2026 Roadmap

TL;DR – Our 2026 Plan
In 2026, Summers Sensory & Co is focusing on play-based, inclusive units of work for children aged 2–8, alongside reflective blog content and seasonal resources. Each quarter follows child development, the seasons, and real family life — from Bears & Hibernation in January to Families & Winter Traditions in December.

The new year is almost here, and with it comes a fresh set of personal, family, and business goals. That’s what I’m here to share with you today — partly to keep myself accountable, and partly so you know exactly what to expect from our website and socials over the coming year.

So, grab yourself a hot drink, get comfortable, and let me walk you through our plans and goals for 2026.

Looking Ahead: Our Business Focus for 2026

If you’re short on time and just want the overview, here it is: this year is all about growth, structure, and deeper learning.

As mentioned in our Christmas blog post, we’re expanding into units of work designed to support children aged 2–8 years, rooted in play-based learning, early years practice, and cross-curricular exploration. These units will sit alongside our existing resources, allowing families and settings with mixed ages to explore the same themes together.

Our first unit, Bears and Hibernation, will launch in January.

Below is our planned theme map for the year — created to support parents, educators, and home educators looking for flexible, developmentally appropriate learning themes.

Quarter One

January – Bears & Hibernation
We’ll be starting the year by cosying up and learning about one of the fluffiest members of the animal kingdom. This unit will explore animals, habitats, seasonal change, and early science concepts through play.

February – Caring Community
This unit focuses on community helpers and the people who help us every day. We’ll explore jobs, roles, and belonging, while gently encouraging children to notice and value their place within their communities. This theme will also tie in with Valentine’s Day and conversations around kindness and care.

March – Art & Construction
Art and construction are everywhere — from buildings and bridges to paintings and patterns. This unit will explore creativity, materials, design, and problem-solving. We’ll also be weaving in St Patrick’s Day where appropriate.

Quarter Two

April – Growth, Lifecycles & Farms
April brings themes of growth and change. We’ll be exploring lifecycles through plants, animals, and farm life, with Easter sitting naturally within this unit.

May – Move It, Groove It
As summer starts to appear, this unit will focus on movement, dance, and sports. We’ll explore how our bodies move, why movement matters, and how physical activity supports wellbeing and development.

June – The Animal Planet
June welcomes a broader look at the animal world, exploring diversity, habitats, and similarities and differences across species. Pride will be gently and inclusively woven into this month’s learning.

Quarter Three

July – Pirates & The Ocean
With summer in full swing, we’ll be heading out on an ocean adventure. This unit will explore sea life, maps, problem-solving, and imaginative play through a pirate theme.

August – Toys (Past & Present)
As the summer break continues, we’ll explore toys — with a special focus on toys from the past. This unit will encourage comparison, storytelling, and an appreciation of how play has changed over time.

September – Emotions & Feelings
Although my little one is still too young for school, September feels like the right time to focus on emotions. This unit will support emotional literacy, self-awareness, and regulation as routines begin to shift for many families.

Quarter Four

October – Weather & Seasons
October will likely focus on weather and seasonal change, exploring patterns, observation, and the natural world.

November – Traditional Tales Around the World
In November, we’ll be exploring traditional tales and how similar stories are told across different cultures and countries.

December – Families & Winter Traditions
We’ll finish the year by focusing on families, relationships, and winter traditions. This theme will reflect togetherness, celebration, and the many different ways families experience the season.

A Final Note

These themes are designed as a guide rather than a rigid curriculum. As always, we’ll follow children’s interests, adapt where needed, and allow learning to unfold naturally through play.

These plans are intentionally flexible. As always, our content will continue to grow alongside our family, guided by children’s interests, real-life experiences, and a play-based approach to learning.

I’m really looking forward to sharing this next chapter with you.

With warmth,

Summer
Founder, Summers Sensory & Co