, creating the respiratory system that we need for a healthy life. We move, we dance, and we form social bonds with others through shared music.
Join Boogie Mites trainer Liv, and Early Years expert and director of Inspired Children, Ben Kingston-Hughes, for their workshop all about “The Joy of Music” where they will discuss the power of music for promoting joy, community, social cohesion and celebration.
“Inspirational guest speaker, really motivating. Can’t wait to get started with the new songs.” Claire Joanne Zannetti, Jo’s Playtime
The Rules and Rewards of Rhythm
We are delighted to be joined by child psychologist and neuroscientist Professor Sam Wass, for our webinar “The Rules and Rewards of Rhythm.” Neuroscience tells us that the brain, at birth, is only about a quarter the size of an adult brain, but doubles in the first year. By age three, it reaches 80% of its adult volume, and by five, it’s 90% fully grown, but they are messy, overconnected brains. Children need help making sense of the world and so need to engage in activities that help them to strengthen the connections that are important for learning and important for life. The brain is a predication machine and loves the predictability of musical patterns and rhythms, that capture and holding attention
In this webinar, Professor Sam shares neuroscience-informed tips for harnessing the brain-boosting benefits of rhythmic activities to capture and hold attention, strengthening memory recall, resulting in a sense of reward.
“This webinar provides the evidence that music in Early Years, especially rhythm, builds strong foundations for the development of language and literacy.” Kate King, Early Years Educator
Sensory Processing and Music
Explore how music can support sensory development in the Early Years. Early Childhood Consultant Sue Asquith explains what sensory processing is, why it matters, and how it impacts children’s behaviour, wellbeing, and learning. As well as sharing practical strategies to create sensory-friendly environments and meet children’s individual needs.
“It was helpful to get other people’s ideas on how they help children regulate and also songs we can try.” Sarah Mills, Sandringham Pre-school
Music and ShREC
Boogie Mites teams up with Early Years consultant Stephanie Hammond for a dynamic session designed specifically for Early Years educators. Discover how music can enhance communication, specifically early language and reading through the powerful ShREC framework: Share attention, Respond, Explain, Conversation.
Learn how to use rhythm, rhyme, and song to boost early language and foster rich, meaningful interactions in your setting. Whether you’re a teacher, nursery practitioner, or SEN specialist, this webinar will provide practical strategies to support children’s development in fun and engaging ways.
Super Power of Sound Processing
Learn about the importance of sound processing for global development. Join Charlotte Davies, expert in the field of sound processing, and Tasha Bretten to find out about the part music can play in early years development of sound processing skills.
“As always with Boogie Mites the training was fun, interesting, and useful. It will allow me to support my children and to make learning exciting.” Shona May, Home Educator
Music Activities for SEN
Boogie Mites SEN Teacher and Trainers, Pauline Nixon and Lizzie Lock, have a lot of experience of leading Boogie Mites in SEN schools and family groups. Join this webinar to hear their top tips for adapting Boogie Mites music activities for children with different abilities.
“Lots of practical advice to make sharing the songs with the children easy, also lots of ways to adapt to children’s needs.” Helen Joslin, First steps Childcare Group
Making Music Outdoors
We are all aware of the benefits of being outdoors for our young children and when we take regular music-making outside we harness even more benefits! Learn ideas for making music and movement part of outdoor activities.
“This workshop is a ‘must’ for anyone seeking fresh ideas using music to enhance children’s knowledge and experiences while engaging in outdoor play.” Deborah Senior, Debs Childcare Service
Music and Wellbeing
Learn how to use music to understand your own wellbeing needs and how these may differ from your colleagues, friends and family. Join Sandi Phoenix, founder of Phoenix Support For Educators, and Boogie Mites Trainer Tasha, to consider how combining the Phoenix Cups framework for self-management of wellbeing with music can enrich our lives.
“Now I know how to engage more with the children when I sing songs to them” Sarah Agon, Rainbow Nursery
Intergenerational Music Making
Many nurseries and older person’s organisations have embraced intergenerational activities as a way to promote mental and social well-being for everyone involved. Boogie Mites Teacher, Community Musician, Liv McLennan will share the wonderful outcomes from intergenerational music making projects.
“It was great to hear views from other practitioners on the subject and understand the importance of interaction with different generations.” Nikki Harvey, Kiddi Caru
Music and Fundamental Movement Skills
Music and movement in early years help children to develop fundamental movement skills, foundational for more complex physical activity. Dr Leanne Jaye will link her research on this subject with her children’s development of these skills through music activities.
“Really enjoyable and helpful to help upskill my team.” Laura Woods, Bright Horizons Trafford
Music and Understanding Children’s Behaviour
This unique session explores the power of music for influencing children’s behaviour, promoting self-regulation, community cohesion and empathy. Ben Kingston-Hughes will link his research and experience on this subject, the subject of his next book.
“The Webinar was really interesting and gave me so much insight into behaviours and why they may come about. I will be doing as many Webinars as I can in the future to help me gain more information.” Carla O’Doherty, Mulberry Corner
Baby Room Music Matters
Learn how to apply neuroscience evidence to plan the most effective play activities for 0-2 year olds from Oliiki App founder, Clare Stead. Boogie Mites Tasha will contribute evidence regarding music activities for this age group and how music groups can provide parent education and a community support, covering 2 songs from Boogie Mites Teenies music programme (under 2’s).
This webinar is fantastic, engaging, and impressive! I’ve come away singing the songs … if you wish to change your perception of music and to really understand why it’s important, you must attend!” Leah Marshall, Longfield Day Nursery And Pre-School
Music and Cultural Capital
Early Years Consultant Donna Townsend considers ideas for ensuring that educators are equipped with the training and resources they need to support children develop the cultural capital they need for future success.
“It gave me a better insight to what cultural capital is and how we can help give children the best start to succeed.” Clara Bursill, Happy Days Nursery
Music and Physical Education
By combining movement with music we are strengthening neural connections between auditory processing and motor responses which is key for building strong foundations for language and for literacy.
Tasha talks to Early Years PE expert Josh Candy about this combination of music and PE , how to harness the power of music to motivate movement and to build these strong foundations for language and literacy.
“It was great reminder of how music can be such a good motivator to get everyone moving and how it can be used in lots of ways throughout the day.” Sarah Rowell, Henshaw Nursery
Use of Bells and Shakers in a Montessori classroom
Bells and shakers are important activities that supplement learning the sounds of letters along with the silence game, which refines crucial listening skills. But how can we effectively instil this at home and in a non-Montessori classroom?
“Useful information on the importance of sounds with children.” Clara Bursill, Happy Days Summercourt
Music and Healthy Living
Join CEO of PurpleBee, and co-founder of the PANCo qualification Linda Baston-Pitt and Boogie Mites tutor Liv McLennan in an online training workshop which will focus on the potential for effective music practice to support wellness and a healthy lifestyle.
“What a wonderful workshop, which provides all the essential for a child’s overall healthy development. Adding motivating songs as well to help and encourage children to learn important life skills is a pure joy!” Garnette Stevens-Chandler, Rainbow Day Nursery & Preschool
Music and Play Schemas
Join Ange Cane from Ace Early Years and Boogie Mites Trainer Tasha Bretton for an interactive training workshop that considers schematic play linked to music play.
“Insightful, informative and well delivered. A great understanding of Schema’s and how you can link these developmental milestones to musical sessions.” Sophie-Jo Lusted, Monkeys In Motion
Engaging Parents Through Music
Join Sue and Tasha to learn how to support parental engagement through music, and why we should promote home learning. Discover how research and our experience shows us that music can provide an effective tool for parent engagement. Tasha will cover 2 songs along with the parent education tips and home learning resources that we would provide in our parent groups.
“Really boosted my confidence in engaging parents in Boogie Mites” Rachael Hatton, Kiddi Caru Park Gate
Music and Phonics
Learn why music activities are the best way to develop children’s phonological awareness ready for phonics at school. Learn how phonics is taught in Year R from Phonics Consultant Steph Hammond and how to use music activities as a central part of pre-literacy strategy in the pre-school year the EYFS from Tasha.
“If you want your children to develop fantastic communication skills, have lots of fun with their friends and Early years team working with them, then this is the path for you.” Claire Lythe, Kiddi Caru Taunton
First 1000 Days
Learn how to apply neuroscience evidence to plan the most effective play activities for 0-2 year olds from Oliiki App founder, Clare Stead. Boogie Mites Tasha will contribute evidence regarding music activities for this age group and how music groups can provide parent education and a community support, covering 2 songs from Boogie Mites Teenies music programme (under 2’s).
“The webinar was very informative and everyone was very knowledgeable and passionate about what they do.” Bethany Drinkwater, Sunrise Day Nursery
Music and EAL
Learn how to use music as a universal language in your setting. Music can build strong cognitive foundation to support language development which can particularly support children and parents with English as an additional Language (EAL).
“This workshop was broken down simply and gives practitioners as well as parents simple steps to develop language within a home and setting.” Bex Stokes, Happy Days Exeter
Music and Circle Time
Learn how to make circle time engaging, fun and interactive. Learn tips and ideas for planning and adapting circle time to extend attention span, encourage child initiated activities, combined with follow the leader games and how music can be the magic ingredient.
“This workshop gave me a much better understanding of how important circle time is and the amazing opportunities it provides for teaching and learning. Music is so important for development and this workshop has amazing ideas for activities and songs to encourage both children and adults to let go, have fun and learn.” Fayona Barry, Happy Days Treloweth
Snack Time and Music Routines
This unique session explores how to use a music agenda to support mealtimes, healthy diets and to signal transitions, to calm, energise and to support development.
“I wasn’t aware that impact food had on speech overall and how chewing helps with communication – which I found interesting. I will be implementing these songs to support the transitions for all children so they are aware what’s next.” Sereana Bridges, Crafty Wizards
Music and Sound Environments
This unique session explores the sound environment of our young children, how it impacts their brain development and how music can play a valuable part.
“Interesting to learn more about the environment and how to put that into practice in my setting.” Joanne Morrish, Happy Days Derriford
Music and Parent Engagement to Support Transition
Learn how to use music activities as a impactful, fun and memorable part of transition activities for families with children starting school in September.
“We have many comments from parents asking where their littles have got the songs from and where can they find them to do their own session at home and being able to join in with their little ones at singing along and doing the action too. So this workshop has really helped me to promote this out to parents getting them involved more and being apart of the Boogie Mites experience.” Sophie Martin, Polka Dot Farm Nursery
