The Den:
We have had a busy, fun filled week in The Den as we explore dinosaurs and filling and emptying opportunities in the tray.
Characteristics of effective learning:
We filled the tray with shredded paper and added some metal pans. We observed the children developing schematic play opportunities as they filled the containers with paper, then poured it out. The children also enjoyed picking up handfuls and dropping it from a height. We narrated the children’s play with new vocabulary like “sprinkle, scoop, pour, falling.” We were really happy to observe the children reporting these new words back correctly, then using them independently in their play.
We added some dinosaurs to the small world area- which the children enjoyed! We modelled stomping the dinosaurs on the floor, which the children copied. I then placed the textured grass on the floor so the children could stomp the dinosaurs onto it. This then turned into a sensory walk, as I encouraged the children to remove their socks and shoes to walk over the grass. They really enjoyed feeling the texture on their feet and copying what the dinosaurs were doing. I encouraged the children to ‘stomp like dinosaurs’ which they loved!
Baby yoga:
On Tuesday afternoon, we’re were very kindly joined again by Hayley from Kalma yoga. She conducted another great session for the children, this time with the addition of a tunnel which they enjoyed!
Stay and play:
Thank you to all the parents who were able to attend our summer term stay-and-play. The children really enjoyed having you there and showing you all the activities they love at nursery.
Parents as partners:
We had a full staff training day on Friday, which focused on trauma informed practice, schemas and using visuals to support children, especially those with additional needs.
The training day was very beneficial for staff- I wanted to share some information around schemas which you may find helpful as a parent to understand some typical leaning behaviours you may witness in your child’s play. Please see below a helpful guide to schemas.
https://birthto5matters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/schemas.pdf
The last day of term for our term time only children is Friday 17th and we re-open to all children on Wednesday 2nd September.