Investigation Hub and Discovery Hub at Deckham

Characteristics of effective learning – Finding out and Exploring 

Last week when Blue group and Red group joined for an activity, Terri explained that they could be Purple group when they are altogether, as when combined red and blue make purple. This led to questions from the children about what other colours can be created when two colours are mixed. We decided to explore this…

The Investigation Hub children enjoyed listening to a lovely story called ‘Mixed’ by Arree Chung. They then mixed primary colours of water together to see what new colours were created. 

The children explored this further through their play as they combined different colours of water, and mixed together different colours of paint, to explore first hand how they could change colours and create new ones.

This week we have been learning about the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan. The children watched a video of a girl preparing for the celebration with her family. They looked at special clothing and jewellery, and tried some on. 

They looked at images of mehndi which are patterns drawn on the skin with henna, and they used paper hands to explore drawing patterns of their own. We learned that Eid begins after a new crescent moon is sighted. This led to discussion:

“I’ve seen the moon that shape before.” 

“Sometimes the moon is round.”

“It can look like a big ball.” 

“That moon is on the top of that roof.” (pointing at the picture of a mosque in our story ‘Busy Eid’).

Some children decorated crescent moon shapes using their own choice of materials. They used spreaders to apply glue to the crescent shape, shakers to add glitter, a pincer grip to pick up sequins carefully with their thumb and finger, and selected from a wide range of other materials, thinking about what they would like their moon to look like. 

We have also continued to explore the story of The Three Billy Goats Gruff, and the children have shown such enthusiasm and creativity in their learning.

We took on the role of engineers, designing and building our own bridges using a variety of materials including paper cups, lolly sticks and masking tape. The children demonstrated fantastic problem-solving skills, resilience and teamwork as they experimented with different ways to make their bridges strong and stable.

In our small world area, the children have been busy retelling the story using props. It has been wonderful to hear them using key story language and developing their confidence in recalling events, sequencing the story and bringing the characters to life through imaginative play.

We are so proud of how engaged the children have been and how they are using their growing language skills to express their ideas and deepen their understanding of the story.

Story of the week: Busy Eid 

Song of the week: 5 Currant Buns

Sign of the week: Friends 

Parents as partners

A reminder that parent consultations are taking place next week if you have booked an appointment. 

Sign up sheets for the ‘Stay and Play’ sessions on 1st April are displayed in the cloakroom area. 

As we come to the end of a busy term, the children’s trays are looking rather full! Please take a moment to collect anything you’d like to take home.

The last day of this term will be Thursday 2nd April and then nursery will be closed for the Easter holidays. We will reopen on Monday 20th April. 

We hope you have a nice weekend.